Lets Talk Equipment

If you are just starting out in photography and want to take better pictures, you are probably wondering what equipment you will need. First, let me start off by telling you what you probably already have realized, photography is a VERY expensive hobby! Good news though, you don't have to have the latest and greatest in order to take better pictures.

Ashley and I often get asked what type of camera we use. We both use Digital SLR cameras. Here is our equipment:

Ashley shoots with a Canon T1i and a Tamron 28-75mm lens.

Lisa shoots with a Canon Rebel XSI and Canon 50 mm 1.8 lens.

A DSLR camera basically gives you full control over your photography when utilizing the manual settings. They produce better image quality, allow for faster continuous shooting (great for action shots) better depth of field (blurry background), and you can switch up the lenses for different situations and effects. Also, when you look through your viewfinder, what you see is what you get. Even when you leave your camera in the "auto" setting, you will still notice a difference in the quality of your images as compared to a standard point and shoot camera.

If you are purchasing your first DSLR camera, either one of the camera bodies mentioned above are great for entry level. There isn't too much difference in the image quality of the T1i vs the xsi. If you are willing to forgo the HD video option then you can save a little money by going with the xsi.

Ashley and I both use different lenses. She prefers a zoom lens while I prefer a prime lens.

A prime lens does not zoom in and out. The focal point is fixed. So, if you want to get in closer on your subject, then you physically have to move closer. It definitely takes some getting used to in the beginning, but it allows for a lot of creativity when shooting and a prime lens will give you that super blurry effect in the background, aka bokeh, when you shoot wide open (will get to the technical stuff in a later post). You can get a 50 mm 1.8 lens for about $100 and for the price it's a great score!

A zoom lens has a range of focal points which provides the photographer with a lot more versatility. They are pricier then most prime lenses, but if you prefer to not have to change lenses for different focal points then this might be the lens for you. To save money on a zoom lens you might try a brand like Tamron, rather then going with the camera model brand lens.

So, prime or zoom lens? It really all depends on the situation. Ashley shoots all of her tutorials and products for the store with a zoom lens. I could never shoot these instances with my 50 mm prime lens, trust me I have tried. I would have to stand really far back, and then my shot may be out of focus.

For a great article on choosing the right lens for your camera I encourage you to read this article HERE from PictureCorrect.

If you are not ready to purchase a DSLR, but are looking for a good recommendation for a point and shoot camera. Take a look at the Canon Powershot SD870.


You can still take amazing pictures with a point and shoot. It's not all about the equipment, but more about the person behind the lens. Don't worry, we will have a post dedicated to those without a DSLR in this series. So stay tuned!

Random Equipment Tips

:: Pass on the camera kit, get the camera body only and then the lens you want. The 18-55 mm lens that came with my camera is still sitting in the box.

:: Try a rental first! Borrow Lenses is a great resource! Rent your camera and lens before committing to a purchase. Try out a zoom and a prime lens to see which one you prefer.

:: DSLR cameras hold their value pretty well. If you decide later on that you want to upgrade to a Canon 5D Mark II (my personal dream camera) then you can always sell your current camera body on eBay and put it towards your new one.

Contributed by Lisa