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New to Photography? Start Here!

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Cameras Made Easy: Top Picks for Beginner Photographers

 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
This was my first professional camera when I started photography, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better one to learn on. The Canon 5D Mark III has a full-frame sensor and 22.3 megapixels, so the image quality is incredible. It is rich, deta...
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3MP Full Frame CMOS
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
I used the Canon EOS Rebel T7 during college for three years, and honestly, it was one of the easiest cameras to learn on. It’s perfect for beginners.  It has very good image quality, simple controls, and a comfortable grip. The Rebel T7 helped me get the hang of the basics without feeling overwhelmed, and it was a great companion as I built my photography skills.
Shop Canon EOS Rebel T7 EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS II
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
Sony will always be my favorite when it comes to sharpness and picture quality! The Sony a6000 really surprised me with how fast and smooth it captured each shot. I used it for a project, and it made everything flow so much faster. This camera is com...
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
My uncle always used to brag about his Nikon camera, and I never really understood the hype until I had the chance to use it myself. I attended an event with him and got to play around with the camera for a couple of hours, and I totally get why he l...
Nikon D3500 w/ AF-P DX 18-55mm VR

Start Sharp: Best Lenses Every Beginner Photographer Should Own

 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
This was the first lens I ever used when I started photography, and it quickly became one of my favorites. It’s perfect for portraits, product photos, and pretty much anything else you want to capture. A must-have for beginners, this lens is both aff...
EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
’ve had this lens for about 5 years now, and it’s still going strong! I’ve used it for all sorts of things: family photos, portraits, landscapes, and even weddings. It’s an affordable prime lens, but the sharpness and clarity it delivers are amazing....
ART 35mm F1.4 DG HSM
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 is a highly regarded lens, especially for photographers who want versatility and top-tier performance. The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 has been an absolute game-changer for me. The zoom range is perfect for capturing wide shots and th...
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Gear Up: Must-Have Accessories for New Photographers

 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
I recommend finding a bag that’s not too bulky but still offers enough space for your essentials. The Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW is one of my favorites because of its modular dividers, so I can customize it based on what I’m carrying that day. It’s als...
ProTactic 350 AW - LP36771-PWW
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
A sturdy, adjustable tripod is a must-have for capturing sharp, blur-free images, especially when it comes to long-exposure shots, landscapes, or even self-portraits. If you're just starting out and looking for something budget-friendly, the AmazonBa...
Amazon Basics 60in Lightweight Tripod w/ Bag
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
Keeping your gear clean is essential, and a good lens cleaning kit makes all the difference. I always carry a LensPen in my bag. The LensPen is perfect for wiping off smudges. It’s simple but effective, and it helps keep my gear in top shape, so I’m ...
Camera Clean Solutions: Home of LensPen® Products
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
The Giottos Rocket Air Blower has been a game-changer in keeping my gear dust-free. I use it to clean my lenses and camera sensors, and it works like a charm.
Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster Large
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
When it comes to memory cards, I always trust SanDisk Extreme. These cards are a lifesaver, especially during long shoots. The write speed is fast enough to keep up with continuous shooting and 4K video, so I never have to worry about lag or missed m...
128GB SD Cards
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
The Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT was one of the best upgrades I made early on in my photography journey. I quickly realized that the built-in flash just wasn’t cutting it, especially for indoor shoots or dim settings. This external flash gave me so m...
Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
The Seagate Backup Plus has been my go-to for backing up all my photo sessions. As a photographer, I’ve learned the hard way that storage fills up fast and losing files is not an option. This drive is super easy to use, reliable, and offers plenty of...
Seagate Backup Plus Portable Hard Drive 5TB Black
 
Hamalya Comeau profile picture
When I first started out, I didn’t think filters were that important until I tried them. UV filters are great for protecting your lens (trust me, it’s way cheaper to replace a filter than a lens). ND filters became my favorite for shooting in bright ...
Should You Use a UV Filter on Your Lens?