Photography Gear Recommendations

My #1 Recommendation

Before we move onto gear talk, I encourage you to check out my most recommended courses if you want to CRUSH IT as a photographer this year!

No matter what gear you use.

Seriously.

In fact, I think you won’t get better value for money because Mark Hemmings is probably one of the best instructors that you can get when learning about photography.

==> Read my full review here. 

Recommended Gear & Accessories (Updated)

• The Best Affordable Camera for YouTube in 2020! (Under $1000)
• Most Popular Entry-Level Nikon DSLR
• If You’re a Canoner, Here’s What I Recommend
• Looking for A Compact Camera Instead of a DSLR?
• Top Lens to Get: Meet the “King of All Lenses”
• A Cheaper Alternative: Meet the “Prince of All Lenses”
• Camera Backpack for Your Photography Gear
• Here’s the Tripod for Image Stabilization
• Best Winter Gloves for Photographers
• Need a Camera Flash?

Canon M50 (Creator Kit)

So…

• You want to get into YouTube?
• Don’t have much experience?
• Need to get something on a budget?

Look no further.

Canon M50 is arguably the best mirrorless camera for YouTube beginners in 2020.

Because…

• it’s light and compact,
• it’s easy to understand and use,
• it’s super affordable,
• it has a fully articulated screen and a hot shoe for mic,
• it has 4K video (at 24 fps but still good),

Basically it has all the features that you’ll need as a YouTube personality.

(Note: Get a couple of extra batteries, so you can shoot your videos longer.)

If you need a camera for YouTube purposes AND the one that takes top quality images, then this Canon mirrorless camera is a no brainer.

Seriously, go ahead and get Canon M50 now!

(You’ll thank me.)

Nikon D3400

In my opinion, as a beginner, D3400 is one of the best DSLRs that you can buy right now.

Why?

Because this baby is cheap, easy to use and sure does produce quality images.

Its features such as:

• 24 MP sensor,
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for automatic transfer of photos to your smartphone,
• Guide Mode that’ll literally teach you how to take photos,

… are the reasons why it’s a favorite camera choice by many photographers.

High Amazon ratings speak for themselves.

==> Read my full review here.

​Canon EOS Rebel T6i

Are you a Canoner?

Want to take advantage of the Canon lenses and accessories that you already have?

Then Rebel T6i (750D) is an indisputable choice.​

T6i has a lot of improvements compared to the previous models, which makes it a great camera choice for beginners. ​

This SLR’s features, such as:

• 24 MP sensor,
• fast autofocus,
• articulated touch screen,
• NFC and Wi-Fi connection,
• and, of course, its attractive price tag,

… all make the Rebel T6i a very good investment in your future as a photographer.

==> Read my full review here.

​Sony RX100 V

I often say that Sony RX100 V is a pocket-size baby with Ah!-mazing capabilities.​

This camera has:

• a high-quality (large) sensor,
• the most modern focusing system,
• the highest burst, and,
• outstanding video capabilities.​

It also features a 3-inch tilting LCD, which will help with high-angle and low-angle shots.

Given its flip screen and powerful photo and video capabilities, it is an excellent choice not only for selfie lovers, but also for vloggers.

I mean this one will NOT disappoint.

The only downside is its pretty steep price tag for some; so if you’re on a tighter budget, consider Sony RX 100 Mark IV as an alternative.

50mm f/1.4

There is a reason why I call it the “King of All Lenses”:

When you’ll have this lens, your photography will take a new turn.

(It’s available for Nikon, Canon, Sony and Pentax cameras).

Of course, its main advantage is a very large aperture​ (f/1.4) and very thin depth-of-field​ (DOF).

In other words, this lens lets in a huge amount of light and results in a large amount of background blur (bokeh).

Bottom line:

This lens will provide you with ultra sharp and full of light photographs.​

​50mm f/1.8

If 50mm f/1.4 lens is too pricey for you, consider 50mm f/1.8 as a more budget option.

These lenses are pretty similar with the difference that the aperture of the latter is smaller.

If you ask me about f/1.4 vs. f/1.8​, I’d recommend f/1.4 (assuming you have the budget).

Why?

Because it lets in an incredible amount of light and gives out an amazing level of image sharpness.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget, then absolutely go for f/1.8! These lenses are definitely better than the regular kit lenses​.

​Lowepro Hatchback 22L​​

You may have tried many options in the past, but the Lowepro Hatchback might become your favourite backpack every time you go out there with your camera.

Advantages worth mentioning:

• made of materials that makes it sturdy but at the same time very light to wear,
• has a “normal backpack” appearance that doesn’t attract much attention,
• very easy to use.

Definitely the best camera backpack, at least from my point of view.

There’s also an awesome (cheaper) alternative:

==> “The Great Explorer” Backpack.

​Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree​

In the photography world​, Manfrotto is a name that needs no introduction.

Even though this compact travel tripod was released in 2013, it still worth buying in 2020.

If you are looking for something that combines…

• robustness,
• solidity,
• simplicity,
• ease of use,
• versatility, and,
• a compact size of no more than 40 cm when folded,

… then Manfrotto Befree is your go-to tripod.

Palmyth Flexible Gloves

Even though these gloves were originally made for fishing, they are great for photography as well.

It’s a glove that offers:

• warmth,
• protection, and,
• the tactile control you need with a camera,

… but at the same time doesn’t compromise on functionality and style.

Truth is, it gained its #1 position in my list of gloves for photographers after I saw a LOT of Digital World Beauty visitors buying this particular product.

(And it seems all of them are highly satisfied.)

Lastly, unlike many other choices, Palmyth have 3 finger caps instead of two AND they attach to the back with metal buttons.

Note:

These gloves are good for mid winter but if you need a pair for EXTREMELY cold weather conditions, then consider Heat 3 Smart instead.

​Yongnuo YN560 III​​​ Flash

There are external flashes for all tastes out there​ but here’s why I recommend Yongnuo flash:

• works with Canon, Nikon and most modern SLR cameras​,
• its “head” rotates (vertically and horizontally),
• offers zoom function.

More importantly:

This flash is the best bang for your buck.