Looking for a new camera? Choosing a manufacture is just the start, but not as important as finding a model that has the features you need, and even more imperative - That you’ll enjoy using. With that thought in mind, your first question as you move forward on this exciting quest should be - Do you want small and convenient, or high quality with a bit more to carry around?
First question; Should you go “point-and-shoot” or DSLR? (Or both)
This decision doesn’t get any easier even if you’ve finally answered that first question, cause now you have the somewhat daunting chore of picking which model, size, features, etc. - And that’s before you start weaving your way thru all the marketing hype that the manufactures pile on top of that! But hey, that’s what I’m here for. I’ll simply focus on the pros and cons of that first question, then build upon that to help relieve some anxiety and make your shopping time a bit more enjoyable.
Second question; Are your thoughts all about the size?
For most of you, it comes down to the convenience. Maybe you like that ability to just throw the thing in your purse or pocket when your done. Though you’re probably aware that DSLR’s do produce better looking photos, what if you go out for a night with friends, are you inclined to carrying a large, sometimes obtrusive thing over you shoulder? There are many of you that don’t mind, but if you’re part of the larger group of photo nuts I meet each day, I’d say you’d want something that can be thrown in a pocket while enjoying the moment. With the the steady stream of better and smaller technology, the point and shoot cameras have definitely come a long way with regards to quality, while keeping their top feature, which is really the convenient size. The fact that practically every cell phone has now included a camera as part of its many features enforces the concept and convenience of small cameras that fit in pockets.
What foretell sacrifice begets this convenience?
Well, you’re still going to sacrifice quality, and versatility. That beautiful DSLR, though a bit more cumbersome and sometimes screaming “look at me with my big camera”, will always produce better photos. That’s simply due to the physics of the better quality lens, and the electronic guts inside.
Speed is another advantage; Ever tried taking photos of fast-moving objects with a point-and-shoot? I’m sure you’ve been the victim of “shutter-delay” frustration. You’ve half-pressed the shutter button, in anticipation of your grandchild chasing that puppy, hoping the darn thing has focused on something in that area the next time they come screaming by, they do, you snap - Then you look at the screen and DOH! You missed again! Though shutter reaction times have improved, it’s still a minor issue when it comes to convenience.
Next up is the variety of lens options that are available for the DSLR crowd, which makes a world of difference in image quality. Even the best point and shoot camera still has only one lens. There’s something to said about having a big white lens hanging off the front of your camera body, that’s not only impressive, but also much more versatile in low-light.
So when you’re considering this purchase, the best things to consider are still;
1. Do you want higher quality images or something that’s simple to learn and is convenient?
2. What are you going to do more shots of? Fast action sports, grandkids, races or get-together with family and friends?
3. Do you like the (almost endless) options that having different lens and accessories bring, or will the range on a point-n-shoot work just fine?
4. Do you want to take your photography skills to the next level and learn the craft as you grow with a more versatile tool? Or is this just to allow you to catch life’s exciting moments?
Well, hopefully this has at least pointed you in one direction or the other (or both - Hey, it’s always nice to have one in each car, or to have a back-up). But remember one thing that I pass on to all my students - The camera has to be easy for YOU to use, not whatever the best seller is, or worst yet, what the salesperson is pushing that day. I have a student, who was simply looking for a camera to take with him on camping trips. He was sold the “latest and greatest”, most popular camera of the day by an enthusiastic salesperson, just to get home and find out his big lumber-jack fingers couldn’t work those little buttons!
In order to get a decent camera that will last you, at least a couple years, find out what your budget’s going to be. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive for good quality, but also don’t go for the cheapest, as you’ll quickly regret it and never use it. Do a little research on-line, ask your friends what they’ve got, what they like/don’t-like, find out which cameras have the features you’d like, in your price range. Make a list of those that fit your needs and go out to a couple different stores and try each one out. Make sure the buttons, knobs and functions all make sense to you. Does it fit your hand/fingers?
