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In a previous article I was talking about some parameters that had to be how camera works. Today I will take a step back and I will comment on a number of tips to keep in mind when buying a best camera.
Many of bought digital camera & taking the course to learn photography. I n many cases they realizes that his camera does not meet his expectations.
That is why, if you are thinking of buying a camera or switching to another model, I recommend you read these tips, so that you yourself will answer all the questions that I will explain, in order to get the one that best meets your needs.
Currently, there are more and more brands that are bringing new models of great quality and multitude of functionalities, such as Sony (manufactures sensors that Nikon mounts), Olympus, Fujifilm, etc …
The longest-running brands on the market have a very wide range of objectives.
Almost always, the limiting factor when deciding one model or another is the budget. Usually we only contemplate the option of acquiring a new camera, when in fact, there is a very wide second-hand market that can allow us to accede to superior models. In this case, it must be recognized that the brands with the largest market share are Canon and Nikon.
What Types of Cameras Are on the Market?
Compact Camera
The compact cameras are the smallest, have a built-in non-interchangeable lens and are the ones that give poorer quality.
They do not usually have options for manual exposure control, so we can simply use them in automatic. It is the typical camera that we can take anywhere, although with the rise of mobile phones and their increasingly better cameras, it seems that they are increasingly less meaningful. More to read on best compact camera.
SLR Camera
Known by everyone, they give very good quality due to the sensors they have.
They allow us to exchange different objectives, we can shoot in RAW format, and they have more and more functionalities.
One of its strong points is the ergonomics, since they are adapted to the hands, and the buttons are placed strategically in the most suitable position. There are also many accessories and range of objectives.
Its size can be a problem for someone who is not used to carrying the camera with them.
SLR system, gets its name thanks to the mirror that reflects the light.
From € 300 or € 350 we can get basic reflex cameras. If we want more quality we will go from 800 € upwards.
MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Camera)
They are the last type of camera that has come on the market, and are a mixture between compact camera and SLR, since its size is reduced by not wearing a mirror or pentaprism, but allows to exchange objectives.
The picture quality is very good, compared to the large models of SLR cameras. At first, there were several reasons why many photographers did not take the step, although little by little the new models are solving. As you see on Sony A7RII, Fujifilm XT1, Fujifilm XT2…etc
The focus speed is slower than SLRs, so it’s something they’re trying to improve.
The subject of ergonomics is something that some people do not convince, first because being so small they do not have the sensation of good grip. Also, because in order to modify a parameter, it is necessary to access menus due to the lack of buttons, which delays the triggering.
They have a digital viewfinder instead of an optical viewfinder, which, perhaps, is hard to get used to. Although in favor has that we can see multitude of options directly in the viewfinder screen.
Being 100% electronic, they consume more battery. In addition, the batteries are smaller, so they last less.
Some models are sensitive to low temperatures, so it is another aspect to consider.
On the other hand, they also have many advantages, such as reduced size, which allows to go unnoticed and carry them almost anywhere. The objectives go according to the bodies, occupying little space, although the range is still a little reduced in some marks.
In addition, the goals that sell these brands are quality, unlike the goals that usually go in the SLR kit.
Weight is another aspect to keep in mind, especially if your thing is to walk with the equipment on its back.
Regarding the prices, you can find models starting at 400 €, however, if we want the models that offer the highest quality we are going from 1,200 € upwards.
The Pictures You Make, Not the Camera
When the budget is not a problem, the imperative need to buy the “best” of the market, thinking that in this way, our photographs will be better. This is the first mistake, since the one who makes the photographs is you. The camera is only a medium, a tool that facilitates life in certain situations, which helps us to capture what we have in our head.
I always recommend buying a camera that has a basic performance to make the photographs that we want to do, and later, if we bite the image worm and want more quality or new features, sell it and buy another camera.
Tips for Choosing Camera
There are thousands of models and brands of cameras, of all ranges, prices and types. That’s why, when we are going to buy one, it may be difficult for us to know which one to pick. This will depend on what the use we give it will be.
It depends on whether you want a camera to use occasionally when you go on vacation or visit somewhere, or if you are passionate about photography and you will use it daily. Although it is not the only thing you have to fix, the megapixels that have the camera are a good reference. For an average user, it is more than enough with a 10 megapixel camera, since from 10 the image quality is practically invaluable.
Camera prices have dropped a lot lately. It is easy to get 10MP cameras for less than € 100.
Video
Virtually every camera sold today can record video. Even if you think that you prefer a cheaper camera and do not record video, it is preferable not to look for it, because you will not find it. In addition, it is always good to have this functionality.
A video is nothing more than a succession of thousands of images and an audio that is part of the sound. These images are displayed at full speed and is what gives us the sensation of movement. These images are called frames, and the more you have one video per second (frames / s or fps) the higher the quality, because the effect of movement and naturalness will be greater.
These frames, being images, also have megapixels or pixels (p). The three parameters that measure the quality of a video are fps, p (pixels with frames) and sound quality. A good value for money is around 1000 p, which usually match with 10 MP photos.
Photo retouching
Some cameras allow you to retouch photos with simple functions. There are also professional touch-ups, but for an average user it is not essential, since you have many free programs for Windows (Gimp, Photoscape, Inksspace etc) and smartphone apps (such as Snapseed) that allow you the same or more features.
Digital SLR Cameras
These are more expensive camera and that, they do not have to have more megapixels, but evertheless they have lenses of much more quality. Going back to the average user subject, these types of cameras are much more expensive and can be excessive if we are not experts in photography. Here are a point of reasons why you do or do not need a SLR camera.
Brands and stores
It is important to choose a good brand. Kodak, Nikon, Olympus, Canon, Sony, etc. are examples of well-known and prestigious brands. However, this can make your price skyrocket when quality does not have to be clearly better. Now smartphones of all brands carry cameras that can also be of good quality, such as the Samsung Galaxy 8, Sony Xperia XZ.
Camera Shops
You can also look in online stores, such as Adoroma, B&H Photo, Amazon, where you have a great variety to choose from their collection.
And you, are you going to buy a camera? Do you know which model you want now?
