Cameras Buying my first camera

[sanpt7777]

Hey guys, I'm looking at working a side job, and considered photography since it's something I can do on my own (self employed) and is actually something I'm interested in.

I'd like some tips from you to help me choose a camera. My budget is sadly around USD $300.

I'm planning on starting out at night clubs since I know people who could probably get me in. Obviously I assume I'd work for free at first.

So, what would you consider a good choice as a versatile camera to take pictures from cars and whatnot, and especially something that performs in night club conditions. I'm considering the Coolpix line of cameras but they have mixed reviews.

Thanks a lot!

PS
My mom's side family is made up of photographers mostly,,so I can learn from them. But they leave in another city, far away, so most of the time I'll be learning on my own and paying for courses I guess.

 

[sanpt7777]

I really am a complete noob here, and don't understand most thech terms on cameras, but I'm studying and doing my research.

I want a camera that will be simple enough for me to learn and good enough for me to charge some money to take pictures at parties and clubs. Just thought I'd add that if it wasn't clear already. Thanks as always, I appreciate your knowledge

 

[Matski]

That might be a big ask!

Club photography - or at least good club photography is tricky because of the low-light, the random lighting and the movement often involved. To do it well is surprisingly hard.. but at the same time, a lot of it isn't very good, but still gets used on the social media channels.

Ideally for club style conditions, you need a lens with a big aperture. A good flash (on-board are often quite limited), and you need to be looking for one that maintains a good image even at high ISO levels. I don't know how that translates to compact's like the Coolpix, but they're factors I would be thinking about with a DSLR.

Honestly, I'm not sure if spending $300 on a compact camera is going to cut-it. If it were me I'd be looking at second hand DSLR's on eBay (Maybe something like an EOS-600D, with a 50mm prime f1.8). I can't stand using compact cameras to be honest, but I'm sure they've come a fair way in the few years since I last used one.

... but, I'm not a Pro, or even an expert, or even that knowledgable about cameras, so I might be talking out of my bum.

 

[sanpt7777]

... but, I'm not a Pro, or even an expert, or even that knowledgable about cameras, so I might be talking out of my bum.

Well, actually what you said is pretty much spot on from what I've read. About the DSLR, even used they go out of my price range ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Matski]

Well, actually what you said is pretty much spot on from what I've read. About the DSLR, even used they go out of my price range ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

That's a shame. Photography is a difficult hobby on a budget, and it's even harder to do to make money.

Do you have any idea what you might be able to charge for Club work? There really is a gulf of difference between the good stuff, and the bad stuff.

My local club (that I don't go to.. ever) thinks this stuff is worth posting...

It might get them a few likes on Facebook, but from a photographic point of view, it's crap - simple as that, and I'd be ****** off if someone was making money from that!

 

[sanpt7777]

That's a shame. Photography is a difficult hobby on a budget, and it's even harder to do to make money.

Do you have any idea what you might be able to charge for Club work? There really is a gulf of difference between the good stuff, and the bad stuff.

My local club (that I don't go to.. ever) thinks this stuff is worth posting...

View attachment 372203

View attachment 372204

It might get them a few likes on Facebook, but from a photographic point of view, it's crap - simple as that, and I'd be ****** off if someone was making money from that!

Haha those look terrible. I've seen some chimps with cameras as well.

I do have an idea but I'd do it for free first while I'm learning. As I said I will take courses so I at least know how to hold a camera