It used to be easy but now there’s so many choices! Choosing a camera in a confusing market
It’s tempting to buy the biggest and the best when you’re looking for a quality camera, but this is often the first mistake that consumers make. The most flashy model might be great, but only if you know how to use it properly. There’s no use buying a big camera if you don’t know the first thing about it! So, here are some tips about how to get the best camera for your needs.
1. Know what you want
Sometimes it’s hard to know what you want if you haven’t seen it so I’ll give you a quick run-down. There are three major types of digital cameras available on the market.
– The first is the run-of-the-mill point and shoot. These are the cheapest type and are ultra portable and easy to use. They also have standard built-in settings for novices and are best for people who aren’t familiar with technology.
– Next is a bridge camera which is in between a point and shoot camera and a DSLR. It has both manual and automatic settings, allowing you more control over photos and is typically the same size or just a bit bigger than basic digital cameras. They are great for those learning more about photography.
– Finally, we have the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera – these are aimed at intermediate and experienced photographers. DSLR models typically offer interchangeable lenses, full manual controls and external flash units. they also come with a premium price tag: you’ll find these for around $700-$3000+
Other cameras available are tough cameras which are resilient in vulnerable situations like extreme cold, deep water and when dropped from a height. Action cameras are very popular video cameras, however they do not have zoom as they film what is called “point of view”. If you are highly active or have adventurous holidays, GoPro or Sony Action Cams are a good place to start, but be warned: accessories and attachments can blow out your budget if you’re not careful!
Things to note:
– Point and shoot cameras are best for everyday use i.e. photos of the grandkids
– Bridge cameras are great for special family occasions or for when you want a really quality image
– DSLRs are for professionals, predominantly.
2. Know where to get it
My advice would be to go into an electronics store that specialises in cameras. It’s not use going to David Jones or Target and trying to get the sales person to explain the pros and cons of the camera! Try to find out as much about the camera as possible and compare it with similar products. Going in store means you can have a feel for what you’re buying, but if you can’t, electronics retailers have detailed specifications available and most can offer personalised advice over the phone.
3. Get accessories
No camera comes with a memory card unless it’s in a special bundle, so don’t automatically assume it’ll be in the box or you could be disappointed! 8GB should be enough for around 500 photos but if you want more, you can get up to 64GB and beyond, though these are pricey. Stick to a memory card that’s reasonable for what you’re using it for and remember – you can always upload your photos to your computer and wipe the card and reuse it.
To protect your camera and make sure it lasts for many years to come, get a bag! It’ll really come in handy.
4. Learn how to use it
If you’ve gone ahead and bought a big DSLR and don’t know what to do, get your money’s worth by enrolling in some photography courses. There are plenty online to get you started! But don’t be fooled by the big camera if you’re a novice, as I said above, you can get something just as great for a lot less. I bought a nice little Nikon bridge camera for $170 a few months ago and it was fantastic on my South America trip. It also looked like a pro camera but without the hefty price tag!
Things to note:
– Go for the bigger brands: these are the ones you can trust. Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Fujifilm and Panasonic are the leaders, with Canon and Nikon taking the cake
– Wait for the sales: don’t jump in as soon as a new camera gets released…wait until they’re about to get a new model in and swoop
– Always wear the neck or wrist strap!
Good luck with buying your digital camera – feel free to ask any questions and I’ll try to answer them!
What type of camera do you have? What do you take photos of? Share with us below!
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