Do you know what the best advice is for buying a digital camera? Apart from following your own common sense, the next best thing you can do is become informed. Read as much as you can about digital cameras, both pros and cons. Especially the cons. While it’s easy, to find out how great a camera may be, you really need to focus on the negatives as well. Instead of using the camera with the most glowing reviews as a guide, why not focus on the camera with the least negative reviews. You need to consider both sides of the coin, as any honest digital camera guide will explain.
Technical specifications for digital cameras are easy to find, but need to be understood to be relevant. If you don’t know what white balance, f-stop, ISO, or image sensor size mean, then their specifications are useless. You can generally find any cameras manual in an online format, by simply Googling the manufacturers website.
First and foremost, you need to remind your self that the basics of good photography really haven’t changed that much over the decades. In spite of what you may have heard. Good composition, good lighting, an interesting subject, and the right person behind the shutter can capture some pretty amazing images.
In the right situation, a $100 simple point and shoot camera can take just as good a picture as any $2000 state of the art digital SLR full frame camera. The person taking the picture is still the single biggest determining factor as to how good the final image will be.
Big box electronics stores can be great for this, as they often have lots of camera models available. Try to go during the non busy times, as you’ll have more of a chance to play with all the cameras. During school hours, your also more likely to get older more experienced sales staff to help guide you to the best decision.
On the other hand, if your color blind, compositionally challenged, and can’t tell the difference between a sunset and sunrise, your pictures aren’t going to be that good no matter what camera you get. So, save your money and just spend the $50 on whatever your favorite big box electronics has on sale this week in the camera department.
Most photography buffs are keen to share their knowledge on the subject. This can be one of the most unbiased sources of honest opinions you’ll find.
Comparing the money invested, my brother spend $4000 on his camera, while my own camera has only $700 invested in it. His latest investment in the camera was a flash (580EX) and a lens that is wide angel L. I love how he can take photos in burst (3-4 photos) while using flash for all of them.
Additionally, you know your getting a camera that’s been around for a while, and has proven it’s worth. Happy shopping.