A reader sent an email with the following question –
Neel, I have a beginner DSLR and would like to upgrade to advanced DSLR. However, I am also thinking of buying a Mac (and Lightroom 3). I don’t have budget to buy both, what would you recommend I should buy first?
Jamie.
Jamie,
Thanks for your question. In my opinion, the answer depends on what your purpose is. If you earn money with food photos (or are thinking to do so), I would say having a better camera something with good megapixel (like this powerful new Nikon D7000) will serve you better. When I say this I am assuming you are using some decent post processing software.
I do think digital darkroom has a big role these days and understanding and learning how to process your food images is important. If you have a decent camera, I would buy Lightroom 3. I use Mac and PC and don’t think having a Mac is essential for better photos.
What do you think? What advice would you give Jamie? Would you buy better camera (like the new Nikon D7000) or Lightroom + MacBook Pro ? Leave your suggestions and opinion below.
Get LR3 and upgrade the computer up have (memory, hard drive space, processor. Save the rest for lenses then a new body. A 50mm prime is a good one to get. Both the Canon and Nikon have an inexpensive 50 that is interesting and educational to shoot with.
Thank you for your comment Michael.
I recently purchased a MacBook and I can’t say that the switch was really worth it. If you have a decent computer now, there’s zero reason to switch to a Mac — and if you don’t have a decent computer, consider a higher performing PC, or upgrade the one you have.
I do love Lightroom though and it’s absolutely worth the $300. In my opinion, I’d buy LR3, and then one or two very good lenses. The computer won’t really play a big role in the quality of your images, and in my opinion the lenses are more important than the camera body. I still shoot with an entry level Canon DSLR body (the Rebel) but purchased a good Macro lens and already see a huge difference in my photos.
I’d say Lightroom 3 … or maybe a macro lens first. I’d love to be able to buy LR…sigh!
Spend the money on a good macro lens. The Canon 105mm is best value for money but any 50mm macro will do just as well depending on your budget. Lightroom 3 is well worth the money. It needs lots of RAM so upgrading your PC RAM maybe more bang for your bucks. Earn some money and then upgrade to advanced DSLR and MAC (if you have to).
Regards
Andre’s got the right idea, Jamie. I’d get booked for gigs that would pay for better lenes, 50 mm (1.4 preferred over 1.8). Use the money from the gigs to get the LR 3 to enhance your images and then upgrade to a camera with full 35 mm sensors. And yes, RAM and clock speed are ultra important. You want to be able to have multiple programs open at one time, especially if you end up dropping the photos into Illustrator, Photoshop or Fireworks or Flash Catalyst to then make web graphics for your clients, for which you can charge even more money and then buy more lenses. Good luck to all! Julia
I believe as many to invest in the computer and software to make post production easier,if you already have a good camera then invest in glass do not spend your money chasing technology in the latest and greatest camera. High quality glass is far better an investment. Get the best computer that you can saving money for the software, while keeping in mind software changes rapidly.