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
I'm dreadful Sian I literally use an iPhone for everything... I have no camera skills or knowledge whatsoever and I'm so jealous of your mad skills!! H x
ReplyDeleteYou can take amazing photos with anything these days! But it's been brilliant to learn more about photography so I can get the photos I want without needing to edit them so much after. Haha I definitely don't have skills to be jealous of, I still class myself as very much a beginner! x
DeleteI'm pretty rubbish. I have a fancy camera but no lenses etc so it takes the same kind of pics as my iPhone does at the mo lol. X
ReplyDeleteAww! Even with the standard lens if you figure out how to use the different functions you'll be onto a winner x
DeleteI have a DSLR, point & shoot and a phone camera and, since I got my point & shoot my DSLR has been mostly left behind to be honest. If we're going on a day out somewhere where I think it'd be nice to have good photos then I'll take it (eg I took it when we went to the marina the other day) but otherwise I just keep my point & shoot and my phone in my bag and use those. Phone for Instagram photos & point & shoot for quick and easy pics and some video.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pain in the bum taking the big camera out with me especially when I've got the boys. I am trying to take it out more but often revert back to phone or compact, it's just easier when I've got so much to juggle x
DeleteI have my iPhone 6+ and my Nikon D7000. I definitely prefer my DSLR but I need a new lens as I'm currently using a portrait one as the other "all rounder" got dropped. Boo.
ReplyDeleteOh nooo, can it be fixed? X
DeletePhotography is the big thing I need to sort out on my blog. I have a Canon dslr which I don't use enough, I need a decent compact too because my phone is absolutely rubbish in spite of being 20mp!xx
ReplyDeleteI think now the days will be getting longer again I will be getting out more and using my dslr are more often :) x
DeleteI think I might save up for a DSLR, I upgraded my old one to a Canon G7x which is a great compact camera and great for videos. However I would love to enhance my photo skills too.
ReplyDeleteIt's really good fun to learn on xx
DeleteSince I started my blog I always take the DSLR when I know I'm going to want photos, but you're right, it is heavy and annoying to lug around. I'm after a cannon G7x but not much chance of getting one! In the right light my iPhone doesn't do bad pics though (but in the wrong light they are horrible)
ReplyDeleteI agree that some of the best shots are taken with phones nowadays. I know some of mine have been. I use my phone (Galaxy S6), and mostly my compact system camera, a Panasonic GX7. I love it, the only places I don't take it are general day to day things and work. Any specific day trips I use a mix of the csc and my phone. I do have a good Panasonic zoom compact - TZ30, but the lense cover doesn't shut fully, so it doesn't get used much any more. Mostly just by N when he fancies taking photos.
ReplyDeleteSadly the picture quality on my phone is bad, been looking at the Sony z5 phones, as the photo quality looks fantastic. Also really want to invest in a compact camera like the olympus pen or something. Haha so many wants so little money :p xx
ReplyDeleteI'm like Olivia (above), I have a DSLR, had it for years, but it hardly comes out for the sake of convenience. I just got a compact bridge camera which is so much more convenient, and my phone is a Samsung K-Zoom which is built for photography and has a great lens and software. I must try harder with photos!
ReplyDeleteI end up using my phone for nearly everything! I really must venture into the world of photography a little more seriously now!! Great post x
ReplyDeleteMy biggest hindrance is photos. I am not skilled. That is the next thing on my list to learn more about and I am happy to hear that I could learn to take good photos with my phone to start. Eventually I'd like to get a nicer camera. I'll start by researching lighting. Thank you for this post. It was informative and encouraging!
ReplyDeleteA smeared look can likewise be made from the higher ISO's or long exposures. The vast majority of the commotion will by and large show itself in the darker territories of your picture. This is an essential indicate focus on if your photography requires higher ISO settings, evening time or long exposures camera with flip screen.
ReplyDeleteI love this article so much cam
ReplyDelete