Trying to decide on what camera to buy for your blog and photography can be quite overwhelming. There are so many brands and type of cameras out there, in a wide range of prices and with a ton of bells and whistles. Over the years I have bought and returned quite a bit of photo equipment, not only for my blog but just in general. Your image quality on your blog is your selling point; you can create an entire look and feel of your brand through your images, so it’s important to use equipment that can capture that style and that feels most comfortable to you. I wanted to provide a few tips and recommendations for cameras and photography equipment for your blog based on my own personal experience – so I hope this will be helpful for fellow bloggers out there.

Point & Shoot Compact Cameras

As soon as digital photography became a “thing” (you know, when you stopped using film and also stopped bringing disposable cameras out in public – God I miss those) I got my first point and shoot camera. A point and shoot camera is small handheld camera that usually has not interchangeable lenses. It’s a size that can fit in the palm of your hand and some are thin enough to fit in a back pocket. My first point and shoot camera was a Canon PowerShot. Canon makes so many versions and models of the PowerShot so you can pick one that fits your price range, but overall it has always been a really reliable good camera for party pictures, out and about shots and easy to toss into a purse on the go.

Since then I have upgraded my current point and shoot camera to the Nikon J4 which I absolutely LOVE! This one I have been using a lot lately, especially when I am not at home and just want to capture things quickly. I also use this camera to film my workout videos since I like to not make it so obvious that I am filming and it is small enough that it stays hidden in public places. This camera is great in low lighting and also for macro photography (up close images for details of things like jewelry or food shots). I like that it also uses touch screen image capture and I can shoot pretty good video on it too. This one you can also buy lenses for.

DSLR Cameras

About five years ago I bought my very first “big girl camera” also known as a DSLR. I went into NYC and visited B&H which is an amazing photography store where you can hold and test out cameras (that’s a big suggestion I have when purchasing a DSLR, go to a store you can pick up and hold the cameras to see which feel best to you). Some are heavier or bulkier than others so you want to really test them out for feel and size. I wound up getting the Canon Rebel XS with the kit lens 18-54 and a ton of accessories. I don’t know if Canon makes this camera anymore but they make tons of newer version of the Rebels. These are a very good, basic entry level DSLR and I learned so much on this camera. It was my work horse for years!

This image was shot using the Canon 6D and 35mm L Lens

After 4 years I decided to invest in my cameras and purchased the Canon 60D and my first L prime lens which was the 24-70mm. I love this lens and the pictures come out amazing! I also picked up a 50mm 1.8 lens for macro photography and up close images like when I meal prep or make recipes. I love this camera especially for filming video because it has a pop out and swivel view finder screen so I can see myself as I film video. This is great when you want to make sure you are staying in the frame and in focus. This camera is my absolute favorite to date!

Last year I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Canon 6D camera body and a new lens; the 35mm L prime lens. These two were much more expensive and to be honest, while I absolutely love this lens I’m not overly impressed with the camera body. I prefer the Canon 60D over the Canon 6D. I like the speed of the shudder button, the swivel screen and overall the feel of the 60D more, even though it’s a less expensive model.

I shot this image of my dog Lola with the Canon 60D with a 50mm 1.8 lens

Handheld Video Cameras

I use my Nikon J4 & Canon 60D for video but I also have a Canon Vixia HD palm camera. This video camcorder is great for vlogging and quick outdoor clips. It has since been discontinued by Canon but it was a great addition to my set up. I have used this in the gym before and like the easy to use push button recording and it auto focuses as well.

Smartphones

You’d be surprised how many pictures I took on my iPhone that I love more than any of my fancier cameras. I used my iPhone a lot in the beginning of my blogging journey and I still use my iPhone 6 to this day! I even shoot video on it and edit it with the iMovie app. Never underestimate the quality images you can take on a phone with beautiful natural light.

Camera Accessories I recommend

I highly recommend investing in back up batteries and an additional wall charger. There are so many times my battery will die and I don’t want to wait for it to recharge. I also suggest investing in a Diva Ring Light for beauty and portrait photos and video for beauty bloggers lighting set up. Invest in a good tripod to position your camera when shooting video or photos. Lastly, get a remote shutter button in case you find yourself without a partner to take your images.

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