Use a DSLR
You need the appropriate camera equipment in order to adequately capture your pet's personality, quirks and all. Some may say that the best camera is the one with you or the one you already have in your hand and that may be true to some degree. However, it would be a lot harder trying to get pro quality results using a camera phone or a point and shoot camera. I'm not saying that it's not possible, but it can be quite frustrating.
My suggestion is to use a digital SLR for its versatility.
Because this guide is aimed at amateurs, I will be recommending mostly entry level equipment at affordable to moderate prices. You don’t really have to spend thousands of dollars and buy pro level equipment to get pro level quality photos. However, I will also mention pro level equipment for those of you who have money to buy them.
Please note that I'm a Canon user, but there's usually an equivalent camera equipment in other brands. One thing to keep in mind is that good photography doesn't necessarily depend on the best camera equipment, but the photographer behind the camera. Having better equipment does help a lot though! :)
Camera Body
=> Canon EOS Digital Rebel Camera Body
Here are some reasons why I'm recommending a Canon Rebel:
- You're upgrading from a point and shoot.
- You don't have much experience using digital SLRs.
- It's very affordable - the price is between $400 and $900.
- It's small and lightweight.
- It has plenty of megapixels.
- It has video and live view.
Note: don't buy the Canon Rebel kit with the 18-55 IS lens unless you really want the focal length of the kit lens. I will be recommending a much better lens.
If you have the money, I would recommend the latest version of the Canon 5D, the Canon 5D Mark IV. If you want to save a little bit of money, buy an older version of the Canon 5D such as the Mark III. The Canon 5D series is a very high end digital SLR. Even professional photographers use it.
Here are some reasons why I'm recommending a Canon 5D:
- It's a full frame camera!
- It has a LOT of megapixels.
- It will last you years before you outgrow this camera.
If you have to choose between buying a better DSLR camera body or a better lens, always buy a better lens. See my recommendation for the lenses below.
Lenses
Standard Zoom Lens
Telephoto Zoom Lens
