My daughter is a junior in high school and is interested in photography as a possible profession. If you have experience in this area could you recommend a camera outfit that would be good enough to get her started in college that would not break the bank? She has a Nikon D3500 now that she enjoys but is that good enough? She is interested in being the official band photographer next year as well as getting into sports photography.
Re: Photography
Posted by dumf on 2/19/2023, 8:31 pm, in reply to "Photography"
I am not a photographer, but was in an art market with some a few weeks ago. A friend and I were talking to a photographer that was new to the show who had absolutely stunning closeup nature pictures. One that really blew me away was a 3'x3' picture of a magnolia blossom with a bee flying over one of the petals. An amazing shot. I mentioned it to him, and he pulled out his new iPhone. Said, "Don't tell anyone, but I took that one with this."
Yes, a pro needs to know all of the equipment, lighting stuff, etc., but the newest phone cameras can do some pretty amazing stuff.
Re: Photography
Posted by DesertJazz on 2/19/2023, 6:36 pm, in reply to "Photography"
Photography is kind of like an instrument here, what's the budget? That's probably the better starting question... I have a D5600 that looks like it's just a little above the one she has in features. Given photography is in a bit of a transition point potentially to mirrorless cameras (still pretty pricey) it might be a good idea to hold off upgrading the body. Also, if she's going to do Photography in college there may be a need for a film camera? (I don't know if traditional techniques are still being taught, but there's a lot of value in learning black and white photography/developing for skills) If she has any idea where she wants to go yet you might dig through their course catalog and see if it's all digital or not.
The big thing is with what she has she can already do manual adjustments of aperture, shutter, etc. You could just spring for a nicer lens or two, especially if she wants to do sports photography. Having a lens that can maintain a large (low) aperture all the way through a long length would help her for that. Regardless of route, I'd stick with Nikon since the lenses are interchangeable generally.
If you're looking around $1k the D7500 might be a nice upgrade. If you're willing to go more then the D750 would be the next level up with a mirror still. At $2k you can break into the lower level mirrorless with a Z5 or Z6 kit. Check out BHPhotoVideo for some decent deals. Amazon does well too, as well as sometimes Costco and Sam's Club.
Re: Photography
Posted by Photog on 2/19/2023, 9:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Photography"
Camera bodies are one thing but the art is in lens. You can easily double or triple the cost of the camera body with even one really good lens. That’s where the art comes in.
Re: Photography
Posted by BobsYourUncle on 2/21/2023, 2:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Photography"
Get a good solid camera. Also you might also consider finding a "film" camera if she's really interested. Two addision cents: A close friend of mine is one of the best photographer's in Texas. My son has a degree in film editing with a minor in photography. His advice to my son was.... take business classes. With the technology and the number of "professional photographers" around the missing link is business.
