INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY gear RECOMMENDATIONS

Hello! I am so excited to see you in class; it’s going to be a awesome year!

If you do not already have a digital camera, I know how overwhelming it can be to research all the options. Here is a quick write-up on DSLR vs. Mirrorless camera with a few recommendations on Canon camera bodies and other gear with links to Amazon.

A quick note: Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but you will pay the same price. I only recommend gear that I think would be helpful for this class. You absolutely do not have to purchase these items from Amazon or my list.

the textbook:

Digital Photography Complete Course: Learn Everything You Need to Know in 20 Weeks by David Taylor

CAMERA BODY RECOMMENDATIONS:

For class, you’ll want either a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. Just one lens is perfectly fine to get you started!

The main thing you’ll need is a camera that allows you to shoot in manual mode. That way students can learn aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus, lenses, and the basic building blocks of photography. DSLR and mirrorless are the two main types of cameras you’ll see.

A DSLR is the older style of camera. It uses a mirror inside the camera body, so when you look through the viewfinder, you’re seeing the scene through the lens. You would take a picture and adjust your settings based on the preview the camera shows you on screen and then take another picture to review the changes. DSLRs are great for learning, and you can usually find them used for a good price.

A mirrorless camera is the newer style. It does not use that internal mirror, so the camera body is usually smaller and lighter. One of the biggest benefits is that the screen (electronic viewfinder) will show you a preview of how your photo will look before you take the picture. You are seeing the changes you make to the settings in real time.

Both types are totally fine for class. Mirrorless is newer and a little more future-proof. DSLR is usually cheaper used and still teaches the same photography fundamentals.

………………………………………………

MIRRORLESS:

If you’re buying new, my first recommendation would be a Canon EOS R100 with the RF-S 18-45mm kit lens.

That is probably the best starter mirrorless option in the lower price range. It is newer technology, small, lightweight, and a good simple camera for learning photography.

If your budget allows you to go a little higher, the Canon EOS R50 with the RF-S 18-45mm lens is an even better mirrorless option. It has some nicer features, but it does usually cost more.

DSLR:

If you prefer a DSLR, I’d look for a used Canon Rebel T7i or Canon Rebel SL3 with the 18-55mm kit lens. Those are both great starter DSLR cameras and would be more than enough for class. I’d choose either of those over the basic Rebel T7 if you can find one in budget.

A regular Canon Rebel T7 with the 18-55mm lens is also acceptable, especially if you want to buy new and keep the cost down. It’s older technology, but it will still teach the fundamentals just fine.

My simple recommendation would be:

Best new budget mirrorless option: Canon EOS R100 with RF-S 18-45mm lens

Better mirrorless option if budget allows: Canon EOS R50 with RF-S 18-45mm lens

Best used DSLR option: Canon Rebel T7i or Canon Rebel SL3 with 18-55mm lens

Budget DSLR option: Canon Rebel T7 with 18-55mm lens

For used gear, I’d check MPB, KEH, B&H Used, Adorama Used, and UsedPhotoPro first. They inspect gear and usually offer some kind of return window or warranty, which is worth it for a beginner.

Amazon is fine for buying new, but I do not usually recommend the big camera bundles with a ton of accessories unless the price is basically the same. Most of those extras are not very useful when you are first learning.

You really just need the camera, one lens, an SD card, a battery (an extra battery if possible), and a simple camera bag.

I have always used Canon cameras, so that is what I tend to recommend, but Sony and Nikon also make great cameras in mirrorless and DSLR options.

other gear you made need:

- Extra camera battery: Although most manufacturers will tell you to only use their brand battery for best results, I have had great luck with these off brand batteries (make sure they are compatible with your camera):

STK LP-E6 Battery for Canon

- Memory Cards: Memory cards come in options with different speeds and memory storage capacities. Don’t worry too much about speed right now, but the higher the memory storage capacity (e.g. GB), the more images that card will hold. I recommend at least 64GB.

SANDISK 64GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card or SANDISK 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card

- LensPen: Great for cleaning dust and lint off your lens so you won’t use your shirt which can scratch the glass!

LensPen NLP-1, Black | Retractable Dust Removal Brush, Non-Liquid Cleaning Element, 12mm Round Cleaning Tip, 11cm Long