Finding the right camera for you is one of the most important considerations when setting out as a photographer. Having a cheap, low-quality camera can help you get started, but you need an expensive camera to succeed as a photographer? This article looks into this question to see if you really need to spend a lot of money on a camera as a photographer.
Benefits of an Expensive Camera
There are real benefits you can get from using an expensive, high-quality camera. With a better camera, you will be able to take photos in higher resolution and be better able to photograph challenging scenes, like in low light. The main benefit you will gain will be the fact that your photography will not be limit by the capacity of your camera. You will need a good quality camera that responds well to your touch if you want to take high precision photos, like an insect or bird in flight. A poor camera will not be fast enough, and you are likely to miss the shot or have it blurred. This is especially frustrating for elusive shots like these, where you may have to wait for hours or days to try again. Having a high-quality camera will, in general, give you the best chance to take the best photos, up close or far away and regardless of light. However, a better camera can be less forgiving and require some real know-how to make the most of it. If you are patient, you can definitely take better photos with a good expensive camera than with a cheaper, lower quality one.
Expensive Cameras are Overrated
On the other hand, you can take some phenomenal shots with a cheaper camera. The real difference between a great photographer and a poor one is not the camera but rather the skill of the person holding the camera. I’m sure you’ve experienced this – I know my uncle adores a high $2,000 camera, but he rarely takes a picture with the person in focus! In contrast, I can take some great photos using my smartphone’s built-in camera. This shows that the camera does not make the photographer. Another point in favor of cheaper cameras is that they do not distract you. With fewer bells and whistles, you can focus on the shot and moment, rather than messing with eight different switches. There is less to mess around with and so less to go wrong!
Summary
As you can see, the really important thing for a photographer is their ability to take and find the best photo opportunity, not the camera they use. A more expensive camera is usually a benefit, but to get the most out of it, you need to have the skillset that matches the camera. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your money. So, work on becoming a better photographer and update your equipment as your skills increase. Or, get the best equipment you can afford and work hard to be able to make the most of the equipment. An expensive camera makes a difference if the photographer can make the most of it.