Best cameras for Wedding Photographers?

Question

Hello, I'm planning to start a career in wedding photography. What are the best camera options for me and what other basic equipment (kinds of lenses for weddings, tripods, lights, etc.) will I be needing?

Thank you so much.

Answer 1

Learn photography first and the question will answer itself.  Basically it changes with the time and lens they use are so expensive that you won't be able to afford it until your are well into the career.  Pros start by renting the lens first.

You basically have choice of Canon or Nikon.  I would go with Canon D5 or Nikon D3.   you need to get 2 camera bodies.  You DON"T use tripod.  You learn to use (bounce) flash instead.  I would equip one body with a portraits lens (70-105mm) and the other one with wide angle.  You typically don't have enough to swap lens so you would need to cover all mid range.  Optionally, you can sub-contract the photo work (usually runs around $300/day).

Good photoshop skill is a must and also must have a photo lab connection.

Answer 2

There are many cameras you could choose from.  I would find a brand that fits you and has  most of what options you like.  What to consider most importantly is the lens.  Lens will last longer than the camera.  The Fuji is a good camera.  If you can't afford the Nikon D3, then the Nikon D700 is also a great camera.  I use the D700 with a D300 backup.  Great cameras for the job.  The D3x should be announced shortly, so if you have the money that could also be a consideration.  Realize to that the photographer is just as important as the camera, so if you can't take great shots it won't matter how good a camera you have.

As far as lenses, I did use a 18-200 lens for my 300.  However recently I changed my set up.  You must get a good prime lens.  I got a 50mm f/1.8.  They have a 1.4 which costs much more, but I couldn't see a reason for less than one stop costing $300 more.  Plus next month they are to announce two more which will change prices again.  So look into a lens like that.  Believe me, for my last wedding I used that 75% of the time because of low light situations, and because of its sharpness.  I do also use a Nikkor 24-120 lens for other shots.  

It can be helpful to get a wide angle lens, and telephoto lens.  Each lens is going to cost money.  So keep buying when you can.  I have four lenses, but I am still in need of two that I want to get someday.  

If you can afford it, think about a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8.  It could be used pretty much for the entire wedding for low light as well.  It costs around $1700 I believe.

You probably should get a flash as well.  For nikon and fuji as someone mentioned the SB600 and 800 are good.  They just announced a 900 as well.  However, I cannot stress how important it is to not use a flash.  Which is why I use a the 50mm f/1.8 lens to minimize its use.  I realize there are times you need it, but pictures often look better with out a flash, and chances of washing out your photos.

You could get any decent tripod, but it is often hard to use them when you are continuously moving, so don't stress on an expensive one.

If you prefer canon, then they as well have similar options for lenses.  Good luck, and try assisting another photographer to get used to things first.

Answer 3

The wedding photographers I know all swear that the Fujifilm S5 with a Nikon 18-200 VR lens is their top choice.  It is the same lens a lot of event photographers use, but the strength of the S5 is its handling of skin tones.  Very much like the old CPS film used by photographers since about the dawn of time.  Some use the economical SB600 and others the SB800.

I think you may want to talk to some of your colleagues who shoot weddings in your area and see what they say.  Moving from film to digital is always an important business decision.  I have assumed you have been shooting your weddings as an assistant using a Nikon ... if you are a Canon shooter then again ... ask your friends in the biz and see what they say.

I am hoping you have at least a few years experience shooting weddings.  If you are actually going to start a photo business shooting weddings, you will want to contact SCORE and have them look at your business and marketing plan as well as help you with your two year P&L projections.

The investment in your equipment needs to be looked at in light of your projected earnings.  At a minimum you will need two camera bodies (one backup), two flashes (one backup) and the necessary lenses to cover the wedding ceremony as well as the candid's at the reception.  Your post production equipment is also going to have to be considered in your equipment budget.  My guess you are going to have to set aside around $30,000 all things considered in the start up costs (registering your LLC, liability insurance, bookkeeping software, Photoshop CS3 (two licenses if you are going to maintain an off-site notebook) website and other miscellaneous fixed and variable costs.