[Sudhir Shivaram]

I would recommend to go with Sony since you also want to use it for wildlife.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Hi Shubham,

If it is for wildlife photography, then the best option would be to go for the Sony 200-600 lens and based on the budget you can go for any of the Sony bodies like A7 IV, A7 R5, A1, A9 III

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Depending on the budget you can go for:

A7 IV

A7 RV

A1

A 9 III

[Sudhir Shivaram]

You can use the Sony A1 / A9 III course as the menu options are the same.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

You can get started with astro photography with your current equipment. You will need a tripod and a good tripod head.

🔧 Camera Settings

1. Mode: Manual (M)

2. Focus: Manual Focus (Switch the lens to manual focus, then set it to infinity. You may need to slightly adjust from the infinity mark for sharpness.)

3. Aperture: The lowest possible for your lens, which is f/3.5 at 18mm. This will let in the most light.

4. Shutter Speed: Use the 500 Rule to avoid star trails.

• Formula: 500 / Focal Length (in 35mm equivalent)

• For 18mm on a crop sensor (1.5x crop factor), equivalent is 27mm.

• So, 500 / 27 ≈ 18 seconds.

• Set your shutter speed to 15–20 seconds.

5. ISO: Start with ISO 1600 or 3200. Adjust based on the brightness of the sky and level of noise.

6. White Balance: Set to Daylight or 4000K. You can adjust later in post-processing.

7. File Format: RAW (for better post-processing flexibility).

8. Drive Mode: 2-second timer or remote trigger to prevent camera shake.

🌠 Shooting Tips

1. Tripod: Absolutely essential for long exposure shots.

2. Disable Image Stabilization (VR): Since you’re on a tripod, it may cause slight blur if left on.

3. Live View Focus: Use Live View and zoom in to a bright star to focus manually.

4. Noise Reduction: Disable in-camera noise reduction and handle it later in editing software.

5. Dark Location: Shoot in a place with minimal light pollution.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

If it is for wildlife photography, then just go with Sony. Also I would suggest the Sony 200-600 lens for the reach and flexibility.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Regarding the first part, that is extensively covered in my Wildlife Photography Masterclass course here on the platform.
If you have subscribed to my online photography courses, then I am already your mentor and you are part of this platform. And you can always attend my tours to further learn from me in the field.

Rgds,
Sudhir

[Sudhir Shivaram]

That’s because of the specification of each lens is different.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

I would recommend the RF 200-800 since your purpose is mainly wildlife.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Difficult to recommend without knowing the budget.

1️⃣ Budget All-Rounder (Best for Beginners)

📌 Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM (~₹45,000)

✅ Great for travel, portraits, street, and landscape

✅ Image Stabilization (IS) for handheld shots

✅ Lightweight & compact

✅ Covers wide-to-telephoto range (18mm-150mm)

❌ Not as sharp as prime lenses at 150mm

2️⃣ Best for Wildlife & Sports

📌 Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM (~₹58,000)

✅ Best for wildlife, bird photography & sports

✅ 400mm reach (good zoom for APS-C)

✅ Image Stabilization for sharp shots

❌ Slow aperture (f/5.6-8) – not great in low light

3️⃣ Best for Budget Telephoto Zoom

📌 Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM (~₹35,000)

✅ Good for wildlife, sports, and portraits

✅ Image Stabilization (IS)

✅ Cheaper than 100-400mm

❌ Not great in low light

4️⃣ Professional Zoom (Best Image Quality)

📌 Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM (~₹1,45,000)

✅ Super sharp, fast AF, and excellent low-light performance

✅ Lightweight & compact for an L-series lens

✅ Professional quality for sports & wildlife

❌ Expensive

🔹 Which One Should You Buy?

✔️ For an all-in-one zoom lens: Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM

✔️ For wildlife & sports on a budget: Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM

✔️ For serious wildlife photography: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

✔️ For professional quality: Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Hi Vinaya,

My recommendation is to go for Sony mirrorless cameras as the technology of that is much better than the others and will help you in your photography.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Make sure your processed image is around 2-3MB in size with a dimension of about 1200px on longer side. That should do.
Also if you could explain your steps of processing and saving, that would help understand.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

• Enable it if:

✅ You often shoot in dusty/windy conditions (wildlife, outdoor photography).

✅ You are careful when changing lenses.

✅ You want to reduce sensor cleaning frequency.

• Disable it if:

❌ You frequently shoot in humid or freezing environments.

❌ You change lenses carelessly or in high-risk situations where you might touch the shutter.

❌ You prefer to clean the sensor manually instead of risking shutter damage.

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Here’s a step-by-step guide along with some ideas to help you build an impressive portfolio.

🔹 Step 1: Plan & Define Your Niche

Event photography can cover various types:

• 🎉 Weddings & Engagements

• 🎤 Corporate Events & Conferences

• 🎭 Concerts & Music Festivals

• 🎂 Birthday Parties & Private Events

• ⚽ Sports & Live Events

• 📢 Political & Public Gatherings

• 🏢 Brand Launches & Trade Shows

👉 Decide which niche you want to focus on, or if you prefer a general event photography portfolio.

🔹 Step 2: Get Initial Work for Your Portfolio

If you don’t have paid gigs yet, you can still build a portfolio by:

1️⃣ Shooting Free or Low-Paid Events

✅ Offer free or low-cost coverage for small events, NGOs, or local businesses in exchange for permission to use photos.

