Do I really need a new Camera?

This is the age old question every new photographer is always asking. Do I really need a new camera? Well there isn’t a quick answer to this question because there are simply too many variable you need to include in your specific situation. My first response as a very skilled photographer with many years of experience is no you do not need a new camera if you already own a digital camera. The truth is that if you can somehow manage to learn the basics of photography it applies to every camera on the market regardless of brand. I like comparing it to cars because everyone understands what’s going on. All cars will get you from point A to B but not all cars can do it in luxury, while off-road, at top top speeds, fuel efficiently, or while carrying all your stuff or friends. Get the point? You are also able to add on features which can make your car more useful to you, like hitch’s, roof racks, and lift kits.

Using the same car analogy you can also have a very basic camera and add all kinds of good accessories to make that camera more useful for you. Not to mention that all those accessories will still be good additions to any camera you may decide to upgrade to later on in your journey if you decide to stick with the same brand of camera. It is always my recommendation to first learn the basics before you decide to buy any addition to your camera setup. doing so will save you a lot of heartache and a lot of cash as well. If you get anything from this article, this is what I want you to get . I wasted a lot of money on stuff that didn’t make my photography any better yet made the process more and more complicated. It is a lot like trying to solve a problem without knowing all factors or steps needed to come to a final resolution. Don’t let this be you.

Canon 1D MK III in poorly lit hall using a three light setup with one on camera Speedlight.

Adding light to your photography is the single best and fastest way to greatly improve your photography. The photo above really shows what can be done with a few added lights in your setup. Photography is after all about gathering light to make an impression on your camera’s sensor. So the second thing I want you to always remember is that good light equals good photos period. This means you either have to have good light already available or you need to put in your own good light. That is what leads me to always invest in good lighting. Good flashes and LED lights are always a very good investment in improving your photography. The cost of adding lights is now very affordable compared to a few years back. This affiliate link to Adorama Cameras will show you just how inexpensive basic flash photography can be. If you should use the link I will gain a small commission with no extra cost to you, to keep this BLOG going. Plus, you can use these flashes with any camera you decide to pickup in the future which is always great.

Second in line for me would be to buy the best glass you can afford. Now, this is where you really start to put your money where your mouth is because GOOD glass or lens are expensive. Most if not all Canon L glass is north of $1.000 dollars which means it cost as much or twice as much as your camera. Even with these crazy prices, it is a solid investment if you plan to someday become a professional. Again this type of investment will carry over to any camera you choose to get in the future. The thing with L glass is that if you know your basics these lenses can improve image quality fivefold with 1.2f or 1.4f apertures. It is simply because the lens lets in a lot more light than your kit lens and better light means better photos as I talked about earlier in this article.

So the long answer is, you do not need a new camera body right now. Spend your money on better accessories and educate yourself and you will start to see a difference in your photography We hope you are enjoying this blog, it comes from years of experience and mistakes I have made as a photographer over the years. I hope it is helpful and informative.