What camera should I buy?
I often get asked by wedding guests and other people that know me for a recommendation on a camera to buy. Thanks to the digital “revolution”, there are now hundreds of models to choose from with a bewildering set of features. I’m not an expert, but I’ve put down a few practical guidelines which might help.
I don’t keep up with compact or amateur models (and they are constantly being replaced anyway!) but a safe bet is to stick to the better known camera manufacturers as opposed to the more mainstream electronics companies. Just pick a price range that you are comfortable with and try out anything from Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm or Olympus in that price range. Just from what I’ve seen, Fujifilm make some very good compacts with very good colours straight from the camera.
Here are some things to remember:
1. You don’t need loads of megapixels. 5-6 is probably more than enough for the majority of amateur work. Be more concerned about the quality of the lens or the manufacturer.
2. Ask about battery life and buy a spare to keep with you.
3. Try using the normal viewfinder instead of the screen at the back when composing. You will find that it’s quicker and because the camera will be more steady, the shots will be sharper. Check how comfortable it is to use this way in the shop before buying.
4. Memory cards are cheap, so buy some spares instead of running the camera on it’s lowest quality setting.
5. Shop around, especially if you don’t mind buying online.
6. Have a good play with it before you buy. There is no point getting one small enough for your little clutch bag unless you can use it comfortably.
7. Finally, don’t be tempted to spend more than you need to. A better camera does not make a better photographer - you still need to get the shot in the first place (timing, lighting and composition) and despite what some people think, you can’t make a silk purse out of a pigs ear, it doesn’t matter how much software you have! Digital is good but good photography is still good photography - nothing has changed since the days of film as far as that goes.
It’s all common sense really and I hope some of it will be useful to you. Just don’t get carried away by the technical jargon that the shop workers will hit you with and keep in mind what you want to use it for. There is no point in buying lots of features if you are not going to use them or will never learn how to. Good luck!
Update: I’ve just been looking around for a compact as a Christmas present - what I’m seeing is that a lot of them don’t even bother with a viewfinder now, just point and look at the screen on the back the shop guy said, what do you need something to look through for…..I didn’t bother explaining…..so point 3 above isn’t always relevant I’m afraid!
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