Buying a Camera...because I'm going Pro!

Not too long ago I wrote a couple of blogs on buying cameras...inexpensive cameras to entry level DSLRs. Well, this post is about buying a pro camera because you want to go PRO.

Let me preface. If you want to go PRO...you shouldn't be using an entry level DSLR or those shotty kit lenses. Those things can sort of get the job done...sort of (not really)...but when you're charging people for your services, you need to be rocking some quality gear.

Let me pre-preface. Don't become a PRO. Don't become a PRO especially if you are married. Don't become a PRO if you are married with children. Don't become a PRO if you are the only breadwinner in the family (like me). Oh...and most importantly, don't become a PRO if your picture making skills are kind of weak (sorry to be so blunt). If your work is weak...make it strong and then open shop....only if you're not married with children...and are not the only breadwinner. (For all you photogs who have a spouse that make good money...or for that single dude living in some $300 studio apartment consuming PB&J, Ramen, & PBR...consider yourself blessed).

Now about cameras...you need something good...and the lenses need to be good too...or else you nullify your camera.

If you are shooting consumer work (weddings, families, seniors, etc...) then I think you can get away with a D90 and higher. If you're making some good money, then I say jump to a D700. It's full frame...the ISO is pretty kick ass. Now if you're not rocking big $, then a D90 is suffice...the ISO performance is legit. I prefer a D300s because all the "buttons" are right at your finger tips. My good friend, Jerome, would say the D7000 is better than the D300s...and he might be right...but having the ability to change your ISO, White Balance, etc... at your finger tips is crucial...especially when your shooting events, weddings, and candid family images.

Now if you are shooting commercial work, then you need to be shooting a D700 or higher. Yes, I'm a hypocrite for saying this...I don't use a D700 or higher...but I am that guy that is married with 3 children...and I'm the only breadwinner in the family. Additionally, I make the most of my equipment...and ultimately, for my style of shooting, my models (subjects) make the photo...they bring the energy to the image. Your ability to establish rapport with your model can make a mediocre camera make super awesome images! But use a really good camera regardless. The really good camera can help you through some really adverse situations. Trust me...you want to make your job easier...efficient...and professional...and so does your client!

If you're taking money from people to shoot, then you need to be spending about $1600 or more on your camera...and you better be rocking at least 2 cameras! If you're are shooting commercial work, expect to pay over $5000 for a pair. And don't forget to get good lenses...nothing cheapy...and 95% of the time, I'd stay with Nikon lenses.

[Segue] If you're a Canon shooter...then I'd think a 5D or higher should be suffice. For commercial work, I'd go 5DMII or higher. Sorry that I don't have much more info...but I'm a Nikon shooter.....

If your shooting anything else...you are on your own! I hear Sony makes a pretty good product...and if you are using a Hassleblad, then I'm wondering why you are reading my blog...hmmm?

Oh..read this.

Oh...read this too: In no way am I saying you can't start a business while you are married and have kids...and are the only breadwinner. I'm just saying that it's much easier to start a business when your single...or have a spouse that's making a routine pay check. Starting a business takes a lot of time and money...and when you're married and have children, that time gets compromised...and money (that's another story)...