17/07/2017
Which camera do I buy: the amateur camera buying guide
As a photographer, the single most common question I get is “So, which camera do I buy“. Or: “I really love your photography – which camera do you use?”. Or, “Is Nikon better than Canon?”. I’ve been asked this question so many times, and by so many people — the idea of writing a post about is seeming rather obvious, but after a lot of delay — here it is! This guide is a small attempt at being able to answer these questions once and for all, and to be able to document my answer — which I must say has evolved over the years into this one! I’m going to keep making updates to this post so that I keep it as relevant as possible.
First things first
The answer to “which camera should I buy” can’t be answered easily. It’s one of those existential questions, like the one about what is the meaning of life (!) — and needs a bit of background and supporting information before we can even begin to answer it. A camera is a tool — a tool you use to make great photographs and preserve memories. Like any tool, you need to know what you hope to achieve with that tool before you go out and buy it. So before we get into this guide, let’s assume that this is more of a journey of discovery rather than a guide and plain vanilla list of recommendations (though there’s that too at the end). It’s a journey where you ask yourself what you want to achieve with your camera, rather than how much you can afford.
Step 1: Answer this — what do you I want to do with my camera?
There are quite a few possible answers to that question. Let’s try some of them.
1. I want something convenient that I can use for casual pictures, and things that catch my fancy. Maybe post to Instagram.
2. I only have time to take pictures when I go on holiday — and I want to be able to take fancy pictures of my vacation.
3. I want to learn photography — and want manual control over my camera
4. Everything else is secondary, I want something light that can fit into my purse / bag / backpack
5. I want to do commercial assignments one day, and I want to buy a serious camera
6. Money is no concern; I want the BEST camera out there!
Everything needs purpose — and deciding on a camera to buy is based on what you want to do with it. Once you have a fair idea, it’s time to decide whether you want a point-and-shoot camera or a larger, heavier more professional looking DSLR.
Step 2: Realise that megapixels are a myth
There — I said it. Megapixels are a myth. The idea that every camera store sales clerk drums into your head again and again, that more megapixels make you better photographer is absolute poppycock. Any camera above 5 megapixels will give you the same results, for most applications. I’m not going into technical details here, but you’ll have to trust me on this one. There are a whole host of other factors that determine the quality of a photograph. Megapixels is only a statistic of how many pixels are packed into a photograph, and that depends hugely on how many of those pixels are packed into a square inch. Unless you’re planning on enlarging your pictures billboard-size, ANYTHING above 5 megapixels will give you broadly the same results. Having said that, let’s move on to Step 3.
Step 3: Deciding between a point-and-shoot (PS) and a DSLR
I’ve known many people to scoff at point-and-shoot cameras because they weren’t ‘serious’ enough. Heck, I used to be one of those people! The general consensus always was that point-and-shoot cameras are only a little better than mobile-phone cameras, and were a rather serious waste of money. Well, this is still true — but only to an extent. The entry level point-and-shoot cameras (under INR 6k / $100) are barely any better than the camera you have on your smart phone. An iPhone 7 camera can take better photos under daylight than entry level Nikon CoolPix and Canon PowerShot cameras. However, once you go a little deeper into it, you’ll see that more advanced cameras (in the range of INR 20-30k = $400-500) pack some serious power. For instance, Nikon’s P7000 (or even Nikon P6000) offer some serious goodies for a relatively cheaper price tag than an DSLR. You get full HD video recording, shoot in RAW format (for custom edits later), and can shoot in full manual.
P&S DSLR
Pros:
1. Obvious weight advantage — carry easily
2. No need for extra accessories like lenses, filters etc.
3. SLIGHTLY more durable and resistance to shock
4. Some cameras are built waterproof and are great for underwater photography
Cons:
1. Small Sensor: never acheive DLR level quality
2. Restrictions begin when you consider what different lenses do for DSLRs: wide lenses for landscapes, tele lenses for wildlife and so on.
3. Performance degrades at night — ISO capabilities not on par with DSLRs (again because of the sensor size)
Pros:
1. Obvious advantage in quality — the larger sensor size in most cases gives you files . Full frame cameras mimic the 35mm sensor size of yore.
2. Interchangeable lenses: switch from extreme wide angles to huge zooms very quickly
3. Ability to shoot RAW in all DSLRs: even the entry level ones
4. Full manual control, or semi manual control
5. Better performance at night
6. Ability to shoot full HD 1080i video with a variety of lenses.
Cons:
1. Heavy. Big. Needs special bags and cases. Additional lenses add to the weight.
2. Expensive. Additional lenses to expand your capabilities are much more so.
Step 4: Now choose.
You’ve gone through the pre-requsities. Chances are, you’re already swinging one way or the other. Before I recommend which cameras I think are the best out there, here’s some advice on how to choose:
Buy a point and shoot if you said: Buy a D-SLR if you said:
1. I want a camera which I’ll use occasionally, mostly for travel
2. I want something LIGHT! I hate lugging extra weight along
3. I want a serious camera — but I can’t be bothered to buy extra lenses etc.
4. I’m on a budget
5. I want something that’s a little better than my camera phone, but can’t handle the extra weight 1. I want to learn photography, and be able to have manual control over my camera.
That’s it! You’re decision is ready! You’ll note that there’s ONLY one reason why you should buy a DSLR. It’s sad, but I know of a lot of people who bought a DSLR and never take it out of their cupboard. DSLRs need commitment. You need to get used to packing an extra bag on every holiday. You need to remember that you need to sink in extra money on lenses. And don’t even get me started on full frame and crop-sensor lenses! That’s for another blog post!
So at the end of the day, consider your decision seriously. It’s not a casual investment — a good camera, if chosen right can give you years of good service. There’s absolutely no need to fall prey to camera company hype and upgrade your camera every two years. It’s not a washing machine — once you buy it, it should be yours for life. Or least a very long time! (As I write this, my 2001-era Nikon D3100 still works fine. It’s 13 years old, has been with me to the various parts of globe and still serves me faithfully).
My Purchase Recommendations:
A lot of people look to skip through the chase and go straight to the recommendation. Hey, I’m one of them! Here are a few cameras that I think are really good at what they do, and should be worth your money. Note that these are NOT sponsored plugs, and I earn no money whatsoever from the camera companies should you decide to buy one of these based on my recommendations. There are MANY cameras out there, and I haven’t had a chance to review all of them: the ones on this list are ones I’d buy for myself:
FINAL WORDS
I hope that this made the decision making process a little easier. There are a lot of good cameras out there, and most of the time it’s hard to go wrong. However, I understand how complex the decision making process can be, and you don’t want to wind up with something that you regret!
There are quite a few questions that remain unanswered — that I’m going to save for a future post. Some of them are:
1. How to choose between a full-frame and crop-sensor (DX) DSLR
2. How to choose between a Nikon and a Canon (and other brands)
3. How to choose DSLR lenses, and my lens recommendations
Questions? Comments? Leave a note in the box down below and I’ll be glad to answer!
