What kinds of cameras do you use for professional photography?

Hi Olivia,

On this link there is some cameras used by professionals. The material contain the photo of each camera.

"National Geographic photographers reveal the cameras they use to capture world-renowned pictures- Dan Westergren, director of photography, National Geographic Travel"

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/travel-photographers-favorite-cameras/#/canon-5d-mkiii_86450_600x450.jpg

Amazing!!!

I use Nikon digital cameras because they (and Canons) are the best for what I do, which is portraiture outdoors. However, for someone just starting, Nikon cameras are expensive and money is usually a big factor in choosing a "starter" camera. I used Pentax film cameras for many years until I could afford what I consider the best. Even a point-and-shoot camera will get you started. (But get one with a real viewfinder.)

More important than cameras, however, is to train your eyes to SEE what's in front of you. See the light and shadow, shapes and colors and practice composition. There's frequently an interesting photograph in just a little slice of the whole picture that you're used to seeing. Learn to isolate what's interesting in the middle of what you see. And learn how the camera handles extreme bright and extreme dark. (The digital image captures only a fraction of what the eye sees and photographers learn how to condense the great range of light into what your camera can handle.)

So in summary: it's complicated. But almost anything is complicated at first. That can be welding, teaching, carpentry, medicine --- whatever. So read practice and learn. It takes time. Start now.

I'm personally a fan of Sony Alpha cameras, they may not be as popular as Canon or Nikon because they don't advertise as much but Sony is a leader in image processing technology. In fact, every iPhone uses components made by Sony for their cameras. Sony cameras are also widely used in the medical industry to get the best images for diagnosing and treating illnesses. My personal favorite is the Sony NEX-6 which is a couple years old now, or their newer award winning Sony a7 line of cameras.

And if you're the more adventurous type you should look into getting a GoPro! Many professional photographers will use the GoPro Hero4 Black to take pro-quality photos and video. It has features such as time-lapse video, night-lapse, 4K video, burst photo, etc. GoPros are being widely used in the film industry and you might have noticed it in the new Ridley Scott movie The Martian. GoPro does sponsor professional photographers so if you're lucky one day you could be featured too!

Full frame cameras are a standard in "professional photography". I use a Sony A7rii my self. But when you are learning invest in what you can get your hands on!

I use a Canon Digital SLR - you can look on Canon's website for all their digital SLR cameras. The prices range from something you could probably save up for soon to cameras that cost thousands of dollars. Professional photographers often use cameras in the range of the 5D Mark III or the 1D. The most important thing with photography is that you start taking photos now - with whatever camera you can get a hold of. The tool is just one part of the equation. The technique is, in many ways, more important. You can start taking photos now with your phone, for example, and practice getting the framing, exposure and feel of the photos right. I'd also recommend following great photographers on Instagram or online.

I have always been a huge fan of Nikon cameras ever since my grandfather got me involved in photography when I was young.

If you have some friends who have cameras, test each out to see what it feels like as you hold it and take a few shots.

Depending on the type of photography you pursue you may need anything from a $40,000 high end system to something as simple as a prosumer camera that may cost you $800. As your art progresses and you learn the tools of your trade you will learn the limitations of your camera.

Remember the camera is the tool, the photography behind it is your knowledge, creativity and attention to the small details.

Any camera will suffice. The industry has become very accepting of any type of camera usage from $5000 professional DSLR's to camera phones, not to mention the quality of such camera phones are only getting better. I've met a few professional photographers in the field of documentary photography who have resorted only to their iPhone 6 claiming that the picture quality is more than enough and their is a sense of freedom when travelling because you don't have the load of camera equipment nor do you have to worry about theft or accommodations.

You don't have to wait until you're older. If you only have access to a point and shoot, focus on composition and light control. Great photos have been taken long before the invention of the DSLR.

I use Sony products. Mostly because it's what I started out with and I got used to it. As I upgrade camera bodies, I can still use my favorite lenses. Sony is also great for all of the features that they pack into a camera. I have used Nikon cameras, and they are also nice, just different.

Based on my experience, I have used various cameras over the years from film, DSLR, iPhones and GoPro cameras. Each camera is unique based on the type of photography I'm interested. For example, I tend to use my GoPro with for more creative and point of view shots that require a wide angle view. With the GoPro's HERO4 ProTune features for photos, it acts as if it was a pseudo RAW file that I have similar to my DSLR cameras RAW files. This provide a lot more flexibility when editing.

When I do need more detail in my photos with various camera focal lengths, I stick to my Canon 5d Mark III. This camera is quite an investment, but more importantly, I find that investing in the lenses help create more variety in the long term of your photo career. There will always by new bodies coming out every year, but lenses are always going to be suitable investment if you plan to go professionally. Nowadays, I'm about to try the mirrorless cameras from the Sony Alpha series, and plan to use a lens adapter for my Canon lenses to fit on the Sony body itself.

For a more in depth hands on experience, I would advise to borrow cameras with either your family, friends, or rental services online. Always remember though, it's how you use the camera and not about how much it cost. The best camera is the one that's with you.

I use Nikon

HI,

Depends on the output the client wants. I use full frame cameras often. I prefer to shoot medium format film so the prints can be enlarged significantly. Plus I do a lot of custom artistic work so I use a Mamiya C330 Professional model F for this work. This is a very affordable option to start with if you like to shoot film.

Savannah

Hi Olivia,
First thing is it is not the camera that is important, it's the person behind the camera. I use both Nikon and Sony, but Canon also makes great cameras. Any camera works though as I also shoot with my cell. Take your time and look online for free videos (YouTube) has tons of them to show you how the cameras work. That will give you an idea as to what brand you might like. You can also try renting a camera or two for a weekend before you buy one.

I have been using Nikons since 1985 when I bought my first camera. I can still remember standing at the counter of the photography supply store while the salesperson brought out different camera models (this was before digital!). I held each one in my hand and would raise the viewfinder up to my eye. The Nikon fit nicely into the palm of my left hand while my other hand wrapped around the right side perfectly positioned to the shutter release.
It was a very simple model- no added bells and whistles because that was what I could afford before I started my portrait business. I loved it, though and I still have it!

Find a camera that feels good in your hands, is easy to use and is priced to your budget. It doesn't have to be fancy to take beautiful pictures.