What digital slr camera should I buy for magazine photography? I am not a professional photographer?
January 6, 2009 by Cam
louise w asked:
My partner and I have set up a local community magazine, we have been using a point and shoot digital camera, but feel that we now need to upgrade to a slr. We have no professional training in photography, so have limited knowlege on the subject. I have searched the internet for different reviews, but just seem to drown in information. Please can someone offer advice, please!!!!!
My partner and I have set up a local community magazine, we have been using a point and shoot digital camera, but feel that we now need to upgrade to a slr. We have no professional training in photography, so have limited knowlege on the subject. I have searched the internet for different reviews, but just seem to drown in information. Please can someone offer advice, please!!!!!
any entry point DSLR will be good enough. Something like the Nikon D40 or the Canon Digital Rebel XT/350D is perfect for a starter like you. They’re pretty affordable (compared to other DSLRs that is) and it works just like any other DSLR so if you upgrade your camera to another DSLR in the future you won’t find yourself in a hard time adapting yourself to a new camera.
The hardest thing to pick is not the camera – it’s the lens – some lenses are specialized and there’s one made for specific task, and it won’t work well if you use it for another task. But at this point – if all you do is taking picture of people, I think the kit lens that comes with the two camera I mentioned above is good enough.
Finally I highly recommend a photography class for you – a DSLR is a pretty complex piece of equipment (well there’s an auto mode but you won’t be utilizing a DSLR’s potential if you’re using auto and at that point you’d better off with a point and shoot anyway) and you will appreciate what you have to learn in the photography class.
Well, I hope this helps.
Before investing in a camera you don’t know how to use, you might consider this idea. Check with your local community college and professional camera shop and ask if they know of any advanced amateurs who might like to work as your magazine’s photographer. Often, a simple by-line will be sufficient enticement. Your magazine gets to take advantage of their expertise and the photographer gets to build their portfolio. Win-Win.
Of course, you could follow the advice offered by DODOL.
Any number of entry level dslr cameras would be good for you. They have a wide variety of features, and lens compatibility is a factor. Will you want to expand your capabilities? if so you will want to consider the “system” you will be buying into. Canon is an excellent choice, with a large choice of lens options. Nikon is another good option, as is Olympus and Pentax.
Go to and compare the different cameras side by side, to see which features, suit you best. Then go to a camera shop (not best buy or wal mart) and talk to the sales person, try out the different cameras in the shop, try the different lenses, and see which fits you best.
What they said…and a bit of advice….buying a DSLR will not improve the images much if you just leave the setting on “P” or “A”…then you will just have an expensive point and shoot. Take time to learn what the camera can do in manual an other settings.