✅ Attend public events, festivals, and gatherings to practice and capture real moments.

✅ Collaborate with friends, local businesses, or influencers who need event photos.

2️⃣ Volunteering for Non-Profits & Small Businesses

✅ Cover community events, fundraisers, school events, or local meetups.

✅ This helps build credibility and get real-world event shots.

3️⃣ Second Shooting for Established Photographers

✅ Assist professional photographers at weddings, corporate events, or concerts.

✅ Many pros need second shooters—this is a great way to learn and get real-world portfolio images.

4️⃣ Create a Styled Event Shoot

✅ Organize a mock event with models or friends to simulate a real event.

✅ Rent a small space, set up lights and decorations, and create aesthetic, professional images.

🔹 Step 3: Capture a Variety of Shots

Your portfolio should show that you can handle different scenarios at an event.

📌 Essential Shots to Include in Your Portfolio:

✅ Candid Moments – Guests enjoying, laughing, dancing

✅ Detail Shots – Decor, food, drinks, lighting, table setups

✅ Wide-Angle Shots – Crowd, stage, venue ambiance

✅ Portraits & Group Shots – Speakers, VIPs, attendees

✅ Action Shots – Dance, speeches, performances

✅ Behind-the-Scenes – Staff, event setup

🔹 Step 4: Edit & Curate Your Best Work

🎯 Quality over Quantity – Choose 15-25 of your best images that highlight your storytelling ability.

🎯 Consistency – Keep a cohesive editing style (natural, vibrant, or dramatic).

🎯 Retouching – Clean up noise, adjust lighting, and enhance key details.

🔹 Step 5: Build an Online Portfolio

You need a professional online presence to attract clients.

📌 Best Platforms for Your Portfolio

1. Website (Highly Recommended)

• Use Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, or Pixieset to showcase your work.

• Have sections like Gallery, About Me, Services, Contact.

• Add a booking form for inquiries.

2. Instagram & Social Media

• Post highlights from your events with engaging captions.

• Use relevant hashtags (#eventphotography, #corporatephotographer, etc.).

• Engage with potential clients through stories & posts.

3. Behance & 500px

• Upload your best shots for additional visibility.

4. Google Drive / PDF Portfolio

• If you’re reaching out to corporate clients, a PDF portfolio works well.

🔹 Step 6: Market Yourself

🔹 Offer first-time client discounts to gain traction.

🔹 Network with event planners, venues, and agencies.

🔹 Join Facebook groups & LinkedIn for event photography gigs.

🔹 Run small ads on Instagram & Facebook targeting event managers.

🔹 Video Guide for Portfolio Building

I don’t have a specific video, but here are some YouTube channels that cover event photography & portfolio building:

🎥 Jared Polin (FroKnowsPhoto) – Practical event photography tips

🎥 Mango Street – Clean, stylish photography portfolio tips

🎥 Sorelle Amore – Portfolio presentation & personal branding

🎥 Sean Tucker – Deep insights on photography style & storytelling

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Buying a second-hand camera through OLX (or any marketplace) requires careful inspection and asking the right questions to ensure you don’t end up with a faulty device. Here’s a detailed checklist to help you:

Questions to Ask the Seller

1. Why are you selling the camera?

• This gives insight into whether it’s due to an upgrade or potential issues.

2. How old is the camera?

• Ask for the purchase date or invoice copy (if available).

3. What is the shutter count?

• The shutter count is like a car’s mileage.

• Most DSLRs/Mirrorless cameras have a shutter life (e.g., 100,000 – 500,000 shots).

• Less than 30,000-50,000 is good for a used camera.

4. Has the camera been repaired or serviced?

• Check if it had any major repairs, sensor replacements, or internal damage.

5. Any issues with the sensor, autofocus, or buttons?

• Some cameras may have autofocus lag, dead buttons, or sensor issues.

6. Are you including the original accessories?

• Battery, charger, strap, memory card, box, and manuals.

• Check if the battery life is still good.

7. Has the camera been exposed to water or moisture?

• Any history of water damage or fungus inside the lens?

8. Is there any warranty left?

• Some cameras have an extended warranty—ask for details.

Things to Check Physically Before Buying

📷 Body & Buttons

✅ Check the camera body for scratches, dents, or cracks

✅ Press all buttons and dials to ensure they are working

✅ Look at the LCD screen for scratches, dead pixels, or fading

📸 Lens & Sensor

✅ Check the lens mount – It should not be loose or wobbly

✅ Remove the lens and inspect the sensor for dust, scratches, or fungus

✅ Attach a lens and test autofocus + manual focus

🔍 Shutter Count & Image Quality

✅ Take a few test shots at different settings

✅ Check the images for spots, sensor dust, or banding

✅ Use a website like shuttercount.com or software to check shutter count

🔋 Battery & Performance

✅ Check if the battery holds a good charge

✅ Turn the camera on and off a few times to check boot-up speed

Red Flags to Avoid 🚨

❌ Very low price (too good to be true) – Possible scam or faulty camera

❌ Seller avoids meeting in person or refuses testing

❌ No original bill, missing accessories, or warranty papers

❌ Shutter count is extremely high (>100,000 shots)

❌ Dents, fungus in the sensor/lens, or damaged body