The most popular question I get asked is, “what camera & gear should I buy”

Although that is a broad question as I don’t know specifically what you’re going to use it for the answer is pretty universal. Below I’v compiled a list of the cameras, lenses, and other gear to get when you’re first starting out.

Let’s start with cameras. Personally I shoot and LOVE nikon. Nikon is a top brand in the camera world. You will be able to easily service the camera if you have any problems, find accessories for it & easily find tutorials/manuals online. The cameras I’v listed below are GREAT for starting out. I shot professionally with both of these. TIP: Buy them used, it will save you a lot of money!!

If you’d like something more top of the line & professional…

then I would recommend these (keep in mind they will cost a lot more):

TIP: Buy your camera body and lenses separate!
You’ll notice that camera manufacturers like to sell their cameras bodies along with a “kit lens.” In short, kit lenses suck LOL. They make it seem like you’re getting a good deal by including the kit lens when in reality they’re just “adding fluff value” so they can drive up the price. If you buy the camera body separate it will save you money and then you can buy a GREAT lens separate.

Below are the two lenses I would recommend getting first.

Lens #1 – 50mm prime lens. This lens is the closest focal length to what your eye sees. This is still to date my favorite lens. You can use this for just about everything but will have to physically move to get closer or further from your subject. In my opinion this lens is perfect for portraits.
Lens #2 – 24-70mm lens. This is a ZOOM lens. This lens is not cheap. If you’re serious about photography though you will be able to use this lens for just about everything. In my opinion this lens is perfect for events but can also be used for portraits.

Other accessories you may need:

Batteries
Battery Charger
Battery Charger Cord
Hard Roll Camera Case
Flash
Reflector
8gig Memory Cards: CF or SD

WANT MORE CAMERA HELP? Mentor with Molly! Click HERE to apply to mentor.

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Comments

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6 Comments

This is so great! Would you recommend buying them used on Amazon or another site? Thanks for the tips!

Hi Molly! I would recommend amazon OR BH photo. I personally use amazon because I can find the best deals.

I buy all my gear used. I just make sure to read about the product carefully and make sure the seller has good reviews

Hope that helps, thanks for reading!

Hi Molly!! Ben and I are getting a camera soon and have been doing a little research, i noticed the cameras you recommended are 10 and 12ish megapixels, we have one in mind that is 24 megapixels and one that is 18 megapixels, how important is it to get “the most” megapixels? will the 24 be WAY better than the 18? or is it more important to get a good lens? as in, is it ok to get a lower number of megapixel on the camera and the better lens will make up for the lower megapixels? haha i feel like I’ve used the word megapixel 9000 times thanks for your help! also, any suggestions on how to find a class on how to use photoshop? Thanks again Molly!
-ben and abby

Hey Abby!

Megapixels are not that important. Although I can’t compare megapixels to a lens I do think a good lens is the most important. The cameras I have listed here are the ones I would recommend.

Have fun with your new camera search!

Hey im going back in forth between the Nikon D3100 or D5100

What do you think?

Hi Amanda! I don’t know much about those cameras in particular. However I know of this great site for you to check out! He compares cameras, lenses etc. It’s super helpful. http://www.kenrockwell.com/ – enjoy!

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Molly Marie Photography

Portrait Photographer in Eau Claire, WI

What DSLR should I buy when starting out in photography?