How much does it really cost to get into photography?
Most people's first photography purchase is the wrong one — here's what actually matters at each budget level.
Written by Betsy · part of the Price of Play hobby cost guides
The camera isn't where the money should go first
Most people's first photography purchase is a camera body — often a used one, often a genuinely good deal — and then they discover the lens is where the real image quality comes from, and that "starter" kits often come bundled with a lens that's actively holding their photos back. Lens quality affects image quality more than most camera body upgrades do, especially at the beginner-to-intermediate stage, which is the opposite of what most gear reviews emphasize.
Just trying it: $500–$950
A used or entry-level mirrorless body with its kit lens covers this tier. Don't rush to upgrade the lens yet — spend a few months figuring out whether you actually shoot people, landscapes, or product photos, because that answer changes which lens is worth buying next. A 64GB+ memory card, a padded camera bag, and a spare battery round out a realistic starting kit.
Going all in: $1,500–$3,000
This tier is less about the camera body and more about a second lens (a fast 35mm or 50mm prime is the classic first upgrade), a real tripod, an external flash, and photo editing software — the unglamorous stuff that adds up fast and rarely gets mentioned in "what's in my bag" videos.
Starter gear
- Entry-level mirrorless or DSLR camera with kit lens
- 64GB+ memory card
- Camera bag or padded case
- Spare battery
Full gear list including the "going all in" tier: see the Photography section of the calculator.
What beginners get wrong
Buying a more expensive camera body before a better lens. A modest body paired with a good lens will consistently out-shoot an expensive body paired with a mediocre one. If you're choosing where to spend your first upgrade dollar, put it toward glass, not the body.
Could it pay for itself?
At the "just trying it" level, beginner photographers can realistically earn around $100–$600/month doing small local shoots — portrait sessions, pet photos, small events — once they're comfortable with their gear. Committed hobbyists who go all in on gear and skill can see $1,000–$3,500/month from weddings, real estate photography, or stock photo sales, though that end of the range takes real time to build toward.