Purchasing a Camera

Among the things I will be doing more of this year is one on one photography, lighting, and editing instruction. Today I met a wonderful couple who are now on their way to improved picture taking. I had so much fun, and it sounds like this might become a more regular thing until I run out of things to teach them. 🙂 This could take a while!!! I love having the opportunity to share about my passions!

In light of the fun I had today, I am going to post a list of 10 things new photographers (or photo enthusiasts) should consider when purchasing new equipment:

• 1. What type of photographs do you intend to take? Do you intend to turn this into a profession or is it a personal interest only? What you want to do with your camera heavily influences the recommendations you will receive from knowledgeable staff at camera stores.
• 2. Will a new camera alone be enough to help you take the shots you want? It is important to be aware of everything you will need at the start of the process so that you can avoid disappointments in the camera as well as surprises later on. Even if you cannot purchase everything you need at one time, this helps you to set realistic goals in relation to your photography.
• 3. Are you dealing with a store that has knowledgeable staff? Cameras are generally bigger purchases, so it stands to reason that your satisfaction with your purchase hinges on whether the staff understand your needs and are able to recommend something that will meet those needs. It is also important to know that you can return and ask questions if you need help with your new equipment.
• 4. Do you want to grow into your equipment? Camera technology changes very quickly, therefore you need to know if the camera will last you a long enough time, or whether you will find yourself needing an upgrade too soon.
• 5. What is the reason you feel you need a new camera? Sometimes identifying our reasons for wanting new equipment can help determine what to avoid or what we may need in a new purchase that we do not currently have.
• 6. What type of lifestyle do you lead? If you travel a lot, you may need a smaller, more portable camera. If you are the outdoorsy type, you may need something that is weather sealed and durable. Someone with kids may prefer a camera that takes photos quickly, but that is not so expensive should it befall an accident.
• 7. Is warranty important to you? Different brands have different lengths of warranties. Some companies are easier to deal with than others. Some companies allow you to deal directly with them, while others require a third party.
• 8. What camera features are essential for you? A smaller camera that fits into a pocket? The ability to change lenses? The ability to shoot quickly? GPS? Weather resistance? HD video? These are just a few examples.
• 9. What is your knowledge level in regards to photography, and are you willing to learn more? Many cameras can be fully automatic, where others require a little more knowledge. Some cameras allow you to start with auto and then slowly gain more control as you learn more. The more you are willing to learn, the more you will be able to use the camera to it’s full potential and to get the value for dollar paid.
• 10. What do the reviews have to say about the camera(s) that you are interested in? Although we should take the multitude of opinions on the internet with a grain of salt, it is a good idea to see if there is a trend in the experience of others.

The question I did not include here on purpose was cost of the camera. The reason for that is: Photography is Expensive. Just like many other hobbies (golf, skiing, hunting, fixing up old cars) it comes at a price. In the camera world, you generally get what you pay for. If you have very high expectations and settle for a lesser camera because of the cost, you will not be satisfied with your purchase. Better to research the best camera for your needs, and then see about how you want to go about paying for it.

I know for some of you, this information will be redundant, but I hope that for others it will give you some things to think about and to communicate with those who are giving you recommendations.