GEAR: Which Brand To Choose

April 29, 2017

There is a lot of debate related to which camera to pick from. Canonites will boast about their amazingly low noise levels, Nikonians will counter play with the tremendous amount of megapixels while Sonyians try to brag about how great their new Sony α7 II camera performs in dim light, close to full darkness. These high pitched conversations are life long and most likely never end, since all three major brands that dominate the market right now – Canon, Nikon and Sony – have truly amazing tools that would satisfy any professional photographer. In a battle where mega numbers come into play to determine the winner, the most important factors that actually will make your photo look great, like photographers’s skill, vision, level of preparation, are being left in the darkness. To elaborate, let me provide an example.

Let’s say you have two guitar players, an amateur and a professional money making player, and you have two guitars, a cheap Walmart level no-brand six string brat and a top level Gibson beauty. You have the pro playing the cheap guitar. He bends the rugged strings up and down, strikes nice chords even though slightly off tune, gives a few runs then transitions into a funky rhythm that sounds not that rich, yes, but still makes you groove. Now you have the amateur playing the Gibson expensive acoustic Les Paul guitar. He looks at it, makes a few runs around the guitar, takes it with his sloppy hands and strikes all six strings without pressing any frets. Then he remembers that Offspring three chord song he learned when he was 12, tries to remember how to play it, somewhat succeeds, looks in your eyes and sees that very “Yeaahh no” written all over.

Same goes for photographers. Even with the cheapest camera a professional photographer will be still able to capture the shots that catch attention. Nevertheless, none of the professionals would want always work with cheap cameras since they know how far the expensive gear can get them and how to squeeze the best out of it.

So what technical aspects should we look at when choosing the camera?

SENSOR SIZE

Sensor size matters. With the crop sensor your field of view is shortened. Also the performance on high ISO is much more inferior comparing to the “full frame” 24mm x 36mm sensor. The downside of the full frame is that these sensors and lenses are bigger than their cropped counterparts. Full frame bodies are also more expensive.

Here are three great cameras with crop sensor.

Canon 80D

Nikon D3400

Sony Alpha 6000

Here are three great cameras with full frame sensor.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Nikon D610

Sony α7 II

LENS CHOICE

Depending on the type of lens you chose your focal length, color rendition and aperture vary drastically. For example, the famous gold standard 50mm lens works great on isolation of a subject and any other zoom lens would fail to achieve the same result. And there is impossible to fix the wide angle distortion if any lens other than tilt/shift lens.

Find Out more about these lens here.

50mm f1/8

Tilt Shift Lens 24mm f/3.5

SKILL SET

You will not be able to buy it. But you can definitely earn it! Remember that a great picture is taken not due to expensive camera and lens but with patience, vision, creativity, planning, timing, lighting and post-processing.

taken by @taylorkinziephoto

Of course, curiosity is one of the strongest motivations one can have and while owning one brand of camera you would always to want to examine and compare it against the other. But truth be told, the difference between them is very insignificant. So if you want to switch your gear from one brand to another, think twice, these transitions are costly.

So my main advise is

– less gearhead talk and unnecessary purchases of useless stuff you do not need.

-More shooting with the camera you already have.

Once you become a better photographer, you will know exactly what you need to get the best results.

** Cover Photo taken by @anthony_perez

by Wrong Ron

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios
N.Y.C Studios
Chicago Studios

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Rent Studio

starting from $24.99 _{/ hour}

Lights
Modifiers
C-Stands
V-Flats
Wi-Fi
MUA Station

BOOK ONLINE

Choose Your Date:

Booking is more than a year from now
Start At:
Finish At:

Overnight Booking

Where:

Check Availability

By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging

Clients Review

Kokodaw EYEAMshooter Photography

My first time here and had a ball. Great experience. Beautiful view! Perfect natural lighting and had use of equipment. Great ...

Steven Pressler Website

Really enjoy using the new studios. Great natural light and the studio is well equipped with everything I would need to shoot f...

