Digital camera technology has made many advances over the last 5 years. I have current students and potential students who are asking advice about buying a digital camera and moving away from cell phones.
In my first blog post over six years ago, I briefly discussed my philosophy about the right digital camera for a new photographer. I’m updating my previous advice along with my thoughts on replacing your existing camera.
Point 1 – The quality of the lens counts.
I began my use of digital photography in 2001 with a 4.2 Mpxl Olympus C-4040 zoom camera. When I look back at those photos I find them sharp and clear given the state of the technology twenty-two years ago. Why were they so good? It had to be in some part due to the Olympus lens. Olympus is world known for the optics in scientific and medical instruments. Today, all major camera manufacturers, such as Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Sony to name a few, make cameras with quality lenses. This is now not as important as it was 20-plus years ago.
Point 2 – Sensor size counts.
More Mpxls the better! Maybe, maybe not! What’s important is sensor size.
Now, this is a big generality. I believe it applies almost of the time. Think about it for a second. If you have a small sensor (i.e. 1/2.3) like in a compact point-and-shoot camera or even smaller on your cell phone vs. a larger sensor such as a full-frame (i.e. 35 mm “full frame”) the quality of the photos will be different.
Today’s cell phones do a great job. However, cameras with larger sensors and interchangeable lenses provide the opportunity for better-quality photos and greater creativity.
Don’t get me wrong, I use my cell phone as it is convenient and always with me. However, I prefer to use an interchangeable lens camera and not rely on software manipulation of the image as found in cell phones. I use both Mirrorless and DSLR cameras so I can take control of the camera settings and create the photo I want with minimal postprocessing (i.e. Photoshop).
To select the correct camera, what is your intended use of the images?
If you’re using the images for a website or social media, an image from a smaller sensor will work just fine, i.e. cellphone. If you want to make 16×20 prints, Four Thirds, and APS-C sensors are a better choice. The full-frame sensor will be better but at a much higher cost. I’m not sure buying a full-frame camera is a good investment for most amateur photographers.
My first digital camera couldn’t make a quality 16×20 print, but a camera with 10-12 or more Mpxls is capable of making excellent 11×14 prints. Most consumer cameras have 18-24 Mpxls, while professional cameras with Full Frame sensors have 24-50 Mpxls sensors.
Point 3 – What kind of Camera?
First, purchase a camera with a viewfinder. In bright conditions, it is difficult to see what you are photographing without having a viewfinder. With a viewfinder, you are holding the camera against your eye with elbows close to your body. This is a much more stable position than holding the camera away from your face so you can view the LCD screen as you do when using a cellphone.
Second, don’t purchase a camera with interchangeable lenses unless you want to have a wide selection of different lenses. If you’re interested in just capturing family vacations, consider a camera like a Super-zoom, which can give you both wide and telephoto capability in a single camera. They are generally less costly and weigh less than a camera with multiple interchangeable lenses. You don’t want to spend any more money than is necessary to accomplish your goal .
If you are serious about photography, a camera with an interchangeable lens might make sense.
Point 4 – What do I buy?
Purchase a camera that you can afford, while considering the first three points provided above. Start simple; you can get a very good camera starting at about $600-$700 or you may consider buying a good used camera.
I’ve had students who have purchased $1200+ cameras and they struggled because it was too complex to operate with many more features than they needed. Such cameras are geared toward the advanced amateur or professional. If you are always shooting in automatic mode, then you’re not getting the full benefits of having an adjustable camera. In fact, in my opinion, your cellphone is a great choice.
[In my classes, students are required to have cameras capable of using interchangeable lenses. However, you only need one lens with a focal length in the range of 14-58mm to take a class.]
Point 5 – What is most important?
Learn about the camera controls, speed, aperture, ISO and shooting modes, depth of field, correct exposure, photographic composition, and lighting. If you then still desire to have a more expensive camera you can always purchase it after you have mastered a less expensive model. When your current camera limits your ability to take the photos you desire then it may be time to buy a new one.
It takes time and perseverance to learn how to use an adjustable digital camera. Don’t expect to completely learn the camera after a 4 1/2-hour course. My course does offer ongoing email support to all students upon completion.
I’ve spent years using several different cameras. What I find captivating about photography is learning to photograph new and different subjects.
New students often asked about replacing the camera they own. My advice has always been to get a new camera when your current camera prevents you from taking the photos you want to take, not your lack of understanding of the camera you own. Don’t chase new technology until you’ve mastered the camera you own.
Addition information from others:
https://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/buying-advice/aps-c-vs-full-frame-which-sensor-size-is-best-170830
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-entry-level-mirrorless-camera
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-entry-level-dslr-camera
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