What Kind of Camera Should I Get?

There are lots of camera brands out there and they can all shoot decent pictures and video. Of course, they would all love to have you as their next costumer, but before answering the question, what kind of camera should I get, there are at least 4 things you should consider.

Got the Green Light?

The first question is pretty simple. Do you really need a new camera? A lot of people are content with their smartphone. If your phone is enough for you, then fine stick with your phone. What about those who already have a camera? Don’t get a new camera unless you have used up the features on your current model and need the features the new one has to offer. The second question to ask yourself is can I afford it. Don’t go into debt over getting a camera. Thirdly what does your spouse or close friend think of the idea. Ask people you trust for their opinion. Fourthly, pray about it.

What Format To Get

I spent a lot of time debating this question. Both cropped sensor cameras and full frame cameras have their advantages. Once you invest into a system you will probably want to stay with it for awhile. Unless you buy an adapter, your lens won’t work with another manufacture. That’s okay though get familiar with your camera. I started with M43 back in 2010 or 2011, I bought the very first Panasonic M43 camera, the G1. I have taken M43 cameras a lot of places. Their size and weight were two obvious strong points. Another advantage was the fact that both the lens and the bodies tend to be cheaper than full frame. For years I worked around the ISO limitations of M43’s, I listened to people who confirmed my bias that I didn’t need to have higher ISO. On the one hand we were right, I was able to get by without higher ISO on the other hand now that I have full frame, I am really grateful for this advantage. I made a video on what format to get but have since decided to redo it. Truth is there are lots of good websites and YouTube videos out there to answer this question. I recommend How to Choose the Best Camera For You from Digital Photo Mentor. I will re-post again later when I think I have something worthy of your time.

The Bird Photographer Who Couldn’t Fool Me

I was actually trying really hard to talk myself into continuing with M43 cameras. There is so much to like about them, but at the end of the day full frame offers more image data. Yes, I know many times you don’t need all that extra data. A smaller sensor camera will work. I proved that to be true for many years. I currently drive a 2005 Carola. It’s a great little car, and gets us from point A to point B just fine. There’s nothing stylish about it. It’s not fast, but it gets good gas mileage. I decided I didn’t need a better, nicer looking or faster car, but that I did want a better camera. An interview with a wild life bird photographer helped me make up my mind.

With his mouth he was saying that he was happy with the amount of background blur his camera system had to offer but his body language and facial expressions told another story. In my opinion, a lot of people can and should be happy with cropped sensor cameras (much like I am happy with my Carola car), but it was in that moment that I realized I wanted the better image and that I was willing to pay a little bit more for it.

Hope this helps you. Get out and shoot more. Enjoy whatever camera you have.