Camera
Most people use Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras and some are now swapping to mirrorless.
The full range of canon cameras can be found by typing Canon camera comparison into wikipedia.
Full frame cameras have a bigger sensor so take a bigger image and record more detail and more light. They are also more expensive and used for landscape and portrait pictures.
For sports and wildlife the ASP-C is used which is called a crop sensor this takes a smaller image but increases that by 1.6 so making the recorded image bigger.
Some of the new Canon Mirrorless R can offer both within one camera and what you see in the viewfinder is what you will capture.
When choosing a camera consider is it waterproof and frame rate ( number of pictures per second it can take).
Note walking around a large nature reserve carrying a heavy camera and long lenses requires a better strap being wider that the standard canon to stop it cutting into you.
If taking landscapes or to avoid camera shake making your image blurred it is best to take a tripod or a monopod( a single leg version) and use a remote control device avoiding the need to press the button.
Do not forget You should carry a spare battery
Whatever camera you have you should study the manual in depth to understand its features.
Lenses
The full range of canon cameras can be found by typing Canon lens comparison into wikipaedia.
There are three main makes Canon , Sigma, Tamron. Canon L series are by far the best but also the most expensive they have a distinctive red ring around the lens barrel. Sigma are good and cheaper. On a third level of quality are Tamron lenses. Each manufacturer has their own initials to describe their lenses and you need to know these before buying.
Do not forget the lens is more important than the camera body.
Do not forget When buying a lens always try and get image stabilisation that stops hand held camera shake.
EF lenses are for full frame and ASP-C , EF-S are for ASP-C only.
Always fit lens covers when not in use to save getting dust in the lens.
CANON PHOTOPLUS MAGAZINE carries a lens comparison section with prices guide
The table below recommends some of the most suitable lenses for a style of photography.
Sigma 10-20 ex |
Canon 24-70 L |
Canon 70-200 L |
Canon 100-400 Mk1 |
Canon 24-105 L |
Canon 70-300 L |
Canon 100-400 Mk2 | |
Sigma 150-500 Sigma 150-600 | |||
Landscape |
Portrait |
Sports |
Wildlife |
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Groups |
Action |
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Buildings |
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