Teen Photographer Camera Buying Guide

As teens, what photography equipment we should buy is always a difficult decision. First of all, we’re always on a budget. Without any reliable source of income (beyond part-time jobs or allowances), it’s not like we can buy top-of-the-line stuff all the time.

My advice is to scour the pages of Craigslist and eBay. I bought my DSLR and lenses all via used products websites. Buying used will save you hundreds of dollars.

Here are 4 tips on buying your first camera and lens:

1) Buy a DSLR, body only. A DSLR at minimum might cost you only $200, if you buy a Nikon D40 or a Canon XTi through eBay or Craigslist. Having a DSLR gives you so much more potential than a compact camera.

2) Skip the default lenses. Don’t buy kit lenses, such as the 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 that is bundled with most beginner DSLRs these days. They are sluggish, cheap, and have a dim aperture range.

3) Buy a lens with f/2.8 or lower. Try to get a normal zoom (18-50 f/2.8) with an aperture that doesn’t change when you zoom (called constant-aperture). Or, get a prime lens, such as a 35mm or 50mm lens, with aperture f/1.8 or f/1.4. This will allow you to set higher shutter speeds and lower ISOs to get the sharpest pictures possible.

4) Skip the latest cameras if on a budget. Unless you find a killer deal, buy a previous-generation line of cameras. They will do the job just fine, and will come at a dramatically lower price than the latest cameras. If you have the money to spare though, buy a midline camera, such as a Canon 60D or a Nikon D7000.

 

Budget Shooters

Budget: 400 to 700

Canon

BODY: Canon Rebel XTi, XSi, or 40D

LENS:  Canon 50mm f/1.8

Nikon

BODY: Nikon D70, D80, D90

LENS: Nikon 50mm f/1.8

 

Prosumer Shooters

Budget: 750 to 1300

Canon

BODY: 50D, 60D,

LENS: Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 18-50 f/2.8

Nikon

BODY: D300,  D7000, D300s

LENS: Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 18-50 f/2.8, Nikon 35mm f/1.8

 

Pro Shooters

Budget: 1350 and above

Canon

BODY: Canon 7D, 5D Mark 2

LENS:  Canon 24-70 f/2.8

Nikon

BODY:  Nikon D300s, Nikon D7000, Nikon D700

LENS: Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Justin Lai

Justin Lai

I'm a sixteen year old photographer from Austin, Texas. I launched Teen Photo in the summer of 2011, the first website dedicated to the growth and collaboration of young photographers. Since then, the site has grown enormously and garnered a lot of support in the photo industry. You can check out my other project, a new magazine for young adults and adolescents at www.neosmagazine.com.