Cameras for Beginners

As more and more people seek to establish an online presence to promote their personal and/or professional brand, the demand for high quality cameras has grown. As a beginner, I found buying a camera took way more time and energy than I expected. Here are some tips that you may find helpful.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU BUY

When i decided to get a camera, I only thought about the price and functionality. However, functionality to me meant “a camera with better photo and video output quality better than my iPhone”. 

But, there are many questions to consider when buying a camera. Amongst them are:

1. Why do you need a camera and how will you use it?
Type of Photography:  Determine if you need the camera for landscapes, portraits, sports, wildlife, street photography, or vlogging.
Skill Level:  Are you a beginner, intermediate, or professional photographer?

2. What are the key attributes of your ideal camera?
Resolution (Megapixels):  Higher resolution means more detail, but it’s not the only factor in image quality.
Sensor Size:  Larger sensors typically offer better image quality, low light performance, and depth of field control. Common sizes include Full Frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds.
Lens Options:  Consider the availability and cost of lenses if you’re going for an interchangeable lens camera.
ISO Range:  A wider ISO range provides better performance in low light conditions.
Autofocus System:  Fast and accurate autofocus is crucial for action or low-light photography.
Video Capabilities:  Look at resolution (e.g., 4K), frame rates, and additional features like slow-motion or in-body stabilization.
Image Stabilization:  Helps reduce blur from camera shake, especially useful in low light or for handheld shooting.

3.  Is it a camera that you can easily carry around and will it be comfortable to hold while using?
Size and Weight:  Ensure the camera feels comfortable to hold and carry, especially for long periods.
Build Quality:  Look for weather sealing if you plan to shoot in harsh conditions.

4.  Do I care about the user interface and if so what is the ideal user interface for you?
Menu System: Easy-to-navigate menus can make a big difference in usability.
Physical Controls: Consider the number and placement of buttons, dials, and customizable controls.

5. What are the connectivity limits, if any?
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/NFC:  For easy sharing and remote control.
GPS: Useful for geotagging your photos.

6. What is the ideal battery life?
Consider how many shots you can take per charge, especially if you plan on long shooting sessions or travel.

7. How much can you spend?
Initial Cost: Factor in the cost of the camera body and any essential accessories (lenses, memory cards, tripod, etc.).
Long-term Investment:  Consider future costs for additional lenses, batteries, or other accessories.

8.  Do you have a brand favorite?
Brand Loyalty:  If you already have lenses or accessories from a particular brand, it might make sense to stay within that ecosystem.
Support and Community: Availability of customer support, repair services, and an active community for tips and advice.

9.  Consider reviews and recommendations.
Professional Reviews: Look for in-depth reviews from trusted photography websites and YouTube channels.
User Reviews:  Check user feedback on sites like Amazon, B&H, or Adorama.
Hands-on Testing:  If possible, visit a camera store to try out different models and see how they feel.

10. Do I need a warranty and what is the return policy?
Warranty:  Consider the warranty period and what it covers.
Service Centers:  Ensure there are service centers or repair options available in your area.

While these are important things to consider when evaluating which camera to buy, most of the above items I either did not consider or I did not place a lot of weight on. I was mostly worried about cost and the quality of the camera outputs. A lot of the above considerations are technical and were not on my radar. Now that I have purchased two cameras, I would absolutely consider all of the above for my next purchase. It would also be important to me to know that I had a true upgrade compared to what I already own. I would not just assume that something more expensive was an upgrade. 

MY CAMERA PURCHASE JOURNEY

I decided to buy a camera because I wanted to not only blog but I also wanted to create content for YouTube and other social media platforms. I did not want anything too expensive but I wanted a second camera (i.e., in addition to my iPhone) so that I would have the ability to record myself at two different angles without having to stop filming. I thought that if I did not buy a camera that was too expensive, I would end up with something with output quality comparable to my iPhone so that my videos didn’t clearly show that I had used two different cameras. 

And then there are the types of cameras that to consider:

DSLR:  Good for versatility and image quality, often preferred by professionals.

Mirrorless:  Compact, lightweight, and often have advanced features; a growing favorite among many photographers.

Point-and-Shoot:  Easy to use, portable, and great for casual photography.
Action Cameras:  Durable, waterproof, and designed for capturing action and adventure.

Smartphone Cameras:  Convenient and increasingly high-quality for everyday use.

I did some light research and read some reviews and ended up with the Kimire HD Digital Video Camera (DVC) for $65.