Gear #3 - Wish Lists - I want to buy a camera, but I don't know which one?!?!
This is a question more than a billion people across the world often ask themselves. Today there are many cameras out there that can satisfy a broad range of enthusiasts! How do you find a camera that is right for you?
In this blog, I will cover how you find the right DSLR for yourself. This article is geared towards the enthusiast who wants to take that extra step and put more money down and buy something that can help him create the pictures he/she wants.
So... what is the first step in deciding what camera you want?
Well, Research of course!
When researching you should start with your favorite brands of camera companies - (I would choose 4 that have a model in your price range). Note that the most important thing to remember about digital photography is that it is not about how good your camera is, but how clear your concept and the lens is. Of course, this doesn't mean you should buy a cheap camera and throw a beautiful lens on it.
Note: Good camera + Bad Lens = Sucky Pictures; Bad Camera + Good lens = Sucky Pictures.
I would suggest looking on BH Photo Video or Amazon at the cameras you have in mind. They have a great number of user reviews that list lots of information about the camera; the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Once you have settled on the cameras that you want and are in your price range research their image quality. A good place to turn to for cameras are from people and websites such as: Ken Rockwell, The Digital Picture, and DPReview.
Finally the last place in look for information would be Flickr or 500px. Look for groups created by people using the cameras/lenses you're interested in buying. This will give you a good feel of what their photographs will look like. If you end up loving a particular camera. Join the group on flickr and ask for advice on which lens you should get as well.
Don't fall for these!
1. Megapixels are not everything: The reason we have this increasing megapixel battle is that its just another feature that camera companies want to ensnare you with. When do you think you will ever need to print a poster the size of a large wall? Almost never; you will be perfectly satisfied starting with a 6-12 megapixel cameras.
2. If it does fancy things like panoramas and adding clip art and objects to a picture straight from the camera: It is not a professional camera and will not help you on your journey to being a professional camera guy.
3. How long does your battery last? Is it lithium and rechargeable? I prefer lithium because they last longer than the usual AA batteries.
4. Do research on how the camera handles noise at high iso ranges. If a camera has horrible ISO noise control, pictures shot in dull light will end up blotchy.
What do I usually do when I want to buy a camera?
1. Research Research Research Research.... There is no end to this.
2. Make sure that there are no rumors of another camera coming along that may replace this camera. Just google rumors followed by the camera name.
3. I read and look at specs and images of how the camera performs (especially in low light situations).
4. I read about what others have thought about the camera.
5. I ask my friends who are professionals or ask on various forums, what they think of the camera, especially for a starter or beginner interested in photography. I would also ask them what kind of lenses I may want if I like to do * insert favorite subject of photography, like portraits, landscapes, shallow dof, macros*. People are always willing to help.
