How to Start Photography on a Budget
Sometimes friends and colleagues ask me what kind of camera they should buy — often for a special occasion or because they’re thinking about taking up photography. Almost every time, the question is quickly followed by something like: “But it can’t be an expensive camera, and I can’t handle a professional one!” So I’ve been thinking about this, and I’d like to explore the topic a bit.
Let’s start with an important truth:
Some of the most iconic photographs in history have been taken with expensive, professional gear and some with very basic, affordable cameras. That tells me one thing: the camera itself isn’t the key to a great photo. It’s something else entirely.
So yes, you can start your photography journey on a budget that suits your wallet.
If you happen to have a large budget, of course you can explore more expensive gear. But if you’re just starting out, you likely don’t yet know what kind of camera you’ll enjoy using or even what kind of photography you want to pursue. That’s why I believe budget shouldn’t be your biggest concern at this stage.
On the other hand, if you do have a limited budget, then a few smart decisions up front can make all the difference. Let me walk you through the basics.
Step 1: Understand the Two Main Camera Types
Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of digital cameras to consider when you’re starting out:
Compact cameras (often called “point-and-shoot”)
DSLRs (Digital Single-Lens Reflex cameras)
Compact cameras are generally smaller and more portable than DSLRs, but they also come with some technical limitations. Some have fixed lenses (meaning you can’t swap them out), and others allow limited manual control. That said, there are compact models that offer surprising quality, especially for beginners.
DSLRs, on the other hand, let you change lenses and typically offer more manual control. They’re often bulkier, but they open the door to more creative options as you progress.
Step 2: Choose Between Prime or Zoom Lenses
A big decision to make is whether you want to shoot with a prime lens or a zoom lens.
A prime lens has a fixed focal length (like 35mm or 50mm) and doesn’t zoom.
A zoom lens lets you adjust the focal length to get closer or farther from your subject without moving.
Here’s my personal advice; learned after years of experience:
Start with a prime lens, ideally a 35mm or 50mm (in full-frame equivalent).
Why? Because a prime lens forces you to move your feet. You physically need to change your position to adjust your composition. And that’s a good thing. It helps train your eye, improve your framing, and better understand light and perspective.
Of the two, a 50mm is often referred to as “the natural eye” because it roughly matches how we see the world. A 35mm is a bit wider, so it captures more of the scene.
If you choose a compact camera with a fixed prime lens, that’s also a great start, especially if you’re on a tighter budget.
Step 3: Use What You Have and Use It Often
Whatever camera you choose, the most important thing is this: Take photos.
Use your camera as often as you can. Explore all its settings. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you shoot, the more you’ll learn. And the sooner you’ll realize that the gear doesn’t matter nearly as much as you thought it would, the better.
Final Thoughts
Starting photography on a budget isn’t just possible, it’s often the best way to begin. It forces you to learn, experiment, and be creative with what you have. And that’s the foundation of becoming a better photographer.
So don’t let your gear hold you back. Grab what you can afford, get outside, and start shooting.