As the saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words, so a camera is a top of the list when it comes to blogger essentials. Having great photos shows your readers more of your perspective, develops your blog's voice and also helps you to stand out from the crowd. There are some bloggers out there whose photos I instantly recognise because of their photography style. But more on that another day. Today I'm talking about which camera to use: there are three types of camera I use for my blog photos - and life in general!
Compact digital: Compact cameras are awesome thanks to their lightweight, small size and ability to produce rich, high quality images. Nowadays compacts such as Panasonic Super Zoom Cameras come with a huge level of creative control that you would normally expect to find only on more complex systems, such as adjustable aperture, manual focus and large sensors. They're a budget-friendly option and especially great if you're just starting out with photography. I find them best for days out with the children, especially when I'm going to be super active too and I don't want to be lugging a heavy camera.
DSLR: As I got more interested in photography I decided to get a DSLR. The manual controls, great picture quality and interchangeable lenses make them a winner with lots of bloggers and photographers. I have a Canon 760D and have two lenses for it. The standard 18-55mm lens kit and then my beloved 50mm 1.8f lens which I use all the time. It's has a fixed focal length and a wide open aperture which lets in loads of light and gives a shallow depth of field to create a gorgeous creamy hazy background.
There is a whole world of lenses depending on your needs and photography style and there are lots of places that will buy or part exchange your camera if you decide to upgrade. They really are a great investment. I love my DSLR for taking gorgeous portrait shots of my boys, product shots, close up nature shots, pretty much everything really!
There is a whole world of lenses depending on your needs and photography style and there are lots of places that will buy or part exchange your camera if you decide to upgrade. They really are a great investment. I love my DSLR for taking gorgeous portrait shots of my boys, product shots, close up nature shots, pretty much everything really!
Phone camera: Despite having a cracking DSLR and a compact digital camera, I'd say at least a third of my photos are taken on my phone. You just can't beat a phone when it comes to speed and convenience. When I want or need to share a photo quickly, on Instagram for example, my phone is my go-to camera and some of my best photos have been taken on it. Getting the best lighting is key to any photo and with good lighting you can get fantastic photos using a phone, so don't despair if your budget isn't quite stretching to a new camera just yet.
What camera do you use and what do you love about it?
*Written in collaboration with Panasonic. Quite Frankly She Said is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk
