One thing I love about the wedding photography industry is its impact on the entire world of photography. Because it is so large, it ultimately influences the way cameras are designed and that's some powerful stuff right there.
Being a wedding photographer is also one of the most sought after creative freelancing jobs, and while that might not be an entirely good thing, it does show a sign of a healthy demand for photography, and ultimately that's what we all want.
While learning the skills and perfecting the craft of wedding photography are top priorities, let's be honest with ourselves and admit that gear plays an important part too. Only after you've shot an entire wedding with amateur equipment will you truly get a feel for how easy it could be with the right gear.
(Success Tip #1: 52 ways to learn photography when you have little time to spare )
Here are our three favorite DSLRs for shooting weddings and why we picked them.
Canon 5D MKIII
You can't beat the 5D series when it comes to being all round professional workhorses that deliver impeccable image quality. The MKIII is by no means a new camera, but the fact that it's being used by countless wedding professionals all over the world is a testament of how good a camera it really is. It's fast, built like a tank and it delivers top notch results in both photo and video mode.
Nikon Df
As much as I don't like it, the appearance of a wedding photographer matters to his success. Weddings are all about chic, good looking things and there are few cameras that will draw the right kind of attention like the Nikon Df. Its beautiful, retro design will surely attract a lot of eyes and you want that at a wedding.
But it's not because of the awesome looks that we recommend this camera. No, it's something entirely different. The low light capabilities of this camera are insane. It has the sensor of the former D4 flagship, but it just makes better use of it and it costs a lot less than the D4s. Throughout a wedding day, you will find yourself having to photograph the bride and groom in dark places like churches and restaurants. With this low light monster, which is also incredibly practical to work with, you'll have no trouble at all, no matter how harsh the lighting conditions are.
(Success Tip #2:How even the hobbyist photographer can make money with their photography )
Nikon D7200
The D7200 seems to be the undisputed champion of the APS-C format, and it's not us saying that, it's the folks at DxO Mark . This camera is the best option for the beginning wedding photographer who is on a budget and looking for great quality. The D7200 truly is proof of the incredible performances that a crop sensor can achieve, especially in low light. It's fast, reliable and built just as well as the now legendary D7100.