Buying a camera is a very daunting task; whether you’re upgrading or purchasing for the first time, seeing the never-ending list of makes and models can be quite overwhelming and it’s hard to know where to start.
However, making the right decision about what camera to buy is such an important one, and there are a few things you can think about to make that decision a whole lot easier.
Firstly, narrow down your search as much as you can by deciding on your budget. If you need to buy lenses as well as a new camera body, make sure you think about this before you go out hunting for a camera. Lenses can significantly add to the amount you will spend. Also budget for extras you may want or need such as: a case, memory cards, batteries, filters, tripods etc.
Figure out what you’ll mainly be needing the camera for and write a list of essential criteria. For example, if you’re doing lots of landscapes do you need waterproofing, do you want full manual mode, do you want something as lightweight as possible? Prioritise the features that are most important to you, as you may have to compromise.
Types of camera
Once you know the basics of what you want your camera to offer, think about what type of camera you’ll need. The main types are: DSLR, mirrorless, action cameras and point and shoots. Here’s a little bit about each of those types:
DSLR
DSLRs (digital single lens reflex cameras) are probably the most common type of camera you see with enthusiasts and pros. They have interchangeable lenses, and you’ll need both a lens and body for them to work. They have great image quality and come at a range of prices. They have large sensors and therefore are great in low light, however sensor size does vary. Because of these larger sensors and mirror, they are heavier and larger than other types of camera.
Pros: Good low light performance, interchangeable lenses, a large variety on the market, high image quality.
Cons: Heavy and large.
Mirrorless
Mirrorless cameras are quite similar to a DSLR, but they don’t have the mirror inside them and are therefore much smaller and lighter. They also have interchangeable lenses, but as there are relatively few models out there in comparison to DSLRs, and the range of lenses available isn’t quite as vast. Like a DSLR, specifications and image quality can vary greatly between different models. The smaller size makes these ideal for travel and street photography.
Pros: Small and light, interchangeable lenses, high image quality.
Cons: Generally, lower image quality and not as good in low light compared to a DSLR.
Action cams:
Small, robust, mountable cameras that are good for action shots and extreme sports. These are also a great option if you’re looking for a very small, portable camera. The smaller size also means smaller sensor, making these cameras less able in terms of image quality and low-light.
Pros: Extremely durable, waterproof, accessories available, small.
Cons: Image quality lower, less manual control options.
Compact point and shoots:
These cameras are small and have fixed lenses. Sales in these have been falling in recent years after smartphone cameras have become more popular. These can be a good starting point in photography, and can allow you some manual control and a gateway into photography without paying the price of a DSLR.
Pros: Easy to carry around, cheaper option.
Cons: smaller sensor, fewer features.
Once you’ve decided which type of camera is for you, you can start to think about the features you want within that. Try to be realistic, for example if you want full manual control, you probably aren’t best with an action cam. Or if you want your camera to be completely waterproof, maybe a DSLR isn’t your best bet.
A few key features you might want to consider are:
-Manual control
-Resolution*
-Autofocus
-Weatherproofing
-Size & weight
-Raw vs JPEG
-Video
-Image stabilisation
-Frames per second
-LCD display
-Viewfinder
-Wifi/GPS
*Don’t be blind sighted by large megapixel values. More megapixels does not necessarily mean better images. If you’re unclear on this, have a read up about how sensor size and megapixels are related and what more megapixels vs a larger sensor really means.
You probably won’t get everything you’d ideally like in terms of features unless you’re spending a lot of money. Prioritise what features you need and make sure your priorities align with what you’ll mainly be using your camera for. Different models and makes will excel in different areas and prioritise a variety of things, so knowing what is more important to you is essential.
Brands
The brands you pick will also be extremely important - different brands specialise in different types of camera and excel with different features. For example, when choosing a DSLR, Canon and Nikon will be at the forefront, however when choosing a mirrorless system, the mind immediately wanders to Fuji or Olympus. Similarly, if you want a camera with super-fast shooting speed, Olympus are pioneering that movement, or if you want retro shooting effects, Fuji is the one for you.
If you already have accessories and lenses that fit a certain brand, you may want to consider whether they will be compatible with a camera of another brand if you are thinking of switching. Switching brands can mean having to change up your lenses and accessories, so it’s worth thinking about this before you do so.
Personally, I would recommend trying any camera out for real before you buy. Head down to your local camera store and have a play with whatever model you're going to buy before you do. Sometimes, you just don't gel with the ergonomics of a model. It's important that you're happy with every aspect of a camera before you buy - not just its spec sheet.
These are a few things to get your started when thinking about getting a new camera. For many people, this may only be scratching the surface of what you need to think about, but it’s a good place to start. Do your research and know your priorities. Also, be realistic about what you can get for your money and don't forget to factor in your accessories!
. digitalrev.com2017-9-22 03:00
