Whenever someone asks me “what kind of camera should I buy?” I respond immediately with “well, what are you going to use it for?” I know it may seem like a simple question but it is the one thing a future camera owner doesn’t consider. “What am I going to use it for?” they look at me funny and say, “To take pictures Dave . . .”
Ok, but what kind of pictures and what are you going to do with them once you have the pictures? Is what most people do no think about when they want a new camera. I think it is very important to take into consideration the “how” you are going to use a camera before investing in it. Most people don’t consider this and it is one of the major reasons they are disappointed when they end up with “too much” or “too little” camera. Let’s face it. If you were a farmer you don’t want a sports car to pull your wagon. It may look good but it will not serve your specific purpose.
So let’s look at the major camera types that are out there and see if I can get the ball rolling on your camera needs.
Cell Phone Cameras
Most smart phones and tablet have a camera built into them today. The resolution has greatly improved but they are sadly lacking in the lens and low light department. These are great for when there aren’t any other cameras around. I think these devices are awesome for social media. They are made for instant posting. But I feel they are not “true” cameras. Remember it is a cellphone first . . .with a camera feature.
Point and Shoots
These cameras are sometimes referred to as a “pocket camera” due to their ease of carrying around in pockets and purses. They usually have the added convenience of a good flash and good printing quality. It’s funny because as cell phones became more popular, I would have thought the point and shoot was on it’s way out. But as of lately this category has had a major recommitment of quality. Point and shoots are easily as powerful as yesteryears DSLR cameras. In fact some of the world’s top photographers are now carrying point and shoots in their pockets vs. their heavy cameras. I have to admit this is my new favorite camera type. You get a nice zoom lens with much better “glass” or lenses than ever before and the resolution is fantastic. Plus it blows cell phone pictures out of the water.
Bridge or “long zoom” Cameras
These cameras were created to fill a void between a point and shoot and a DSLR camera. They are basically a point and shoot with a fixed long lens on it. You can get in nice and close to the action of a sport event or concert but you sacrifice some portability. Its body is usually 3 times bigger than a point and shoot. You get better resolution but you are limited in your photographic growth by having a permanent lens attached. Still, it is point and shoot easy with extra benefits you will not find on a point and shoot.
A DSLR Camera
This is what most of us consider a pro camera. You have the camera body that can be intermixed with a variety of lenses and flashes. This is the camera newspaper, magazine and sports photographers’ use. This is the camera you see at concerts with huge lenses zooming into the performers action. Until recently this is the camera so many avoided buying. It was considered too expensive, complicated or had too many pieces to work. Or even worse, you had to do math to compose a shot.
NOT ANYMORE! – These cameras have come way down in price and are easier to use than ever before. I want you to look around the next time you are at a zoo or park. How many moms do you see carrying a DSLR? I know I see over half the folks in public now sport a “big” camera around their necks. These cameras are a little pricier but the investment can pay off in the future. You can add lenses and flashes to the camera body for years to come without it ever becoming obsolete. Plus manufacturers have made them as easy to use as a point and shoot. Most of the entry-level models have an auto mode so all you have to do is leave it on auto and let it do all the work. The benefits are better pictures, period. Plus you won’t be deleting as many bad photos because these cameras get the shot the first time around. The downsides are simple, it’s big and you have to plan when you carry a DSLR. It is going to take up space in a bag.
So which camera is right for you? “I don’t know . . .” I think these cameras are all “right” for the right user. You have to make the right choice based upon how you are going to use it.
Let me see if I can help:
Ask yourself a few questions
“What do I want to do with the photos when I take a good one?”
“Will I really print out the pictures or will they live on my computer?”
“Do I wish I took better pictures?”
“Do you want to “grow” as a photographer?”
“Do I need the convenience of very portable camera?”
Depending on how you answer these questions it should help you decide what kind of camera you want purchase.
If you want to take pictures to capture a quick moment and share them on social media, a cell phone will be enough for you. If you want convenience and quality along with printing a few pics every now and again, then a point and shoot or a bridge will work for you. But if you are very active and still want to capture all of your adventures and print them out, then a good point and shoot will be great for you too. Finally do you want to grow as an artist but need ease of use to get you started? An investment in a DSLR may be right for you.
I really wish I could give you a more definitive answer on which camera is right for you but unfortunately we humans are as unique as the pictures we will be taking. The only thing I can do is encourage you to ask yourself “What am I going to do with these pictures when I take them?” That’ll get you on your way.
Final thought . . .You do NOT have to spend 1,000’s of dollars to become a good photographer. It’s how you use that camera that makes a beautiful photograph.
- Dave James