Many people go into photography as a way to express themselves creatively. You can leverage using photography to depict and give meaning to the things and events around you using your lens. Doing so allows you to discover different perspectives in life. Many amateur and professional photographers continue loving this hobby due to such reasons.
If you’re pursuing this hobby, you’ll soon realize that photography isn’t cheap. They require different sets of equipment and accessories. However, you can still follow camerawork even with financial restrictions. The key is setting a budget and researching to find the best quality and valuable camera equipment.
To get you started, here are some pieces of equipment that you can find in budget-friendly ranges:
1. DSLR Camera
If you get into photography, one common issue is the camera’s price. However, things are changing, and thanks to the advent of technology, DSLR cameras nowadays come in a wide price bracket. Whatever budget you’ve set, you could get a good quality DSLR camera to start your photography hobby. The key here is to scan through different online shops and visit Cameraworld or other brick-and-mortar shops; check their brand offerings, camera functions and features, and prices.
You can get a good camera even if you’re starting with a USD$200 budget. Also, another alternative is to go for used camera models. Chances are, many photographers constantly upgrade and change their camera models. They could sell some valuable cameras in excellent condition but at a lower cost. Check out which brand of the manufacturer you prefer and narrow down your choices after.
Many entry-level camera models are perfect for beginners like you. While remaining small, light, and reasonably priced, they can offer some of the features available on more expensive models. So, be keen to check the characteristics of each camera. Memory cards are generally not included in DSLRs, but you can get them separately. Now, when you finally purchase a DSLR, you can start shooting and honing your photography skills.
2. Camera Lens
This next piece of equipment is another essential tool to make your photography journey more elevated. Many photography enthusiasts agree that the quality of a camera depends on its lens. This could be debatable, but it does come with a sense of truth. Therefore, ensure to purchase high-quality camera lenses too. Investing in a budget DSLR doesn’t mean you don’t need an excellent lens to ensure your camera performs at its best.
Fortunately, there’s an option for you to go for kit lenses, which usually come in bundled set with the DSLR camera. This is a great option if you’re starting. However, you can always invest in separate lenses once you’re ready to experiment and try more shots.
You can show off your camera’s capabilities by investing in a good lens. Professional photographers own a vast collection of lenses, especially if their photography style is diverse. The good news is that there is a wide variety of lens options in the market, and much like the DSLR cameras, you can avail yourself of second-hand ones too.
One thing to remember is that the price of camera lenses varies greatly, so you must be cautious in selecting those that are worth the money. Some photographers discover that the sharpness of expensive professional and lower-priced bundled lenses varies little. So, be keen on comparing them before finally purchasing one.
3. Camera SD Card
After selecting a reliable beginner camera, don’t forget to buy an SD card. This is crucial for keeping all of your photos safe. While you might believe that all SD cards play the same functions, there is something you need to watch out for. Poor-quality SD Cards may cause a delay when transferring photos from your camera to your laptop or computer. Also, faulty SD cards may malfunction and incorrectly store images during your shoot.
Therefore, it is always critical to prioritize quality. When shooting far away or at an important event, make it a habit to bring extra SD cards. Furthermore, having two smaller capacities is preferable to having one large capacity because you won’t have to risk losing all of your photos if that single SD card fails unexpectedly.
4. Remote Shutter Release
When you’re ready to explore more photography skills and techniques, invest in a remote shutter release. In certain situations, time-lapse photography or long exposure photography necessitates camera stability. Even when pressing the shutter release by hand, a remote shutter release is the best solution for preventing camera shake.
They’re simple to use because you only need to plug them into your camera. And you’ll use the remote to control it. In terms of cost, a remote shutter release will not cost you an arm and a leg. Indeed, they’re a budget-friendly addition to your entire camera package.
5. LED Video Light
When performing photoshoots, you could be experiencing low light circumstances and situations. This is when LED video lights would come in handy. In a way, it’s similar to a ring light, but it has much more power and is more portable. You can also adjust this LED video light for brightness and color warmth. Moreover, they are available in various filters that can alter the light background in your environment.
You can use this device to reduce harsh brightness. They’re very handy and straightforward to set up. Along with the LED video light, a tripod mount is included, and the battery lasts a long time once charged. When it comes to price, the key is to find a good brand that isn’t too expensive. Check out videos and vlogs of professional photographers using it in their actual shoots to learn more about how it can benefit your photoshoot.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gained insights about the must-have equipment for your photography, it’s time to invest in it and start your journey. The key here is to set a budget and find the best product that you can afford. Once you receive the products, make sure you test all functions immediately. Whether you go for brand new or preloved camera equipment, you have to be careful with their quality and condition before paying.
