Photographers: What kind of camera do you use?

Question

http://www.nessakphotography.com/blog/in-brugges/

How can I get pictures like these?! I'm taking a trip to Europe but I'm a beginner when it comes to my photography skills. What kind of camera should I buy if I want to take beautiful amazing pictures like these?

Answer 1

Nicole, repeat this 100 time: "It isn't the camera its the photographer." It won't matter what camera you buy or how much you pay for it. Without knowledge of Light, Composition, Exposure and Depth of Field (DOF) you'll get about the same results with a $100.00 point & shoot as you will with a $1,000.00 DSLR. Knowing how to use the camera also matters which requires actually reading and studying the Owner's Manual that comes with it. Unless you are willing to begin learning about Light and Composition and Exposure and DOF don't expect any camera to give you the results you want.

"It isn't the camera its the photographer."



Here are sites that will help you:



LIGHT

http://photographyknowhow.com/quality-of-light-in-photography/

http://photographyknowhow.com/direction-of-light-in-photography/



COMPOSITION

http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/10-top-photography-composition-rules



EXPOSURE

http://digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography



DOF

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm



Of the four components of photography listed I suggest spending more time studying about Light and Composition to help you get started.



Good photography requires thinking, Nicole so start training yourself to think about light and composition before releasing the shutter.



Nicole, there are now three main types of cameras. Bridge, Mirrorless and DSLR.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_camera

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirrorless_interchangeable-lens_camera

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_single_lens_reflex_camera



So read and learn about all three and then decide on a budget and find a camera you like and buy it. Read and study the Owner's Manual. Then read and study it again.



For the record and since you asked, I use Minolta 35mm film cameras.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/9448291212/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/4032748624/



"It isn't the camera, Nicole, its the photographer."

Answer 2

I use a 35mm Pentax SLR, which is more than adequate for the sort of holiday snaps on display here. Honestly, you could do this sort of thing with a bridge camera. There's nothing special in the way of photography here. Using a Leica for this level of photography is beyond overkill; it's using the camera as a fashion accessory rather than a tool. If you have photography skills at the beginner level, the most important thing to realise is this: owning an expensive, sophisticated camera is not going to make you into a skilled photographer making 'beautiful, amazing' images. it's going to confuse you and ruthlessly emphasise your lack of skill and knowledge. Either spend the time between now and your trip acquiring the basic skills and knowledge required for photography, or buy a point-and-shoot camera.

Answer 3

A few points for you.



1) We can't tell what kind of camera was used unless the photographer tells us or leaves us certain clues in the picture's electronic data. There are a few different cameras visible in those pictures, including a Canon, a Leica of some sort and what looks like a Fuji X100. This leads us to point 2.



2) It doesn't really matter what kind of camera is used if you know how to use it. Or if you don't, which leads us to the next point.



3) Those are not "beautiful amazing pictures". They are ordinary, highly average pictures with several glaring faults including totally blown out highlight areas, poor framing, under-and-overexposure errors and bland composition. If those are indeed shot with a Leica, then we're into "a fool and his money" territory because I know photographers who can do miles better than that with a four hundred dollar point and shoot.



4) If you want to see really good photographs - for inspiration - go to the following sites.



http://studio.jaymaisel.com/collections/portfolio#gridview

http://p.mingthein.outthink.us/architecture/index.html



Get yourself any camera and start shooting and studying. A basic compact camera might be enough: something like the Sony R100. If you want more flexibility of choice when you shoot and if you want to travel light, then a micro four thirds camera like the Olympus OMD-EM5 with a double kit zoom package might be good. If you don't mind lugging around something heavy, then an elementary level DSLR will be fine. Nikon or Canon are the two most popular brands and any good camera store can tell you more. If you have more money than sense, then get a Leica M and a Noctilux 0.95 for around a total of 15 or 16 thousand dollars and try to avoid getting it stolen.



Europe is a cool place for photography, and the more you can teach yourself before you go, the more fun you'll have and the better the pictures you'll produce. Just don't, don't, DON'T fall into the trap of thinking that expensive cameras take better pictures. They do on a technical level, but without the artistic sense and technical skill to leverage that extra power, then it's like strapping a beginner driver into a Formula 1 car. The only possible outcome can be a wreck.



Go with reasonable expectations and have fun doing it.



EDIT: forgot to answer your actual question. I use a Sigma DP3 Merrill and a Canon FTb film camera. Will probably pick up a Fuji X100s for a wider perspective in the coming months.

Answer 4

Try this idea. Get yourself a Canon SD Elph. YES, a point and shot, (I'll bear the brunt from the masses of pro-semi-pro & not so semi-pros that think I'm a moron for suggesting this). You said you are into art. Fine photography is an art and you would probably need a fine camera to make fine photographs but not necessarily fine art. I have taken quite a few pix with the Canon Elph and turned them into photo-illustration-fine art that have been printed and sold. Take this advice with a grain or two of salt, I'm really just a moron.

Answer 5

Myself I use 95% film and the other 5% digital. The film cameras are Canon A body & Mamiya, Yashica-Mat and several folders. My advice to you would be just getting a basic P&S digital so you can go through lots of photo testing and experimenting until you feel comfortable with light & shadows and how they effect the outcome. Starting out with film could be a very expensive learning curve for you. Digital you can Photoshop & delete until you are happy with the results. Keep notes on your speeds, apertures and ISO. Film photograph takes a bit more time to learn than a few months. I have been in photography for 30 ish yrs and I am still learning. Good luck & happy trails...