I've met a few people in this forum, and invariably the issue of cost always crops up in our banter. So here's my $0.02 worth (give or take a 7% inflation rate ;p)..
Most people have the assumption that photography is expensive. In the days of yore and films, nothing could be further from the truth. Film was a running cost, along with processing and storage costs (photo albums, film folders, etc). And the lack of a saturated market ensured that the price of cameras remain fairly constant on high prices (mainly due to a less well-off economy and population).
However, the arrival of computer technology and digital storage heralded an unprecedented shakeup of the photography market. Prices came down, equipment became better, and as the population became more well-off, it became a hobby which almost everyone and enyone could take up.
Now, then how did this "high cost" issue came into the picture? Let's take a look at an example of a newcomer, P..
P has never owned a camera, though he sometimes uses his phone camera to take candid shots. So he decides that perhaps he should get a DSLR package so that he can take better shots, and join photo outings with his friends who do have DSLRs..
So, P picks up an average DSLR package for a $1000. Basic 10MP model, a regular 14-45 kit lens, 2 batteries, a battery holder and a 4GB card. Plus he got a free 3-section tripod that is about 1.5m fully extended. So he's ready to go shoot some photos..
While he's out with his friends at the Zoo on his first photog outing, he quickly realises that he can't take closeups of the animals as well as his friends. Well, sure with a 14-45 you are not going to get the nose hairs of the Zebra. So he decides that he's going to shell out about $600 for a 70-300.
On the next outing with his friends at the Botanic Gardens, he's happily snapping away with both lenses, when he realises that his friend could take a high quality closeup shot of the bee hovering on the flower. He finds out that such shots can be taken...if you have a macro lens. Armed with that insight, he shells out about $900 for a good one.
So, now equipped with 3 lenses on his next outing, he follows them downtown on a walkabout shoot, and is suddenly confronted with a broad scene to shoot which he can't squeeze into his 14-45. Well he could...if he could float on water. He notices a fellow photog managed to shoot it..and is introduced into the world of the 11mm. Yup, you guessed it...another $1000.
So, after spending $3500 on the DSLR kit and 3 lenses, he suddenly realises that he can't take good shots of the F1 night race, cos the lenses were 5.6, and to the camera, the lights aren't really that bright. Plus the high ISO makes his subjects grainy, which he deems is not good enough, considering what the F1 magazine photos were showing..
The next morning, he mortgages part of his house in order to buy a 600mm F2 for the next night race. But bad news was soon to come...a rival brand has just released the new DSLR with an ISO of 500000000. So there really won't be a need for a $14,000 lens after all...as long as he can sell it all away and buy the rival brand.
You can see where this story is now headed. Now look around you, and identify that fellow in your group who has already embarked on this path. And don't lie :nono:...there is always at least one person you know who is like P. So, who's ringing up the cost here? P or the camera company? Is it his own impatience or did the company put a gun to his head?
Here's my advice, which I have given out countless times, to people who want to start photography...as a HOBBY / PASTIME. (Professionals need not apply):
1. Get a DSLR kit YOU feel comfortable..not what the neighbour's dog deems good. Its YOUR money, YOUR hands and YOUR decision. You can ask for experiences and details from fellow photogs...but nothing beats going down to the shop and holding it in your hand. You don't ask your friend to help you pick a wife, do you?
2. Stick with the kit lens. I repeat, stick with the kit lens. Do not be tempted to spend additional money buying another lens...that will come later. Use the kit lens first.
3. Join as many photog outings as possible. It doesn't matter what sort. It could be models, night shoots, walkabouts, nature, architectural, studio...whatever it is, just join them. The reason is simple: YOU have to know the LIMITS of your own DSLR. YOU have to know your OWN limits. Keeping the camera in a glass cupboard does not work.
4. USE the camera, USE the camera, USE the camera. Do not be anal retentive and lose your sleep over a scratch on the camera body. You spent good money on it, so the least you can do is use it. If your intention in maintaining its perfect condition is to sell it away...go open a camera shop.
5. After at least A YEAR of shooting, sit down and decide what sort of themes or subjects are your favourite. Do not be a hero and try to shoot every single subject in the world...it is not possible. If you like cars and aircraft, you are probably into high-speed themes. If you like cosplays or models, you are geared more towards human portraits themes.
This is very important. The themes must be something you like...not what your friend or mother's uncles's son's girlfriend's pet monkey likes. Its all about YOU. Therefore do not force yourself into themes for stupid reasons..like "because I can take downblouse shots" or "I get free passes into concerts". Nothing's worse than shooting themes where your passion is like a dead fish.
6. Once you have decided on your fave themes, then spend money to buy camera gear specifically tailored for those themes. If you like nature shoots, then you might save your bucks for a F4 400mm or even a macro. Do not be distracted into spending money on other non-essential gear. You are a photographer first..not a camera whore.
and my last advice:
7. If you find yourself in a photog group consisting of camera/brand whores and pixel counters...GET THE HELL OUT!! Those people would not do you any favours, except putting "subtle" pressure and mindsets into you. You will end up always feeling just that little bit inferior because someone keeps on proudly proclaiming about the 400mm F2 lens.
REMEMBER, you shoot for yourself and nobody else. Nobody's going to give you a gold medal if you own every single mother lens in the catalogue. Nobody cares and I certainly don't give a rat's ass. You are shooting for your own enjoyment..the key word is ENJOYMENT. There is no reason to sell your whole family just to buy camera gear.
If you feel that its unfair that you can't capture the same shots as others...always remember this...LIFE IS UNFAIR!!
Lastly, have fun and shoot fun! :bsmilie:
