2006-09-04 16:06:27 · 8 answers · asked by sportbike9 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
There's a couple of great tips here on becomming a good photographer without spending a fortune, but if you simply want to gawk at what the pros use:
Canon 1DS Mk2: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=354004&is=REG&addedTroughType=search 16.7 megapixels and built like a tank ($6870). Lenses and memory cards sold separately.
The Canon 1D Mk2: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=397988&is=REG&addedTroughType=search has less megapixels but it's a better choice for sports - it can do 8.5 fps ($3540). And for sports, you'll probably want a powerful telephoto lens. Perhaps 500mm is your thing: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=183203&is=USA&addedTroughType=search ($5500)
If you'd rather shoot with Nikon, the D2X is your camera: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=438726&is=REG&addedTroughType=search ($4700). For photojournalism, get the 17-55mm lens with that ($1200). For sports or wildlife, the Nikon 500mm costs $7200. The great news is that on a Nikon body, 500mm is effectively 750mm due to the crop factor of the sensor.
A step down the ladder, The Canon 5D is a great camera for portrait photographers. Another step down, the Nikon D200 and the Canon 30D are very popular choices, and yet another step down brings you to the entry level models - and even they are hugely popular with budget conscious professional wedding photographers.
If you're starting out and you're on a budget, strongly consider the Nikon D50 (just $550), the Nikon D70s, and the Canon 350D (both around $650). With a starter lens and a 1GB memory card, you'll be set for under $1000. If nothing else, I've demonstrated that both brands have a phenomenal upgrade path.
2006-09-04 19:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by OMG, I ♥ PONIES!!1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was teaching photography (quite some years ago) and we were looking at some pictures I had taken, one of my students asked "what kind of camera" I used. My answer was: I can take a picture with a cigar box with a hole in it. That led to a class project where we all did just that. Long story to get here.
The camera does not make the photographer... it is the photographer that makes the work of art. Everything else is "snap shots".
My favorite 35mm film camera is still a tired old Miranda with all the bells and whistles, and I still have a 4x5 Crown Graphic.
I just got a heck of a deal on a Pentax DSLR that I can also use many of my filters etc. from my Miranda on and an even better deal on the wired remote. Pentax wants $65 for their wired remote and I found an even better one on the net for $11 including shipping!!!
No digital camera is ever going to get the quality of a good film in any camera any more than a CD/DVD is ever going to give the quality of Vinyl. So choosing a camera is sort of a learning curve.
You first need to "learn" photography. If you are one of the lucky ones whom have that natural talent to become a photographer, then up-grade your camera as you go along and can afford it. No point in spending mega bucks for a "pro" DSLR if all you are ever going to take are "snap shots". There is a very nice ( for novice students) Kodak for around $300 or so. It has a 35x135 lens and a pixle rate that is fine for 4x6 prints and even 8x10's. Anything else this early in the game could well turn out to be over kill.
2006-09-04 17:38:31 · answer #2 · answered by Dusty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a broad question really. I've seen professional photographers use disposable cameras and I've seen talentless amateurs use cameras costing a small fortune. Not to sound cliche but it's the person that takes a good picture, not the camera. That said, pros tend to use high quality cameras and lenses. This is two main reasons: excellent image production and reliability (very important when you make a living at it). Film and digital are both used today, both with excellent results. Entry level is a good Single Lens Reflex camera offering manual controls and interchangeable lenses (35mm or digital). Up from there is medium format gear which imparts a very noticeable improvement in image quality. From there you are onto large format photography - a discussion in itself.
There are many solid brands in the SLR world but the two that pros arguably use the most are Canon and Nikon.
Local camera stores have fallen out of favor but why not go to a good camera store where you live? You can touch the product and talk to a salesperson about it. Pick up some photo magazines at the book store and peruse the articles and the many ads in the back. The internet has many, many sources for photo eqiupment (buyer beware).
If you are starting out, I would suggest picking up an older film SLR on Ebay for little money - you can get into good stuff for less than $100 now. Spend your money on lenses, film, and lighting rather than fancy crap and megapixels. One could argue however that digital allows lower cost mistakes. Decide for yourself.
Find other photographers and pick their brains. Take local classes. Join the local photo club. Good luck.
2006-09-04 17:04:45 · answer #3 · answered by Steadiman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a serious amature and a learner. I took Nikon Skool Class two years back and this is the statement from the professional photographer recognized by NIKON who was one of the speakers(rephrased):-
"A great picture is combination of 90% skill, 10% equipment and sometmes 110% luck"
Believe you have your answer in this one liner. Start with small and then grow into what you want to do.
Nikon used to have a nice flash based page online to help you choose your equipment and type of photography you're intersted in. I am sure other major brands like canon should have the same. General retailers like bhphotovideo.com/adorama.com (some major players) have a vast collection of these equiment.
Happy clicking and welcome to the great world where you will start looking at things differently (little expensive though - time n money - but worth it)
2006-09-04 21:48:18 · answer #4 · answered by Keeper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steves-digicams.com is a good reference. It has prices of cameras and such. SLR camera's I believe is what pro's use but they are also in the 1000 dollar range.
2006-09-04 16:18:31 · answer #5 · answered by David B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Canon, digital SLR cameras. I suggest B&H photo video, since they have the full range from consumers to professionals, and also all the accessories you could want.
2006-09-04 16:20:24 · answer #6 · answered by tim w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wista 8x10" Arca Swiss 4x5" Mamiya RZ67 Pro II Canon EOS-1 Mark III ds Hasselblad H3D Nikonos RS Nikon F3HP Leica MP Nikon D3 Nikon D700 Canon 5D
2016-03-17 08:02:48 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start at the end.....what is your final product....is it a large traditional photograph, or a digital print.......then work your way back.......what are you shooting, sports, babies, video.........you cant go by what others use unless they are doing the same thing you want to do, and that would be a very good place to start as well
2006-09-04 16:14:16 · answer #8 · answered by bush-deathgrip 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://newegg.com/
Newegg.com - Buy Computer Parts, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras, and Electronics
2006-09-04 16:08:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