"What camera and lens set up did you use?"
This is a question that most people who like photography have asked at one point or another. If you look at photographs submitted to a photography group on social media this is definitely the question you will see more than any other. It may not be the most important or relevant question to ask but people love to know what equipment others use. Also some need confirmation that what they are using is the "right" equipment or look to emulate a photographer they admire. I'll let all new photographers know, there isn't a "right" camera.
Also there is a huge stigma in pro photography of people saying "they must be a pro as they have a big, professional camera". Do you know who the real pros are?.....The people who take amazing pictures regardless of what camera they are using and meeting their clients demands and expectation. Even while writing this blog I had a newer photographer online ask me "should I swap my Canon T6 for a bigger better Nikon camera? all pros seem to have better camera then me". My answer? exactly what I wrote above. If you are delivering with what you currently own, if it is full frame, aps-c, micro 4/3, then carry on with it.
There are so many great cameras out there by many different manufacturers these days the camera itself doesn't really matter so much. I know pros who use Sony, pros who use Olympus and Fuji, pros who argue all day long about Canon or Nikon. I even know of loads of pros who use their phones to post pics on Instagram. What you want however are good lenses as these are more important. A great camera will be relevant for maybe 5 years but great lenses will last you 15-20 years if looked after.
More important are the technical aspects behind the shot, lighting, composition. Also the story behind the image, is the story clear and is it suppose to evoke any particular thoughts or feelings from the viewer. This video from Tony Northrup is the perfect explanation of why which camera, lens and the metadata is really not that important.
But if you are looking to buy a good interchangable lens camera below are some suggestions. Pick one, pick none or pick them all. It doesn't matter if you don't know the creative side of things and do the work to gain the knowledge. I would say start low budget as the photos don't need to be blown up to be printed as a massive size. It gives you the chance to learn. When you feel your camera is holding you back then upgrade. Here are low, mid and high budget cameras. I won't give any personal opinions on any of the cameras. These are just based on price alone. However if you wish to purchase any of the below camera click on the image which is an affiliate link and will take you to Amazon.co.uk to buy it.
Cheaper
Canon EOS 1300D
Nikon D3400
Sony A6000
Olympus OM-D E-M10 ii
Fuji X-T10
Mid Priced
Sony A77ii
Sony A6500
Fuji X-T2
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Canon M5
Canon 80D
Nikon D7200
Pentax K70
Expensive
Canon 5D mark iv
Canon 5DSR
Pentax K-1
Panasonic GH5
Olympus OM-D E-M1 mark ii
Nikon D5
Nikon D810/D850
Sony A7Rii
Sony A9
Sony A99ii
Hasselblad H5D
Leica SL