David DavidXPhotography

Used FD Studios for first time- great experience. I forgot my triggers- no problem, I was able to borrow some. Alex was a cool g...

Petr Green Volga Verdi

Used FD multiple times for photo shoots for Volga Verdi clothing line – the results are amazing! Great rates, convenient locatio...

Yuriy LightWriter.org

I love FD studio. This place is like a home to me :). I use this studio a lot to shoot portraits, engagements, fashion and artwor...

Julia Shema CreativeSwirls

We did shooting of our products at FDPhotostudio. Reasonable price, great service and convenient location compare to other places...

Maryna Rybalka MarinaRybalka.com

This was my first experience of working in a professional photo studio. To tell you the truth, I didn’t quite know how to set th...

Steven Pressler

First time using the studio and I must say the experience was terrific. Alex was great to work with and could not be any nicer. Th...

Anonym

Toba was fantastic to deal with throughout. From our first call to the point when we had wrapped out - she was great. Thank you...

Anonym

The lady at the front desk helped me with setting up the light. I had a few questions and was humble in response. Definitely comin...

Anonym

Great staff, easy to work with and very helpful.

Anonym

Just great location and very chill!

Mj L. Glendale, CA

I actually haven't rented studio space here yet, but I felt like I should write a review based on the customer service I've experi...

Steven A. Studio City, CA

I have been using FD Photo Studio for the past 6 months and the experience has been nothing short of excellent. The studios are cl...

Product D. Los Angeles, CA

Great place!

Ilia K. Los Angeles, CA

It's BEST place to implement any ideas for photo and video shooting. The location inspires to create unique work. Thank you guys f...

Lana K. Los Angeles, CA

I had a superb experience with FD Photostudio. I had no problems reserving the studio, confirming it and shooting there! The staff...

Lida K. Glendale, CA

Having shot at FD Photo Studio for about 5 times, I can't help but say that this place is a gem in the middle of LA. It is really ...

Andrey K. Los Angeles, CA

The best studio in town no doubt, lots of space plus latest equipment, strongly recommend!

Alex B. Los Angeles, CA

Great place! Been there for a few times and will definitely shoot more up there!

Guys who work there are cool and the ...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

Update, I posted some snap shots of studio C. Seriously quick snap shots but you get the idea! I would love to keep the studio as...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

I shot here a few times and have been happy each time. The staff have been more than helpful and accommodating. Parking is easy...

Hunter J. El Segundo, CA

Shot at FD Photo Studio last week and it was a pleasure shooting there. They have a full bathroom with shower for models, alien...

Mrs G. Los Angeles, CA

This is a straight-forward studio, and works great as that. The space is very customizable. I have shot in Studio B, and am ren...

Kendall G. Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, CA

This studio is so dope! Great natural lighting and really cool space. They have good portions where to get ready for hair and m...

Carlo P. Los Angeles, CA

Stage A has great natural light and the all white paint makes for nice high key indoor window light shots. Great for quick small-s...

Serg I. Lakeside, CA

Awesome place and very good rates. Alex is always helpful . That's my first time at the new location and it's just perfect, lar...

Kris R. Los Angeles, CA

I love this place! Such an inspiring and versatile studio! Great atmosphere and amazing people working there! So friendly and h...

Yulia Los Angeles, CA

I've shot at FD Photo Studio several times. The place is huge with 3 different spacious studios. I've honestly had the best exper...

Gerardo M. Orange, CA

After seven months of doing nothing I decided to do some review of what I learned in lighting and rented the studio for a while. V...

Mo H. Los Angeles, CA

Great place. the set up, the rooftop access is a wonderful plus and the rates are great.

Anonym

Everyone was so nice working there. The płace was fantastic and price was amazing. Very happy

Anonym

Such a great studio to shoot , Studio A is really amazing with large windows to allow in natural sun light, and enough room for...

Frank Ross FrankRossPhotography.com

Love the natural lighting. Great place to shoot. Nice friendly staff.

