Buying a camera is a real headache, right? And it is not because you do not know the subject, I assure you, even knowing some cameras, the final decision produces anxiety to anyone who dares to try to take this step.
There are several reasons, mainly because there are many, many models, brands, and camera types. The second reason is because we don't know each other too much or we haven't just been honest with ourselves. What do I mean? Well, we usually promise, get excited and believe that we are going to go much further, that we are going to do this and that, that we need the best, most expensive, heaviest and most professional camera because we are sure to take advantage of it. Sure sure.
But the truth is that the more you fool yourself about it, the less you will get out of your purchase. If your user profile is that of a compact camera, which you enjoy carrying the camera in your pants pocket, it is enough and it is left over with the integrated zoom, and you buy a spectacular SLR, I predict that the photos are finished. You will take it out a day or two and on the third day the laziness of carrying it will be greater than your photographic passion. Goodbye photos.
A PREVIOUS NOTE, THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION IS: WHAT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHY DO I WANT TO TAKE?
This is the first question you must answer and that will define the type of camera on which you should focus your search. If you think about it, only by answering this question in a thoughtful and sincere manner, you will greatly reduce the options available in the market and you can focus your search much more.
Streetphotography
Landscape
Sport
Portrait
Social report (Weddings, baptisms, communions ...)
Travel
Macro
Artistic
fashion
Documentary film
...
For example, let's look at the difference between someone who wants to do streetphotography and someone who wants to work in the field of sport.
Streetphotography : You need a camera that is especially light, discreet and silent , where a flip-down and / or touch screen can probably be useful. An EVIL or an advanced compact would be the most suitable camera profile for this type of photography.
Sport : You need a fast camera both when focusing and when shooting in a burst, with a robust image stabilizer, to which you can surely attach a telephoto lens. An SLR is probably the best option.
What kind of photography do I want to take? How am I as a photographer?
1.FORGET THE MEGAPIXELS
We tend to marvel and get mad to buy the camera that offers us the most megapixels in the market, being willing to pay barbarities for having a few more, but the truth is that we are at a level of quality more than enough in any of the current cameras . From 12 or 16MP we have more than enough, imagine. So unless you want extensions to wallpaper a building, the increase in MP will only affect a larger size of the resulting file which, from my own experience I tell you, is terrible.
On the other hand, the size of the sensor is important and decisive . The higher this is, the higher the resulting image quality, which we will notice mainly when we leave “normal” situations and we must, for example, increase the ISO, work with little or too much light, or want to crop the image, and so on.
The sensor matters, the MP not so much
2.COMPATIBLE OBJECTIVES AND COMPLEMENTS
We always insist that, in general, the least important of the photographic equipment is the camera . As strange as it sounds, and as long as it complies with the basics that each of us needs according to our photographer profile. With a body of the simplest and good optics, our team is completely transformed. If you do not believe me try to get the king of the objectives to prove it. Or with the prince . You will hallucinate. Word.
So almost more important than the camera when choosing a camera (how strange it sounds, I know) is that you check the compatibility and the offer of lenses and accessories that it has. This can make you opt for one type or another, and even for one brand or another. The offer and variety of these are key. There are cameras that may be very good but have a limited supply of optics, or that these are very expensive. So it's a point to keep in mind.
Check the offer of objectives and accessories first
3.SIZE MATTERS, AND A LOT
I know that with the motivation and the "high" that gives us the possibility of buying a new camera, it seems an unimportant point. We can think that it does not matter, that you will always carry it with you despite what you weigh, fit where it fits. If you have already had a first camera and go for the second or third, you may have noticed that this is not the case ;-). But if it is the first time, I assure you that a mistake in this aspect can make the difference between taking pictures or not taking them.
So, returning to the introduction, remember first of all, what you want the camera for and what kind of photographer you are . I know a lot of people who take a look at photography and can't bear to carry weight and others, like me, whose weight is not a problem. Luckily, today, there are great cameras for all profiles.
Size matters, and a lot
4.YOU DON'T NEED THE LATEST MODEL, REALLY
Why? Only on rare occasions is there a huge jump between one model or another at the level of quality or characteristics, but there can be abysmal jumps in the price of one and the other. So carefully review the characteristics of one and the other before embarking on the purchase of the latest model. I would almost never recommend it, one or two models would always go below the last. The quality will be very similar and you will save a lot of money that you can invest in a good goal.
I give you an example. The other day I analyzed this fantastic EVIL (without mirror), the Sony A6000, which is on Amazon for € 379.00 and that is a real wonder. It has two top models, the Sony A6300 that is worth (price not available at this time) and the Sony A6500 that you can find for (price not available at this time) .
I guess the price jump from one model to another has not gone unnoticed. Look at the differences between the A6000 and the A63000 (think that one doubles the price to the other) Would it make up for you? Just in case you need yes or yes to record movies at high speed, right?
The latest models are much more expensive and not always significantly betterRecommendation : Use Snapsort to make comparisons (previous screenshot) whenever you have doubts between the characteristics of one model or another, it will be very useful.
5. TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE OPINIONS OF OTHER USERS
As good as a seller is, let's not fool ourselves, what he wants is to sell , and we don't always explain ourselves well enough or he understands us well enough to guess what we're looking for. It is possible that if we do not go sufficiently informed or go too confident, we will end up buying something that was not exactly what we needed. So my advice is: go with the homework done before approaching a photography store or before clicking to buy on Amazon or dont buy online (be careful with that, there are many pages on the internet that promise bargains and result be a fiasco).
And for me, the last step to decide is what others think that, before me , they took over the camera and have had the opportunity to try it. Do they match me? Is there any but garrafal that makes that camera not right for me? It works well? Is what the brand promises? Browse (without obsessing yourself, please) on what other users raise and draw your own conclusions. The criticisms they make may not affect you in the least, or they may make you completely change the plans ;-).
I know that buying a camera is an exciting but at the same time desperate task. I hope that these homegrown tips because, like you, I have been through this situation, get you to succeed in buying your equipment. Remember that the best thing about photography is not the camera, not even the objective, you are yourself. So, whatever your decision, enjoy it, squeeze it, practice, give us your photos, share your photographic passion and, above all, have fun. Oh, and if you found it useful, do not hesitate to share it on your favorite social network. Thank you and see you soon :-).
