Jessica-uglyhedgehog.com Loc: Chicago Il.

Hi Everyone, I am new to the forum and I since I joined I have found so much useful information. I have many questions so maybe some of guys can help me? 1. I love photography especially portrait shooting. I have a nikon d3200....I am currently in photography class #1. Then I will be taking photography 2 in the spring. I wanna eventually open a business and shoot babies, weddings ect ect.....I need a better camera I know this what's better nikon or canon? I am willing to make the investment but I need a camera that is easy enough for me to learn but will carry through with me to shoot professionallyrics? Any recommendations please?

MtnMan Loc: ID

The D3200 is an excellent camera. You might stick with it for now and focus on getting the lenses you will need in the future.

To that end if you wish to go professional you will eventually need to move to an FX camera. So you should buy FX lenses. In the mean time you can use them on your D3200 as you learn.

So start with some high quality FX lenses. The FX 24-70 f2.8 is probably the Ultimate for the type of images you are considering. If money is significant the 24-85 is a real bargain and includes image stabilization to make up for its slower speed (higher min f-stop). There is a relatively new image stabilized version of the 24-70 but be sure you are sitting down when you check the price.

Since you are already learning the Nikon menu systems you'll save some frustration by sticking to it. There is no significant difference between Nikon and Canon. It is a matter of which system you learn.

If money is any issue your next step might be a D610 or D750 camera. If less so a D810. If you have all the money in the world and want to go ultimate the D5. Do some research comparisions.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi Jessica,
I suggest you get a little more experience before deciding which camera will serve you best. That said, if you are determined to get a better camera now to eventually shoot babies, weddings, use in class etc. then a D750 would be a good choice with a D7200 as a backup camera when you need one. Good luck with your future business. Take care & ...

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Take a look at the Nikon Df or the Nikon D750 - both are full featured cameras capable of carrying you decades further.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

My Daughter has had a lucrative side income shooting events and portraits using 'your' camera. You'll no doubt hear it often but it's true... It's really not so much the camera as it is the person holding it. You're approaching it right, with Photo-Class 1, then 2. Pick-up what practical information you can but most importantly, put it work using the camera you have 'till you 'become one' with it. It's capable of delivering excellent results. Good Luck. Keep us posted.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Welcome, Jessica. First, which is better? Chevy or Ford? The truth is that both Nikon and Canon are great cameras. Once you choose a brand, then study their various models. The Nikon site gives you the ability to compare different models, and it's likely the Canon site has something similar.

One can get decent photos with the cheapest from either manufacturer, but depending upon how far you want to take this craft for yourself, you'll find that typically, the more you spend on glass (lenses), the better your images will be.

So in summary, choose the brand you want to follow, then study their various models. Look at sample images from the models you consider for purchase. In so doing, you'll find the unit that you just can't live without.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Nikon or Canon? There is really not enough difference in the quality of the two, so your best option would be to go to the camera store and handle both, see which one fits best in your hand and has the features you desire. As to a better camera, since you are interested enough to make the effort to taking photography classes, you will want to think about a full frame camera, so the d750 or d810 would satisfy your needs for what you like to shoot. If you really want to go all out, and investment is not an issue, the d5 is top of the line for Nikon.

Jessica-uglyhedgehog.com Loc: Chicago Il.

Ooopppss.....*professionally

Jessica-uglyhedgehog.com Loc: Chicago Il.

Thank you guys for all your responses it helps to point me in the right direction. I have Googled and searched so much online and there is no direct answers. I also am not a fan of editing but I know that if I am going to shoot professionally I have to learn so I am as well taking photoshop classes to.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Welcome to the forum. If you are working with a Nikon now stay with it but as mentioned above learn on the d3200 and move up only when you need to. I've been a Nikon shooter since the 70's and film and I would never switch simply because I can use the lenses today on my d7200 that I was using on my old F1 and F4 film cameras. Switching cameras manufactures won't give you better pictures just more headaches, and I'd tell you the same thing if you started with a Canon.

Jessica-uglyhedgehog.com Loc: Chicago Il.

I have no words for the images I have seen shot with the nikon d5......thanks MtnMan!!!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Jessica, before you embark on the road to GAS (gear acquisition syndrome), you may want to fully exploit what you already have.

This is a series of portraits taken with your camera:

https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=portraits%20with%20D3200

And these taken with a $2500 Nikon D810

https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=portraits%20taken%20with%20D810

Not that much of a difference. The reason is that the camera and lens makes less of a difference than venue choice, composition, posing, timing, lighting, post processing, with the primary emphasis on lighting and a strong second emphasis on post processing, assuming all the other elements are reasonably under control. Good lighting and solid post processing skills will give any portrait a professional look, regardless of what camera you use.

Oh, and these were taken with an iPhone:

http://iphonephotographyschool.com/portraits/

So save your $$$, and get your skill level up. In this case, a better camera will not necessarily make you a better photographer or result in better pictures. Practice will.

As far as starting a business, this a topic for it's own thread - but before you even think about that, you'll have to either work for an established and successful photographer for a while, watching every move he/she makes, and learning the "business" side of things, or take lots of courses that may give you the benefit you'd get as an apprentice. I am not trying to take the wind out of your sails or squash your enthusiasm, but when you reach that point where you think you are ready, you will understand that being a photographer is 80% running a business, and 20% taking pictures. You can be an amazing photographer but if you lack the personality and business skills you will not be successful. On the other hand, there are legions of photographers with modest creative skills making a decent living, just because they know how to promote themselves and understand the fundamentals of customer service.

Best of luck! Save your $$$. Be the best you can be with the tools you have!

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Hi J. Welcome to the forum. As to which camera make is better ?? Both companies make wonderful cameras. While many of us have some personal preferences, I would bet you will love whichever you choose. And you will have a lot of fun making your final choice and learning your new camera. And remember, you can always trade up when you feel the need.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I have a good friend using your camera for weddings with great results, she stays busy.

BebuLamar

I am sorry and don't want to be rude but only you can answer these questions. The second best is to ask your teacher because he/she knows how much you know about photography. Asking us we just recommend what's best for us and not really what's best for you.