Choosing the Right Camera for You

Every year around Christmastime, I get hordes of people asking me what kind of camera to buy their loved one.

No matter who it is, I tell them the same thing. Because, in all honesty, I can’t tell you.

Now, it’s not that I don’t know what cameras are good.

And it’s not that I don’t have my favorites.

It’s just that the answer depends on soooooo many things.

So that’s exactly what I tell everyone who asks me

“it depends.”

Choosing the Right Camera for You – Usage

Unless you plan on putting in the time to learn all the components of a DSLR camera. I can easily suggest a straight-forward point-and-shoot camera.  

Before I worked in a portrait studio, a point-and-shoot Nikon did the trick for me.

I wasn’t ready to learn the complexities (however amazing) of a DSLR camera.

But once I did, I was in love.

Choosing the Right Camera for You – Options

A huge deciding factor for choosing a camera is price.

If the camera is for your 13-year-old niece who wants to take a couple high-quality selfies, I’m going to suggest you not spend more than $80 on a point-and-shoot.

But for anyone who wants to take photography seriously, DSLR all the way.  

A DSLR starter kit can run you anywhere from $600-$6,000.

Now, these usually come with a couple lenses to start out with. But you have to choose a camera that is compatible with the kind of higher-end lenses you’d like to work towards.

Or else you’ve sunk that money into a camera that can’t grow with you.

Choosing the Right Camera for You – Reviews

My best advice with this decision is, regrettably, what people don’t want to hear from me—Do your homework.

Reading reviews on specific camera models is really the only way to find out if it’s any good.

I have a Canon Rebel DSLR right now.

But I’ve worked with Fujifilm, Sony, & Nikon before, too.

I can’t support full brand-loyalty when it comes to cameras.

Because technology is constantly changing, and you’re limiting yourself if you don’t keep up.  

Choosing the Right Camera for You – Accessories

While my camera is a Canon, my accessories are a variety of brands.

And that right there is one of my favorite things about DSLR.

Once you have the shell, you have a world of possibilities when it comes to accessories.

I have fish-eye lenses & remote switches that aren’t canon. But it doesn’t matter because camera technology is mostly universal (but again, do your homework before purchasing anything).

Choosing the Right Camera for You – Care

Your camera is going to be an investment. To protect your investment, you need to make sure you also invest in caring for your camera.

Keeping your camera in an un-padded case is asking for trouble, and forgetting to clean and protect your lenses is just plain wrong.

At the end of the day, your equipment will be worth at least $1,000. You have to take care of it like it’s your baby if you ever want your investment to pay off.   

Choosing the Right Camera for You – Final Thoughts

While I won’t tell someone the exact camera to buy, I will gently nudge them in the right direction.

Amazon is a great place to buy your camera because they have a great user review system in place.

Amazon is also an amazing place to get your in-home studio equipment together, as seen in my vlog.

Before you spend a single dime please remember

·         Your camera is a business investment – treat it as such

·         Don’t dismiss non-branded lenses

·         Take care of your baby…um, I mean, camera

·         Do your homework

Happy Shooting!

19 May 2017

Laura Rose-Grabinski

Rose Weddings & Photography