Photography help? Cameras and shoots?

Question

So, I'm looking into being a photographer. I'd like to know what some good cameras are. Digital as well as more advanced ones. Something within a reasonable budget maybe.

Also, any tips on how to book for shooting at shows? I know some people who shot at Warped Tour this year and it sounded like fun, but I'd like to know how they get their press passes for any show.

Thank you!

Answer 1

The Nikon D40 is a good DSLR for beginners - it's about $500.

If you want a more advanced one, the D200 is good for about $1200.

Answer 2

So you have the two common answers, Canon vs. Nikon, so I would suggest looking beyond a single camera and into the camera "system".  I teach photography and have students that love their Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras.  I have definately noticed a trend with Canon shooters that really like thier Rebels (and XT, XTi, XSi) but struggle when the move to the 30D, 40D.  They are completely different as if you are changing brands (feedback I have received).  The Nikon and Sony shooters (and I don't see them but likely Fuji SLR users as well) seem to find the transition to the more advanced cameras more natural.

One interesting feature with the new consumer level Nikon cameras is that they use a special type of lens (don't worry, they come with the camera) that allows the camera to focus much faster.  Canon has these lenses but they are mostly in a differnt line of more expensive lenses.  For fast moving, low light situations this is a very big advantage that is standard with the D40 and D60 cameras.

Nikon's flash system is regarded as being the best around (except by die hard Canon zelots).  I have shot many covers for catalogs using their system with great results.  As far as lenses go Canon, Nikon and Sony are very similar but each has features that may cause you to favor one over the other.  The Sony lenses tend to be a bit more expensive likely due to the lower production runs and very high quality Zeiss optics.  

Hope this helps some and was tackful enough not to start a Canon / Nikon / Sony debate.  It really comes down to what is comfortable for you while keeping an eye on the rest of the system.

Will

Answer 3

I'd recommend the canon XSi ($800) as a good beginner camera or the Canon 40D ($1200) as a more advanced camera.  But I'm a Canon kind of girl ;)  I have shot with the Nikon D200 and it was OK and I did consider the Nikon D300 which takes awesome pictures but is twice the price of the Canon 40D--in the end, the money and brand loyalty won out.

I think you need to fingure out what kind of photography you really want to settle into and then decide what camera.  From my experience, the Canon line fits what I do for fun (dog and horse shows and outdoor sporty stuff) but is flexible enough to do the stuff I do as work (portraits.)  I have friends who do wedding photography and they prefer the Nikon and one even uses a Sony, which is amazingly light.  But they don't do the sports stuff that I do after hours.  It really depends what you are going to do.

If you want to get into photography, I'd recommend a college class or community college class on the techincal aspect and the rule of composition at the bare minimum.

I don't know about press passes but I had a friend who shoots at raves and he's just able to go and take pictures.  He gives prints away to those who model for him and has a great time.  Best bet would be to call the owner or the organizer and see if pictures are allowed and how you can obtain a pass.

Good luck!