Basic Equipment you need

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English Language Teaching in Japan

Basic Equipment you need

Many beginners are a little shy to ask, as it seems like such a basic question, but it's not. If you don't have the right gear, then it shows in the quality of photos you take. Also, know that different specialisations of photography will call on slightly different gear for varying needs. But this is just a starter.

This (below) is roughly in order of importance.

An old Minolta film camera and zoom lenses.

Gear	Info	More Info:
Camera body	Digital is great, as you don't need to process and pay for your mistakes; and you get instant results. But compared with film cameras, where you'd need to replace them once every ten years, digital cameras need to be replaced about every 3 to 5 years (to keep up with changes)	Latest info...
Lenses	There's three kinds: High end 'glass', brilliant results but really expensive Mid-range glass, good results, and gives fairly good value for money. 'Kit' glass, almost below average in quality, but quite affordable Second hand, the more you pay, the better the quality. This is my preferred option for getting quality, nowadays.	Basic info...
Tripod + remote release	To me, this defines the difference between a pro-level photographer, and an average photographer. A Pro-level photographer never leaves home without a tripod (and remote release), and makes extensive use of these. What brand of tripod is good? I don't know, any that holds a camera steady is fine.	Sample uses: Sunrise Fireworks
Filters	The first you usually need is polariser, then Neutral Density, and then for whatever specialisation you're into. What brand? If you see 'Basic info' (right) I recommend Cokin for good reasons.	Basic info...
Flash	For many people, this is essential kit. Honestly, mine broke more than a year ago and I've survived without it. But then, I've got studio strobes, so that doesn't count. Get a good one with a large Guide Number (GN: The distance the light can be seen = it's strength).	Also see: Mini studios

Gear	Info	More Info:
Camera bag	I don't like the 'traditional' over the shoulder bag anymore; it's handy for quick lens changes, but it's a killer on your shoulders. I now use a backpack combo: the bottom is for camera gear, and the top is your lunch and beer cans. Make sure there's a way to attach your tripod.
Memory Cards	Two schools of thought: you can fit more pictures onto a single large card than two half-sized ones; but why keep all your eggs in one basket. Me? I don't care, my cards are reliable and have never had any problems.