Some cameras, like the one on your phone, have a fixed lens that cannot be removed. But if you dip your toe into more advanced photography, you will likely work with a camera that has an interchangeable lens system. All professional camera brands, such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Sigma, offer similar arrays of lenses that you can swap out.
Each interchangeable lens has a different focal length, which is good for different types of photography projects. Focal length is measured in millimeters (the magnification capability of the lens) and determines how much of a scene is visible in your viewfinder. Some lenses are “fixed” (also known as prime lenses) and have a single focal length, while others are “variable” (also known as zoom lenses) and can adjust to different focal lengths.
Camera bodies are often sold in combination with a lens. These are called kit lenses. They are typically affordable zoom lenses that offer versatility to beginners. You likely won’t be able to achieve certain effects like a shallow depth of field with a variable kit lens, as their apertures (measured in f-stop numbers) are usually on the higher end.
Photographers who know what they want can purchase a camera body on its own and then choose their desired lens. But if you’re just starting out, you can experiment with the kit lens first, and then invest in a higher-quality lens with a more specific purpose.
