Camera Buying Guide
My guidance on buying a camera
“What camera should I buy?” is one of the most common questions I’m asked by aspiring photographers, clients, friends, and family. And that’s totally ok, because it’s a topic I could go on and on about.:)
My reply usually starts with a question of my own, “What kind of pictures do you want to make?” It’s more important to match the camera to the purpose than it is to find the “best” camera.
I just wanna have fun..
If the person responds that they just want to have fun taking pictures, then I want them to be able to touch and feel several different cameras in person. The camera that they think looks great and fits their hand is the one that they’ll actually take with them places and use. As someone smart once said, “The best camera you have is the one you have with you.” What this person needs is to walk into a great camera store, but those are becoming rare due to the rise of online sales. Here are two great options that are still around:
If you’re in Charlotte, NC, go to Biggs Camera. They have a good selection of cameras and a knowledgeable staff, neither of which you’ll find at national electronic store chains.
If you’re in New York City, go to B&H. It’s a giant store with friendly staff and every sort of photography tool you can imagine. And when it comes to that online ordering, it’s my favorite. I trust them.
I want to take pictures of friends and family
For the person that wants to make better pictures of their friends and family, but doesn’t want to get into serious portraiture, I think there is a lot to be said for a simple, all-in one camera. Something where the lens is permanently attached to the body and includes a flash. One of my favorite websites to learn about cameras is DPReview. They’ve got all kinds of camera reviews, plus a really handy set of Buying Guides. Check out their Best Cameras for Friends and Family Photos guide, where there is usually an all-in-one camera listed.
I want to create the best pictures for weddings and portraits
For the person who wants to create the best pictures for weddings and portraits, a lot of learning and practice about photography principles and working with people is the most impactful. This has been my path… and I’m still on it;) I look for the following in my camera bodies:
Dual memory cards. Cards inevitably fail, and its critical to have a back-up of one-in-a-lifetime moments
Full-frame sensor, for shallow depth of field and low-light ability
Great viewfinder, for an immersive experience when composing the shot
Robust, weather-resistant body, for attaching larger lenses and flashes, and being outside in inclement weather
I hope this guide to buying a camera helps you in your decision. Drop me a note if you have questions or share your thoughts in the comments below!
And because I’m often asked what kind of cameras I use…
Professional work: Two Canon R5 bodies
Personal work: Fujifilm X100V and Dad’s Minolta X-370
