Cameras:
So currently for cameras I am currently using a Canon EOS 7D, this camera is actually one of the top cameras in DSLRs and there are very few cameras that can actually compete with it. There is only 2 other Canon DSLRs better than this (the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Canon EOS 1D Mark III). This is a semi-professional camera body, and is very good based on my experience. There is a lot of manual stuff that you can set and there is a built-in electronic level which is handy if you are doing a landscape shot and not sure if you are leveled or not. The electronic level can be displayed in the viewfinder too! Very handy. One thing I don't like about the camera is that there is no geotagging feature, but pretty sure a lot of professionals don't really care. The camera also has a built in video shooting feature and can shoot full 1080p video, although I wouldn't recommend using it. I've shot 2 videos with it, pretty blurry, maybe it was me not adjusting it right. Either way, a DSLR is meant for taking pictures, not videos. Professionals don't really care for the video mode. If you are a beginner, I wouldn't actually recommend you start off with this camera because it is quite expensive and very professional. There is a lot of manual adjustment buttons on there that even I didn't not master yet! If you are one of those people who uses "auto" all the time, this isn't the camera for you, you should look for a cheaper DSLR.
Lenses:
Here are some tips on Canon lenses. I don't know much about other brands, because I'm using a Canon camera. First off, you shouldn't start off with low end lenses, you should go at least a mid-ranged lens (for Canon mid-ranged will be a USM model). Remember, you may upgrade your camera a lot, but not your lenses. If you are going to go professional, most of the time, you will spend way more on lenses then you will with the body. Lenses shouldn't be upgraded often, it's the body that gets upgraded. So currently I am using two lenses. Let's start off with the first one.
One of the lenses I use is a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens. Ironically, this is actually one of the low-end lenses I was talking about. This was due to the fact I was on a pretty tight budget this time. I usually use this for landscapes and some close-up macro photography. There are actually some other dedicated lenses for macro photography, but for beginners, this will work just fine. If you are serious about photography, I would not recommend this lens because I already see some light distortions in my images. It's not very visible, but you will see it if you look closely. Here is a shot taken with this lens.
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| This photo was taken at Half Moon Bay during one of its mega low tide days. It only happens a few times a year. You can read more about my trip here. Taken at a focal length of 55mm with aperture at f/11. |
The other lens I use is a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens. This is one of the mid-ranged lens I am talking about. The top lenses are called the "L-model" lens. USM ones are mid-ranged. I usually use this lens to zoom in on birds and other wildlife. 300mm is the minimum you have to go for bird photography. Here is a photo taken with this lens.
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| It's a boy! XD (Take a look closely at the photo and you'll get it.) This photo was taken on Arroyo Del Valle Trail, the trail behind my house. It was taken at a focal length of 180mm and aperture of f/8. You can find this photo and other photos on this blog post. |
One question you probably have right now is what is the difference between a USM model and an L-model. So both lens types have a USM motor, but it's different. USM models have a micro-USM motor which makes a it bit quieter and faster than a low-end regular lens. An L-model has a ring-USM which is almost silent, and works a lot faster than a regular USM models. Also L-models have better coatings and have special optics inside that prevents light distortion in images during zooms. Sadly, L-models cost $1500 and up. If you are serious about photography, L-models are the ones I recommend.
Tripods:
The Vanguard Alta+ 204AP is the tripod I use on my Canon EOS 7D and Canon Vixia HF200 when I take photos and shoot videos. This tripod is a professional tripod and is very sturdy. I've used those cheap tripods before, I don't recommend them. They are very shaky and breaks very easily! I have had several cheap tripods broken before. If you are shooting videos or taking pictures as a hobby, I'd suggest you get this tripod. I agree it is a bit heavier than the cheap tripods, but overall, it is very light weight. Tripods are great for landscapes and night exposures. Highly recommended. This tripod is very rugged. I've actually bumped it on things before, no problem! It also have a panoramic feature allowing you to lock everything except the X-axis (left and right panning). You can also flip the whole assembly over and attach your camera on up-side-down for low angle photography. Comes with a convenient hook for hanging bags or other camera accessories right on the tripod (helps stabilize tripod even more).
Batteries:
So right now, I actually don't use an external flash, as my old one is not compatible with my new Canon EOS 7D. Before, with my Olympus, I've used Sanyo eneloop batteries to power my external flash. Reason? Because this battery is strong, and holds a better charge than the competitors. I get more use out of my flash that way! You won't regret getting this battery. It discharges very very slowly and can be stored for years with out it discharging completely. These batteries are also great for some 3rd party battery grips that can add more power to your camera. Here is an example.
Batteries:
So right now, I actually don't use an external flash, as my old one is not compatible with my new Canon EOS 7D. Before, with my Olympus, I've used Sanyo eneloop batteries to power my external flash. Reason? Because this battery is strong, and holds a better charge than the competitors. I get more use out of my flash that way! You won't regret getting this battery. It discharges very very slowly and can be stored for years with out it discharging completely. These batteries are also great for some 3rd party battery grips that can add more power to your camera. Here is an example.
