Are you looking for a new camera for the holidays?
Have a photographer on your list this season?
I have you covered!
The first question I always ask when someone comes to me for advice on what camera to purchase is...
What KIND of camera do you want?
Do you know the differences between them?
I always suggest you get a camera that not
only fits your current needs but allows you to continue to learn slightly
more then you think you will. So let me first talk to you about some
basic camera differences.
First, Phones. Phones are not
Cameras. Ipads are not camera's. They can be great tools, some work
well in a pinch, and some even have decent enough mp's to make up for
the poor quality lens, some even have flashes. However... I strongly
feel that they are not "camera's" for the sake of what I am going to be
teaching and talking about. They don't have the same functions, quality,
or standards. So most of what I teach wont make sense if your using
your phone or other device.
Starting the line up are
Standard "pocket" point and shoots. These are small, compact camera's.
Every camera manufacture makes some style of Point and Shoot.
Compact
digital camera's for our purposes will be any camera with a retractable
lens, this lens will come back in to the body of the camera, it is not
removable. This creates the nice, small, lightweight camera that can be
tucked into a purse or pocket. Let's be clear, it is great starting
camera and as such has all your basic modes, and important needs are
covered, such as flash, zoom, and megapixels.You will find these cameras
from any reputable manufacture will range from $80 on up. Depending on
features, lenses, and other options. (By the way, if your interested my
top picks for this category would be cameras made by Panasonic, Fuji,
Nikon, Canon, Pentax not in any order, and those are not the only ones
out there.. but I find these companies tend to put out a good product
for most your needs at this level.)
Here are some important details to keep in mind
1. Not all flashes are created equal.
2. Not all batteries are the same, or even "good" to use for photography.
3.
The size of a CCD chip (what replaced the "film" and is the capture
device on digital cameras) is MUCH smaller then on DSLR's, meaning the
quality of detail wont be the same even with the same "size" of
megapixel. 12mp on a compact camera is NOT the same as a 12 mp on a
DSLR.
4. It is no longer a megapixel race. Any camera these days
has enough for you to print and share your images with out the "digital"
look.
5. Digital zoom, is NOT a feature you want to shop for or use. Ever.
VERTE TIP some of these camera's are water-proof, some weather-proof, some are
impact resistant... etc... it is important if you will be using this as a
travel, or "family" camera that you check out some of these options,
and the warranties as they do vary. Personally, I like the rugged water
proofing cameras for travel, beach and everyday wear. I would NEVER take
my pro camera to the pool and let my kid take photos... where the
waterproof one I wouldn't be worried about.
Its all about peace of mind.
Second
on our list of types of digital cameras would be what I term the
"
Advanced" or "growing" P&S (point and shoot). Sometimes these are
called "Bridge" camera's. This style of camera typically has a lens that
remains out, in some way. It is larger and has some sort of Aperture,
Shutter and/or Manual modes.
This
kind of camera is still very lightweight, but in addition to the
different modes of operation they often have a pop up flash and
sometimes the ability to attach a flash or work with additional strobes
or off camera flashes. Some of these cameras allow for lens modifiers,
or possibly let you change your lens. They are not considered DSLR's
because they dont have an optical viewfinder, or in some cases a
viewfinder at all. If you have a viewfinder it is still a digital
display. This is a great option for someone who doesn't know a lot about
photography, doesn't want to invest a TON of money, but needs some
options and ability to grow say perhaps someone looking to document a
new family, do kid sports, vacations, or even some basic blog or
homemade shop photography. You can find them from $200 on up again
depending on features.
That brings us to our last
style, which is the
DSLR. This style is typically FULLY functional,
interchangeable lens, flash options, full manual modes etc. These also
"typically" have optical viewfinders, although many allow you for live
shooting while using the back LCD screen as well. The important part for
our needs is that you would have the ability to pick the lens, add
flash or stobes, and have full control over your manual modes.
As
we go forward, it's important for you to know what level your camera
is. So if you don't know which category you fit into please drop me a
message or comment below and let me know your make and model (you can
always find that on the front of your camera). There are less and less
clear lines in separation between these styles, so please don't feel bad
asking!
Also, as a disclaimer - yes I used all Nikon
images, yes I shoot Nikon. NO I don't think this is the "right" camera
for you in every case. It is simply what I had available because I do
shoot one, I like the product and the company. Like I said earlier,
there are a lot of really good companies and products out there. It will
depend greatly on what your needs are, for you to find the "right"
camera for you!
