PURCHASE ADVICE
LOOKING FOR A NEW CAMERA?
Want to buy a new camera and need advice?
I get asked with regularity what is a good camera to buy. I hope I can give a good description below. And if you have any questions feel free to ask!
Beforehand...
The advice I give below is my opinion. You, of course, may have a different opinion!
What types of cameras are there?
You have compact cameras, DSLRs, system cameras and the mirrorless camera
Compact cameras
- Advantages:
- Very portable and lightweight
- Often affordable
- Easy to operate, often with automatic settings
- Disadvantages:
- Fixed lens limits creative possibilities
- Smaller sensor may result in poorer low-light image quality
- Limited manual operation
- Often digital zoom, which can reduce image quality
- Slow reaction time
- Does not sit so well in your hand
- Ideal for:
- Quick snapshots and travel photography
- Users who prioritize portability over advanced features
DSLR - SLR cameras
- Advantages:
- Interchangeable lenses for maximum versatility
- Large sensor for excellent image quality
- Optical viewfinder for accurate framing
- Manual control for creative freedom
- Fast response time
- Lies well in the hand
- Often separate buttons for frequently used functions, nice and convenient!
- Interchangeable lenses ( but that can also be a disadvantage, as you have to carry more with you)
- Disadvantages:
- Larger and heavier than compact or mirrorless cameras
- Can be a bit inconvenient on vacation, especially if you have multiple lenses
- Can be complex for beginners
- The mirror may cause vibration and noise
- Ideal for:
- Serious photographers who want complete control over their photos
- Action, sports and nature photography
System cameras
- These are the 'more expensive compact' cameras
- Lenses are interchangeable.
- Sometimes no viewfinder available, you have to look at a screen outside in the bright sun and often you see 'nothing' then
- The lack of certain (frequently used) buttons makes it a little less easy to set up than an SLR camera.
- Menu structure just like compact cameras.
- Does not sit so well in the hand
- Good image quality
- Cannot digitally zoom in.
Mirrorless cameras
A mirrorless camera can be seen as the replacement for the super SLR camera. We have now reached the point where SLR cameras, with the familiar audible sound of a mirror clattering internally, will be less and less for sale. Every manufacturer is going to switch to this system. So there are no more mechanical actions to take a picture.
- Advantages:
- Compact and lightweight, often with interchangeable lenses
- Large sensor for high quality photos
- Advanced features such as electronic viewfinders and image stabilization
- Silent Photography
- Disadvantages:
- Can be more expensive than compact cameras
- Electronic viewfinders may have a slight delay
- Ideal for:
- Versatile photographers seeking a balance of size, performance and features
- Video recording, as mirrorless cameras often offer advanced video capabilities
- Further......
- This is THE future of serious cameras for the amateur as well as the professional
- All major brands are beating this path.
- Otherwise, all the advantages of an SLR camera ( lens change, fast, professional, etc.... )
| Feature | Compact Camera | DSLR |
Mirrorless camera
|
| Sensor size | Small | Large | Large |
| Lens | Fixed | Interchangeable | Interchangeable |
| Seeker | Electronic | Optical |
Electronic or optical
|
| Size and weight | Small and light | Large and heavy |
Compact and light
|
| Features | Automatic, simple | Manual, advanced |
Manual, advanced
|
| Price | Affordable | Medium to expensive |
Medium to expensive
|
Additional information:
- Image stabilization: This feature helps reduce camera shake and can be especially useful in low light or when using telephoto lenses.
- Battery life: Battery life can vary greatly between camera models.
- Autofocus: The speed and accuracy of autofocus can affect your ability to capture fast-moving subjects.
The perfect camera: choose wisely!
A camera that suits your style:
A good camera is not the same for everyone. The important thing is that you can work with it the way you feel comfortable. Notice:
- Fast focusing: Do you like to photograph action? Then choose a camera with fast autofocus.
- Good response time: Indispensable for spontaneous moments. Choose a camera that responds smoothly.
- High ISO: For low-light photography. The higher, the better your photos without flash.
Megapixels: not all that glitters is gold:
These days, most cameras have more than enough megapixels for great photos and even great prints. With more megapixels also comes:
- More storage space: Larger files mean more space on your card and computer.
- More computing power: Editing on your PC requires more from your processor.
Rather, choose a camera with:
16 megapixels and high ISO: For great pictures in all lighting conditions.
Good lens: A top body deserves a top lens!
The lens: half the story:
Invest in a good lens! A cheap lens on an expensive body does not get the best out of it. If you have a 3000 euro body and a 100 euro lens, you will also get a 100 euro photo. In a manner of speaking huh?
- Avoid 'all-purposeers': Lenses like 18-300mm often lack sharpness. So lenses that can shoot very wide but also get things from far away very close.
- Better a more limited range: Choose a lens with a smaller zoom range, but better quality.
Tips:
24-105mm/24-120mm: an excellent all-rounder.
24-70mm F2.8: professional choice for all situations.
Which brand? Choose quality!
Nikon and Canon are top brands with excellent cameras and are slightly preferred over the other brands. I myself am a Nikon shooter...why? Because in my younger years this was my first camera. So no real reason. Choose the one that suits you best. Remember: there are other good brands! Get advice in a specialized photo store.
Remember: The best camera is the one you take the best pictures with. Start experimenting and find your perfect match! Choose a camera that fits your budget and stick to the brand you chose. Because if you switch you will have to sell all your stuff.