How to select the right camera. Advices of the professional

Photographers have been asked very often the same question: “Which camera should I buy? And which camera is right for me?” And to my deepest regret, we do not have a single meaning answer to this simple question! For the beginning, you must clarify for yourself and answer these questions first:

1. Why do I want to buy a camera?

2. What do I want to make photos of?

3. What will I shoot in reality?

Only and only after answering these questions honestly, you may start selecting the camera in a meaningful way!

If you want only to upload “photos” into your computer and share with your friends via Internet – you will need one type of the camera, and it is very different thing, if you want to set this business up seriously, and make “photography”!

Algorithm of selection.

I suggest algorithm of selection the appropriate camera for your needs outlined below. These steps were tested many times by me and my friends and you may use it for every type of equipment. It is marketing investigation in essence.

1. The first step in this process and the most important one is – you think over thoroughly what the purpose of buying specific camera is and what kind of photos you want to shoot, what to shoot and – ATTENTION! – How often you will make photos!

Category of the camera you need to buy depends on the frequency of utilization!

Amateurs, who make photos from time to time, during holidays, for example, and making fewer than 400 shots per year, may easily find camera of their dream in the category of budget cameras.

2. The second step, and not less important. You have to determine what sum of money you are ready to spend for the camera, without making your family budget empty! And you need not exceed limits of this amount of money.

3. The third step, probably will take some of your precious time, but it will allow you to get irrefragable information and make the right decision. This step is all about gathering information. You may find tons of information on Internet these days about technical features of particular cameras you want. So, go to the websites and find camera, keep in mind amount of money you are allowed to spend. You need to pick up few cameras in approximately the same price range. You will need to compare them with one another. Some websites have the option of comparison – you definitely need to use this option! At the same time you need to find out more information about chosen cameras. So, go to the forum sites, chat sites and look for information that was left by people, who already used those cameras: you will find all comparable features, cameras PRO’S and CON’S, all capabilities. You may find not only opinions and judgments about cameras you chose, but also samples of photos, made, using those cameras.

Finally, we have got a clear idea and opted for two or three cameras from different company – manufacturers. But don’t run to the nearest shop or buy camera from Internet, yet! Here are few more questions you need to take under consideration. In my opinion, you have to make your priority to buy camera from:

- well-known manufacturer;

- with lenses with variable focal length (zoom);

- with variable angle LCD (for compact cameras);

- with flash, which has few shooting modes;

- with possibility of Spot AE Point mode;

- with handy and widely distributed power supplies.

Also, you must feel comfortable when you have camera in your hand.

4. The fourth step – it is actually making your decision and choice!

Just make a decision and opt certain model of the camera, being armed with all your knowledge and having deep understanding for what and why you have decided to buy exactly this model of the camera.

Another thing to consider is quality and uniqueness of your photos! It is true, that quality of your photos depends on quality of your camera, but the main thing is – it is you, who makes these photos. And you need to know how to shoot correctly. You need to know at least basics of composition, how to hold your camera and how to press shutter button! Your camera – it is only high - quality object, but it is you, who make those photos!

I hope after reading this article you have clearer understanding about which camera to buy! So, be involved in the world of wonders of creative photography!

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September 23, 2009
By Sergey
Author - Sergey M, photographer, specializing in landscapes, nature and military photography, close-up shots, 3D modeling. If you want to learn more not only about techniques of selling your photos on-line, but also photography techniques, please visit from Basic to Mastership , where you will find all resources to master art of photography. You may visit My Photo Universe where you can read this article in full.