Hello everyone - Equipment advice needed!!

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DGN1984

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Hello everyone,

I am new to this site and have just made my first post on the welcome forum (please take a read and offer any advice possible).

As a complete beginner interested in photographing bands/solo artists (live gigs, portrait, press pack material etc) what camera and equipment should I buy???

Any advice would be helpful, I've just started talking to people and researching but a few pointers in the right direction would be great

Thanks a lot

Cheers

Danny
 
First of all welcome to TP...

There is no answer set in stone as to what camera to buy, unfortunately it is not that easy...

The main two contenders tend to be Canon and Nikon but that's fown to preference and the best bet is to pop down to your local camera store and see which feels better in your hands.

What sort of budget are you looking at, would you look at used (good classified section on here). It's difficult to say which cameras are better than others there will be various options depending on how much you want to spend.

Only real advice is don't skimp on the glass. Photography can be really expensive to get a lot of nice kit especially if it's not needed but it's not the kit that makes the photo, it's the person behind the lens :thumbs:
 
Effective gig photography requires fast glass (f/2.8 or better) and a camera with excellent high ISO capabilities, as you will be working in low light conditions. Canon 5D Mark 2 or Nikon D700 would be most peoples ideals, with either a bag full of prime lenses or a number of high quality zoom lenses.

To start with, unless you have a significant budget, you have to compromise on cheaper and less capable equipment.
 
As I'm sure you know there is a learning curve involved with photography and the skills you develop are far more important than the gear you buy.

Start at the beginning with some basic gear which with practice can produce great images, then if things work out you'll have the experience and knowledge to make the right decisions re serious gear.

Based on what you want to achieve I'd start with a Canon 450d with 18-55mm kit lens and a 50mm f1.8 (nifty fifty) as you first musician porrtrait lens. I recommend buying on the web at the best UK supplier price and grab some basic training.

John www.phototuition.net
 
I'd agree, get a s/hand camera body (350d or similar) and invest in a 50mm f/1.8 and a 85mm f1.4. I use these lenses for gigs and performance. You can't zoom unless you use your feet, but the wide aperture is the major benefit.
 
Hoping to not offend anyone... in a very sensitive issue... I think you have to pick a system that will better fit your needs. For instance, if you plan to shoot a lot in low light and you need a camera behaving well in such as situations, both securing easy the focus and providing images with low level of noise at a very high ISO, you have to pick Nikon and D700 is a great camera to go.

But if you don't care so much for low light issues, you like a system with a very broad lens selection, and you need large prints and many megapixels, Canon is the answer.

WARNING: Be careful when you pick the system. Many people shift it after several years of investing in gear... and it is very painful and costly to do such as shift. Almost like divorcing and getting married again :-)
 
I agree Mishu that Nikon is arguably better at very high iso, but for an absolute beginner who probably doesn't know what the term means this is not currently relevant, especially as at entry level (and thinking of nifty fiftys) Canon has more to offer.

It's not what you got it's de way day you uze it!!

John www.phototuition.net
 
phototuition said:
I agree Mishu that Nikon is arguably better at very high iso, but for an absolute beginner who probably doesn't know what the term means this is not currently relevant, especially as at entry level (and thinking of nifty fiftys) Canon has more to offer.

It's not what you got it's de way day you uze it!!

John www.phototuition.net
Click to expand...

I agree. You should see my dad having a go with my 1Ds!!! It is better to buy what may later become a backup gear. Then do lots of reading, and then lots of practice and more reading.

Something like Canon 40D or Nikon D90 will be about as good as a beginner can really appreciate. Canon Rebels are not my favourite pick for a few reasons like very small grip, tiny viewfinder and poor AF for a reasonably high price when new. Good glass is quite important right from the start.
 
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