A friend of mine is just starting her journey into DSLR Photography, and I took the time to reflect on the equipment she has and the nature of choosing the right equipment for your ability. In her case she’s ideally placed for her learning with her entry level Canon, kit IS Lens and long reach IS Lens.

But I have seen in the past people who have money to burn who go all out buying expensive kit, which is not suited to them at all! It is easy to assume that if you buy a pro camera, that the quality of your shots will match a professional’s, but the fact is I have seen professionals using cheaper bodies and equipment that outshines the amateur with the flashy kit.

When choosing your equipment, try to not aim too high. If you are an amateur learning the ropes then a Canon 1000D will produce the same results in your hands as a Canon 1Ds MkIII. This is not meant to be an insult to your ability, but it is a fact that you will be learning much of the principles of photography, and the cheaper body will do perfectly for this. Buying a more expensive body will end up causing you frustration with it’s infinite buttons, and you run the risk of using the camera in a limited capacity.

If you do have money to burn but starting out, the best place to be spending that on quality Lenses. The quality of the glass, the stabilisation, the Bokeh, the build quality are all things which become limiting factors in your photography. The less of any of these qualities, will cause you to reach limits in your photography, that an expensive body alone can’t fix.

Now this is not to say there is no merit in buying above your level. If you are willing to give the time and effort needed to really learn the skills, then you will grow into the more expensive body, but my advice still is to look at the Lenses being the limiting factor to your photography.

Above all else, there is a great case for going down to your local camera shop, or a reasonable larger chain like Jacobs in the UK, and discussing what it is you want to do with your photography, and get some sound advice from them. But I would urge caution dealing with large national chains, who’se reputation for consistently impartial advice and not upsells are not the strongest.