Aspiring Photographer looking for decent digital camera to shoot weddings and children...?

Question

can you recommend a good, but fairly sophisticated camera to start with?

Answer 1

The Canon Rebel is an excellent camera and you can get some amazing lenses for them.

Sigma makes lenses that are just as good as the Canon, Nikon and many more good cameras and they work well with those cameras as more then half the cost.

I just bought a 70 - 200 lens that Canon has as a professional lens for over $3,000 and the sigma has the same lens for $600. as an example and it works really well with my Canon Rebel camera.

If your going to be shooting weddings and children may I also suggest you look into the Cokin filters, they are amazing and easy to use, you can use one set of filters on all sizes of lens' you only need to get the holders to fit the various lenses and that also will cut down on cost for you.

Here is the link.

Answer 2

Get a mid-level Nikon or Canon dSLR. If this is your first "sophisticated" camera, you will need some classes, some study guides, and a couple of years (at the very least) or more of practice and learning before you should even consider shooting your first wedding. Child portraiture is not as critical, you can always schedule a re-shoot next week.

When you have progressed to a level of competence needed to successfully shoot someone's wedding, then you will need a second body, flash unit, at least two fast lenses and other assorted gear such as diffusers, cords, battery grips, etc etc. When you get your gear in line, it will be time to apprentice with an established professional for a season or two.

I am not trying to unload on you, but your method of questioning suggests you don't have a great deal of photography experience. So many people think they can buy the latest wonder camera and then automatically become professional level photographers overnight. In reality, it takes knowledge, experience and loads of practice to achieve a proficient level suitable to charge people for the service, especially when shooting a wedding. There are no do-overs and no excuses and images of the most important events in a couple's life are on the line. It ain't brain surgery, but it takes time and effort to do it well. Plan on putting in that time and effort. When you are more advanced, you will know better what camera set-up will suit your style best. Good luck.

Answer 3

canon or nikon DSLR, a decent flash and a tripod, some classes would be helpful also.......generaly an aspiring fotog should know the tools before doing the work - like any trade

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Answer 4

Well Said Ara57.

Answer 5

Ara and Antoni,

AMEN!

Answer 6

http://www.dpreview.com/