2 Parts: In your opinion, what is the best digital camera? And what does the industry use?

Question

I am currently pursuing photography as a hobby and I am interested in possibly a career. I would like to have a camera that would be reasonable for this. Anyone involved in the industry, what cameras are used? Does it have to be film? Because I prefer digital...Also, in general, what is the best camera, preferably digital?

Answer 1

(I am not a professional, so take this advice lightly.)

I would recommend Canon or Nikon dSLRs, and I would aim for the lowest model if you are starting out since you can always resell the body later, yet continue to use your (soon to accumulate) lens collection. 35mm is still the most versatile format of photography. Whether to stay in digital or film depends on your needs.

To elaborate:

35mm: A 8-12 megapixel camera can get you to an 8x10 print easily. There is almost no need to stay with film if most of your applications are in this size.

Medium Format: A 16 megapixel full-frame sensor camera (e.g. Canon 1Ds mark II) was enough to get medium format photographers to switch over to the 35mm format. 22 megapixels seems to be their 'holy grail' however. But unless you can afford such a camera, it is still a better value to continue using film here if you need the resolution and range of medium format.

Large Format: Digital is only for the elite professionals who can afford such things like the PhaseOne digital backs. The rest of us hobbyists need to use 4x5 film, then scan it.

Answer 2

I am kind of in the same boat as you, I have been into photography as a hobby for about 6 or 7 years, some years with more enthusiasm then others. I am also interested in trying to make some sort of part time professional career in photography as well and I am switching my platform from film to digital and have done considerable research into the system I am eventually going to make an investment in. I say investment because your options are not cheap.

My research lead me to two models, the Nikon D200 and the Canon 30D. Both cameras are 8+ megapixel digital SLR type cameras and are similarly matched in performance with only subtle differences in general ergonomics and user menus. I am under the impression that a truely good photographer can shoot with anything and still produce good photos, but the consensus is that in order to keep up with the high demand of the industry it really pays to pony up for a good system. Most pro's use either Canon or Nikon.

I have decided on the Canon system, I have a good lens I used with my film SLR, a Canon, that is also useable with the 30D. If you make a similar choice with either the Canon or the Nikon be prepared to shop around and save up because neither system is cheap. I'm banking on around 2 grand with a good L series glass, standard zoom lens and the body + accessories.

My opinion is, if you want to be a photographer at any skill level, you can't beat the new DSLR's on the market nowadays, and prices continue to fall.