If you’re just dipping your toes into photography, welcome to the most fun (and sometimes frustrating) hobby you’ll ever love. Starting out can feel like looking for Waldo in a crowd of a million camera lenses, tripods, and memory cards—so many options, so much advice, and where do you even begin? Well, lucky for you, Stey Academy has got the scoop on the gear that’ll help you take those first confident steps without burning a hole in your wallet.
Oh, and if all this inspires you to learn how to use these gadgets like a pro, you know where to find us! Our photography course will have you capturing shots like a champ, even if you’re still figuring out which way to point the camera (we’ve all been there!). Now, let’s dive in.
Canon has been a go-to brand for newbie photographers for ages, and there’s a reason for that. Canon cameras, especially the entry-level models like the Canon EOS Rebel series, offer a friendly, intuitive interface and a solid auto mode that lets you ease into manual settings. They’re like the training wheels of cameras—they’ll support you while you learn the ropes, and then let you soar once you’re ready to go full manual.
Canon’s lenses are affordable, too, so you won’t need a trust fund to build a solid starter kit. And hey, if you feel a bit out of focus (pun intended), Stey Academy’s photography course covers all the Canon basics and beyond. Start with a Rebel, end with a portfolio—how cool is that?
If you’re the kind of person who dreams of capturing those jaw-dropping sunset colours, Nikon might just be your best friend. Known for excellent colour accuracy and image quality, Nikon’s beginner cameras, like the Nikon D3500, are fantastic for capturing vibrant, true-to-life photos.
Nikon’s user interface is a bit more beginner-friendly than some other brands, and they’ve got a ton of budget-friendly lenses, so you can really make the most of your kit without breaking the bank. Nikon or Canon—it’s a bit of a rivalry, but either way, Stey Academy will help you master whatever’s in your bag.
Looking for something a little more compact but still powerful? Enter Sony’s mirrorless cameras, particularly the Sony Alpha series. These little powerhouses are smaller than DSLRs, making them perfect for travel or street photography. And don’t let their size fool you—Sony mirrorless cameras are packed with amazing features, including fast autofocus and excellent low-light performance.
Sony’s cameras can get a bit pricey, but some models, like the Sony a6000, are great for beginners and aren’t as heavy on the wallet. Sony is perfect for anyone ready to dive into mirrorless technology without the intimidation factor. And yes, we’ll help you learn all those fancy features in our photography course at Stey Academy. Less weight, more talent—sign us up!
Fujifilm cameras are for those of you who want to look stylish while taking beautiful photos. Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras, like the X-T200, come with cool retro designs and a reputation for outstanding image quality, especially if you’re into film-style photography. Plus, they’re known for their fantastic colour science—meaning those moody, vintage vibes come straight out of the camera, no filters required.
Fujifilm can feel a bit pricier for beginners, but it’s definitely worth it if you love the aesthetic and want a camera that doubles as a conversation starter. At Stey Academy, we’ll teach you all about setting up those cool, classic shots and making the most of Fujifilm’s unique colour profiles. Prepare for some serious Instagram envy.
Thinking of something a bit less traditional? If you’re more of an adventurous spirit, GoPro might just be your best bet. These action cameras are built tough, which makes them perfect for capturing everything from surf sessions to mountain top hikes. GoPros are super compact, waterproof, and come with some seriously fun settings like time-lapse and slow-mo.
Okay, so GoPros aren’t exactly for portrait shots or landscapes (though they can do a decent job). But if your idea of photography is capturing memories while you’re out exploring the wild, GoPro is the perfect pocket-sized companion. Plus, GoPro photography is covered in our course at Stey Academy, because let’s face it—you never know when you’ll need to get a creative shot in a pinch.
Starting with the right gear is only half the journey. Knowing how to make the most of it? That’s where Stey Academy comes in. From understanding camera settings to composing that perfect shot, our photography course is designed to take you from beginner to boss photographer in no time.
So grab your gear, sign up for a course, and let’s get snapping!
