Starting your photography journey is exciting but can also feel overwhelming with the abundance of gear available. As a new photographer, you don’t need to break the bank to get started. Here’s a guide to essential camera gear that will set you up for success without overcomplicating your setup.

_{(This post does contain affiliate links, and I may receive a very small percentage of a sale. Canon does not pay me to promote their products, it’s just what I use.)}

1. A Reliable Camera

Your camera is your primary tool, so choose wisely. While a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera might be tempting, many entry-level options provide excellent quality at a fraction of the cost.

Look for models like the Canon EOS Rebel series like this Canon Rebel T7, Nikon D3500, or Sony Alpha a6000. While I personally love my Canon cameras, I have heard great things about Nikon and Sony.

If you have a higher budget for camera bodies, try these: Canon R6 MarkII, Nikon Z 7II, or the Sony A7 III.

Key Features to Consider:

• Interchangeable lenses for versatility
• Manual settings for creative control
• Good low-light performance
  

2. Lenses: Your Creative Arsenal

Lenses shape your photos more than the camera body. Start with a versatile kit lens (like an 18-55mm), then consider adding a prime lens like a 50mm f/1.8 for sharp portraits and beautiful background blur. This was my first prime lens purchase, and still use it on occasion.
Canon 50mm 1.8, Nikon 50mm 1.8, Sony 50mm 1.8

Why Prime Lenses?

• They’re affordable and lightweight.
• Great for learning composition and depth of field.
  

Try these lens if you have a higher budget and want some versatility. Canon 24-70mm 2.8 (I shoot with this most of the time,) Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8, Sony 24-70mm 2.8

3. A Sturdy Tripod

A tripod is indispensable for sharp long-exposure shots, group photos, or low-light conditions. Choose a lightweight yet sturdy option like the Manfrotto Compact or this one I have from Joilcan.

Pro Tip: A tripod also encourages deliberate framing, helping you improve your composition skills.

4. External Storage and Extra Batteries

Photos take up space fast, so invest in a reliable SD card (32GB or 64GB to start) and an external hard drive for backups. Don’t forget extra batteries—nothing ruins a shoot like a drained battery mid-session.

Here’s what I use: SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO, but you will need a 1T card if shooting weddings or videos. LaCie Rugged 5TB USB-C External Hard Drive to backup photos.

5. Editing Software

Post-processing enhances your images. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are industry standards, but free options like GIMP and Snapseed are great for beginners. Using Presets in Lightroom or Actions in Photoshop make editing a breeze. I personally use Greater Than Gatsby for my images.

I also use Evoto for those pesky glasses glares and other great AI editing options. Check it out here, and if you sign up, and use code SKRBQKA833, we could both earn credits.

Topaz Labs Topaz Photo AI to help with noise, sharpening, and recover faces. Incredibly helpful for low light photos!

Utilize Youtube for help videos too!

Mastering editing is just as important as mastering your camera!

6. Camera Bag

Protect your gear with a padded camera bag. Look for a compact, lightweight option with adjustable compartments to keep your camera, lenses, and accessories organized.
I use this one: BAGSMART Camera Backpack.

7. Accessories for Better Shooting

• Lens Cleaning Kit: Keep your glass free from smudges. Like this one Camera Lens Cleaning Kit
• Filters: A UV filter protects your lens, while polarizing filters enhance skies and reduce reflections. I have this one UV Protection Camera Lens Filter – 82mm, but pay attention to your lens size.
• Remote Shutter Release: Ideal for long exposures and self-portraits. I use this one Camera Remote Shutter Release. 
  

8. Basic Understanding of Light

No gear list is complete without mentioning light. Learn to use natural light effectively before investing in artificial lighting equipment like speedlights or softboxes.

I started with this: GODOX TT685II-C for Canon. Godox TT685II-S for Sony, or Godox TT685II-N for Nikon.

Starting with the basics lets you focus on developing your skills without being overwhelmed. Invest in quality over quantity and upgrade your gear as your skills grow. Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you—and a great photographer relies more on their vision and creativity than on the gear they carry.

Happy shooting!

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