Do you know how to choose the best camera? What characteristics do you consider? How expensive should it be?
Here’s the answer: the best camera on the market today is… the one you’re actually going to use.
For most amateur photographers, any camera is best.
Okay, you probably didn’t want to hear that. But it’s true. No camera will instantly give you great photos if it lacks great composition and exposure. Cameras don’t take pictures, photographers do.
Okay, we hear you. So which camera should I buy?
If you are a hobby photographer, stick to the low end of cameras, one you can afford. Then, learn for yourself about photo composition, exposure, and other techniques.
Once you determine that you enjoy photography as a hobby and would prefer some advanced features, you can sell your old equipment and move on to higher-end models.
If you realize you have a secret knack for taking great pictures and you’re thinking you really want to make some money from your talent, then you can spend more money on fancy equipment.
But your money goes further if you get quality lenses. This will have a bigger impact than buying an expensive camera body.
What features should I look for?
The biggest mistake when choosing a camera is that megapixels make a big difference in the quality of images.
Unless your image is going to be plastered on a billboard, every camera on the market today should be perfectly sufficient to meet your MP needs.
Instead, think about these distinctions between high-end DSLRs vs. Low-end DSLR vs. point and shoot.
- Price (the difference between the top and bottom could be a few thousand dollars)
- Response time (the time it will take for the camera to take the photo after you press the shutter)
- auto focus
- Low light functionality
- video functionality
- weather resistant bodies
So here’s how to tell if you’re a true amateur photographer: If you’re always taking photos with your camera, particularly of things that many people probably wouldn’t consider photogenic, then you can consider yourself a true amateur. In this case, you are probably someone who would take advantage of the extra features of a DSLR.
So be honest with yourself and find out exactly how much your camera will use before you spend the money. If you plan to carry it with you constantly, go ahead!
