Camera Recommendations

Recently, I've been getting questions about which camera to buy. This is a surprisingly difficult question because it relies how you plan on using your camera, how much money you want to spend and your own personality.

Here's how I would think about buying a camera. The goal is for you end up using the camera you buy. If the camera sits in your closet, we have failed. In other words, the best camera is the one you have with you.

There are a million cameras out there, so let's narrow it down by level. Below the list of levels are reasons you might upgrade your level. Once you've figured out which level of camera you need, I've listed my recommendation. If you decide to stay at the same level, but want still want a new camera, I would think hard about a photography class (unless your camera is over 3-4 years old).

What do I use? Check out my gear.

Never forget the most important feature of the camera is the 12 inches behind it, the most critical specification is the size of the sensor (down to the milimeter), and the best camera in the world is the one you have with you.

  1. Camera phone
  2. Point and shoot -> Canon ELPH 340 HS
  3. Great/Expensive point and shoot -> Sony RX100
  4. Micro 4/3, aka SLD, aka E.V.I.L., aka mirrorless -> Sony a5000
  5. SLR -> Nikon D3300
  6. Pro SLR

Reasons to transition

Level 1 --> 2

  • I want pictures I can print
  • I want an optical zoom
  • I want to take pictures in the dark, with flash

Level 2 --> 3

  • I love taking pictures, I take a lot, but with my current camera, they always seems a little ... blah (grainy, dull)
  • I want to take some more creative pictures. That is, more than quick snapshots
  • I want to learn how to use aperture, shutter speed and ISO to my advantage

Level 3 --> 4

  • I want to experiment with different lenses and I know that lenses cost a few hundred dollars
  • I am willing to carry a camera that is not pocketable
  • I am willing to take a photography class
  • I need to take pictures indoors with no flash
  • I want to spend 2-3 minutes playing with settings in order to get the photo to look the way I want.
  • I am willing to read my camera manual

Level 4 --> 5

  • I need better/faster autofocus
  • I need a real external flash
  • I might like to make a few bucks by photographing small weddings
  • I want to buy more lenses. I know lenses cost $100- $2000 and I know which one I want
  • I already know every single the button, function, and mode of my current camera
  • I know exactly why I am unhappy with my current camera
  • I am willing to give up a normal video mode
  • When I take the camera out of Auto, I will need to change the settings in a hurry
  • I like holding the camera up to my face, it lets me get the best pictures.
  • I plan on learning characteristics of light and exposure

Level 5 --> 6

  • I have too much money
  • I want to carry around giant cameras
  • You really should already know why :-P

Other thoughts you might have ...

  • I find my pictures boring. Read a book or take a class on composition.
  • I am micro-comparing two cameras in the same price range, how will I decide? Look at pictures from each camera on flickr, see if you can navigate the cameras menu system, make sure the physical size of the sensor is the same (the larger the sensor, the better the pictures).
  • SLRs: Nikon or Canon or Sony? Is the camera comfortable to hold? Do my friends have any of these? Do I understand the menu system?
  • I want sharper, more vibrant pictures, especially for indoor shots

    • You are looking for the maximum physical size of the camera sensor that you can afford. Buy the level up.
  • I am willing to carry an extra 3lbs everywhere I go and will never fear destroying over $1200 of equipment - Level 5+ (i.e. 5 or above)
  • I am willing to carry an extra 1lb everywhere I go and will never fear destroying $700 of equipment - Level 4+
  • One day I will know that I need to decrease the aperture in order to increase the depth of field. - Level 4+
  • I will not take the camera off of auto - Level 4 or below
  • I am willing to learn 1 or 2 settings to improve my pictures - Level 3+
  • I love learning how devices work and I will use the best settings to get the best photo - Level 4+

Cameras Features, Specs, Pros and Cons

Megapixels - ignore all megapixel counts, unless you're planning on printing something bigger than 20x30

Interchangeable Lenses

  • Pros

    • Get shots with the blurry background.
    • Once you buy a lens, you will likely never need to replace it with an upgrade. The camera body will likely be upgraded.
  • Cons

    • You will need to handle delicate pieces of equipment.
    • Keep things clean
    • Heavy
    • More things to keep track of

Accessories that you might consider before buying a new camera

  • mini-tripod
  • regular tripod
  • external flash
  • photography class
Posted: March 07, 2014 | | comments