Chad Hill ChadHillPhoto.com

LOVE this studio! SHOOT HERE!! I ll be in to shoot tomorrow for the 2nd time this week. Grateful!

Anonym

It was great. Wish we booked more time. Definitely coming back!

Anonym

Very friendly! Love this studio.

Peter Green on Google+

Used the studio multiple times for various projects, mostly for my product photography. They have the mannequins, steamer and a...

Anonym

Gorgeous space, and another WINNER WINNER headshot session! I really love bringing clients to your space

Anonym

The staff was great. Super friendly and helpful. The space is also perfect, with plenty of natural light.

Ghamal

Wonderful customer service... Always a pleasure shooting there. No issues except I wish that
someone would be available ...

Leslie Leslie Rockitter Photography

I shot here for the very first time yesterday. Great location, great light, great studio!!! Everything you need is there. Th...

Christopher Barber

Toma at FD Photo Studio worked as our photo assitant during our shoot -- she is very knowledgeable and helpful! All facilities ...

Gen Levy Gen Levy Photography

You can tell by the lack of space in their schedules that FD Photo Studio is starting to catch on as the go-to hourly rental. Easy...

Liomir Martinez Fabulous People

We recently shot our Fall 15 Product Look Book and could not be happier or more pleased with our overall experience at FD Photo St...

David Waters MojoCinematic

Thanks for a great video shoot. The staff was always there and very helpful. We will be booking FD Studios again soon, THANKS!!

Glen Gante Mister G Photography

Great studio spaces and value! I chose FD Photo Studios for my shoots on my recent trip to LA from Sydney Australia. Pro Studio I...

Madhvi Madhvi Patel Studio

This place is amazing! The staff is really helpful and the place is very clean and ready to go when you arrive. For this rate, I w...

Lisa cc Studios

Our first experience with FD Studio was pretty amazing. From the helpful, really nice staff to the space itself, for the price is ...

Erick Robinson Erick Robinson Photography

Amazing space, very helpful staff. I will always continue to bring business to this studio.

Jenna Fox Real Fiction

I am the manager of a rock band in SoCal called Real Fiction. We were in need of a location to film their music video on a tight b...

Lorenzo lorenzobelmontephotos

Love the atmosphere. Great natural lighting...plus the rates are very reasonable. A+++ all around. I will be shooting there again.

Gia Unera GUD Apparel

Love this awesome studio Art 3! Will be back for more photoshoot for my next season designs for Summer 2017. Thanks FD Studio!

Ali LeRoi

I love shooting at FD. The staff is great and the booking system is seamless and efficient. Great space and great light if you ant...

MarcM

Anytime I"m visiting LA, FD is always my go to. Great studio space, easy to access and friendly staff.

Mark W. Whitaker Foto

Great place I just shot at Hill St. Studio 2 today and lots of Natural light plus 3 Alien Bee Strobes. Really clean and super clos...

Christian

I love FD studio because of their staff and of course their bright natural lighting. I also love the wooden background for art 1 a...

Eric B. Social Finger Imagery

I love shooting on several of the stages this studio has to offer. The staff all have outstanding personalities and are very helpf...

Mua Sherry O Make up Artist

This was an amazing collaboration with lovely models and great photographers. I worked with this Model creating a look that compli...

Erin Marie Miller

This is my go-to studio when I shoot. I absolutely love the gorgeous sets, the lighting equipment is always in great shape and rel...

Dez

Awesome place! The location we filmed at worked perfectly. Victor was a blast. Super helpful and friendly. I will definitely book ...

Rachel Taylor Jewel Badgley Mischka

We had a great experience LOVED shooting there!! Staff was fantastic as was the location. Ease of use and exactly what was pictu...

James Wilson JRW Photography

I've used FD Studios Several times & every time I go, I'm always leaving satisfied. Keep up with the amazing stages! I hear you ma...

See All Studio Reviews

GEAR: Which Brand To Choose

SENSOR SIZE

LENS CHOICE

SKILL SET

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Chicago Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?