Photography on a Budget

Photography can be a very expensive hobby, especially if you're just starting out. There are ways to get around the worst of it, however, if you're willing to be flexible, starting with the camera.

A good used SLR digital camera that offers easy control of focus, zoom and manual features like shutter speed and aperture will run about $450, but will spare you the expense of film. Check for used cameras on eBay. Media like CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, or Secure Digital is a must. Be advised that Sony and xD format cameras like Olympus and Fuji use proprietary media that only work with their equipment. You may want to opt for a brand that can be used with other products like PDAs, cellphones, or other cameras.

Batteries are another unavoidable expense. Older models are likely to use rechargeable AA batteries, which are easy to locate. Newer ones will probably take specialized batteries, so be sure to factor this in when deciding what camera to buy. It's a good idea to keep extras handy, because batteries wear out fast and will likely be one of the most significant costs over the lifetime of the camera.

In most situations, you're only going to need one extra lens. A 17.5-45 mm lens is the most versatile unless you intend to do a lot of close-up photography or wildlife photos. Most SLR cameras offer a decent lens kit that you can purchase that will suffice for your everyday needs.

For lighting, you can use standard work-lights instead of expensive photography lights. They're durable, versatile, much cheaper, and easier to work with than professional photography lights. You can find them at any Home Depot or Lowe's.