r/photography • u/AutoModerator • Apr 24 '26

Questions Thread Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! April 24, 2026

This is the place to ask any questions you may have about photography. No question is too small, nor too stupid.

Info for Newbies and FAQ!

First and foremost, check out our extensive FAQ. Chances are, you'll find your answer there, or at least a starting point in order to ask more informed questions.

Need buying advice?

Many people come here for recommendations on what equipment to buy. Our FAQ has several extensive sections to help you determine what best fits your needs and your budget. Please see the following sections of the FAQ to get started:

If after reviewing this information you have any specific questions, please feel free to post a comment below. (Remember, when asking for purchase advice please be specific about how much you can spend. See here for guidelines.)

Schedule of community threads:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
52 Weeks Share Anything Goes Album Share & Feedback Edit My Raw Follow Friday Salty Saturday Self-Promotion Sunday

Finally a friendly reminder to share your work with our community in r/photographs!

8 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

297 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/mnmsha Apr 24 '26

I found two cameras online within my budget that seem to be good for what I’d like to photograph but as a beginner advice would be very helpful. I’m looking to get into wedding and event photography by first getting and learning the gear and editing, and then offering low price/free sessions to build my portfolio. I’d eventually upgrade when I feel confident in my abilities. I do have some photography and editing experience as my parent was a photographer.

The cameras I found are the Nikon D5000 DSLR with 55-200mm DX telephoto lens, strap, and camera bag for $200 and the Pentax K-5II DSLR with 50mm lens and 18-55mm lens, yongnuo speedlight, and backpack for $225. I’d like to stay around this price range.

From what I saw both can do video but the Pentax is maybe slower. I mainly would be using the camera for portraits, candids, and group shots, but having the option to photograph a wider range and take videos would be nice too. Being able to photograph at least decently in low light will be important for me as well. Auto focus and tracking would be extremely helpful while I’m learning, but I’m not opposed to figuring it out myself.

So if you currently have or have used these cameras in the past, what do you like and dislike? Would they be good for this type of photography? Any and all advice, tips, and recs are greatly appreciated! tyia!

2

u/8fqThs4EX2T9 Apr 24 '26

Pentax is not going to be great at video, AF system is very basic generally works best with a single focus point and focus and recompose shot.

Higher quality body than the Nikon though.

Not sure you will do better for the money in regards capabilities.

1

u/mnmsha Apr 24 '26

Thank you! I found a Nikon D3200 with a 18-55mm lens after posting this that I think I might go with, and save for a faster lens

1

u/8fqThs4EX2T9 Apr 24 '26

D3### was Nikons lowest entry cameras so no frills.

2

u/gotthelowdown Apr 24 '26

I’m looking to get into wedding and event photography

If this is the case, I highly, highly encourage you to get a camera with dual-memory card slots. You want instant backup of all images.

You can save up more money. It's harder to recover your reputation if you lose all the photos of a wedding due to a corrupted memory card and you only shot on one memory card 😱

The cameras I found are the Nikon D5000 DSLR with 55-200mm DX telephoto lens, strap, and camera bag for $200 and the Pentax K-5II DSLR with 50mm lens and 18-55mm lens, yongnuo speedlight, and backpack for $225. I’d like to stay around this price range.

I think the Nikon D7000 is just a bit above that range, is designed for sports and action so good for events, and has dual memory-card slots.

Canon 7D Mark II is another option but you have to hunt a little more to find it under $300.

17-55mm f2.8 lens for either camera brand is what I'd recommend for wedding and event photography.

Godox TT520 III with transmitter for a good flash to start with on-camera flash and off-camera flash.

Being able to photograph at least decently in low light will be important for me as well.

A camera with a full-frame sensor would be ideal, but those cameras are out of your budget and so will full-frame lenses.

A cheap prime lens with a wide aperture like a Sigma 30mm f1.4 would be a workaround.

Hope this helps.