Why spending too much money on your first camera is a wrong decision

Many newbie photographers believe that the better camera they buy, the better photos they’ll take. However, spending a bunch of money on your first camera could be a huge mistake if you’re new to photography. So, before you go and spend plenty of cash on your first camera, watch this video by James Popsys and rethink your decision.

As James points out, many newbies are putting too much focus on the camera when they want to step into the world of photography. Naturally, this also means investing too much money into their very first camera. However, this can be a big mistake if you’re just starting out because the camera isn’t the only item you’ll need (nor it will be responsible for good photos).

Aside from the camera, you’ll also need lenses, a tripod a bag, props, and accessories. If you want to shoot at different locations, count some money in for travel expenses. I guess you also want to learn and improve your skills. So, you might want to enroll in workshops and courses, and it also costs money. And if you spend all of your savings on a high-end camera, that’s the only thing you’ll have until you save up again. It can actually make your progress slower because you won’t be able to pay for education, travel and all other things that help you improve. As James puts it: “great photos take investments outside the camera.”

How to solve this? Well, you should buy the camera, of course. But make sure that the budget for the camera sits within your overall photography budget, not to make all of it. Make sure you’ve got money left to spend on other things as well. And upgrade your gear as you upgrade your skills.

I remember writing about how being poor helps you improve photography. So if your photography budget doesn’t cover some of the latest high-end cameras and all the other expenses James mentions, you might want to read it. There are some benefits of taking it slow and gradually upgrading, so think again whether you want to squander your entire budget on the latest, high-end camera.

[The BIGGEST Beginner Photography Mistake via FStoppers]