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Camera Suggestions - Yellowstone National Park Forum - Tripadvisor
Main Post: Camera Suggestions - Yellowstone National Park Forum - Tripadvisor
My Guide to Buying Your First Camera
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Hello to all members of r/photography! In this guide I will share my recommended process for choosing your first camera. This is but my approach, and I can only cover so much. If you were directed here upon request for advice, please read the subreddit’s official FAQ first.
Step 1: Establish your budget
The first step in your research should be determining a non-negotiable cap on spending. There’s no use for chasing after ‘the best camera’—look at the options available to you, that you can comfortably afford, because there is great value to be had at any price range.
The initial camera (or camera and lens kit) purchase is unlikely to be your last. Depending on which you path you choose, you should prepare for additional expenses on other items—digital storage, additional lenses, lighting equipment, etc.—that could potentially exceed the cost of the camera over a few years’ time. So think about your long-term prospects and consider halving your planned budget for the initial purchase.
Step 2: Consider the way you’ll use the camera
The way you intend to use a camera is a major factor in picking the right one for you. Cameras that offer a great deal of creative control often yield inconsistent results when the user forgoes that control. Cameras that operate very well in a fully automatic mode often provide very little added value to the photographer willing to venture beyond it.
Controlling a camera manually is not rocket science, but it does take time to learn and practise. It is also not strictly necessary to control it manually at all times, but you do need to learn that, to be able to override the automatic settings when needed. The manually controlled camera doesn't have to be your only camera, either; many photographers (myself included) use their phone for quick snapshots.
Step 3: Reflect on your needs and what you’re looking for in a camera
Form yourself a list of requirements and wishes in this new camera. There are trade-offs to be made, and competing cameras can be most suitable to different people. Some tips to help you form that list:
- Draw from experience shooting with a phone or an old camera. If you’re looking for a new camera, there must be something you felt was missing in the ones you’ve used before.
- Write down your subject matter—i.e. things you want to photograph. Pay attention to factors that make some subjects harder to photograph, such as low light (indoors/night-time), fast motion, distance, etc.
- Consider your intended output. It doesn't take a lot to get a good Instagram post, but large prints pose a bigger challenge.
- Other things that are important to you, such as light weight, durability and weather-resistance, etc.
General camera-type recommendations based on these criteria
These are the categories in which I recommend you start your research:
Fully automatic operation:
- Default: high-end phone
- Some more flexibility in a zoom range: high-end compact camera (as in the Sony RX100 line)
- More flexibility, including distant subjects: high-end superzoom camera (as in the Sony RX10 and Panasonic FZ1000 lines)
- Extremely distant subjects in daylight: consumer superzoom camera (as in the Nikon P line, Panasonic FZ80, etc.)
Manual/creative control:
- Default: mirrorless camera
- Cheaper alternative (i.e. no mirrorless camera that suits your needs is available under budget): DSLR
- If you’re absolutely sure that’s the only lens you’ll need: fixed prime lens camera (as in the Fujifilm X100 and Ricoh GR lines), high-end compact camera or high-end superzoom camera
Key concepts and terminology
There are some concepts, terms and features of a camera that you’ll need to learn about to really understand camera reviews and see how one camera differs from another. The following is a list of such terms for you to look up if needed. Unfortunately there is great confusion and some misinformation around a few of these online, so I may write some follow-up posts explaining these; if I do, I’ll be sure to link to those posts here.
- Exposure, noise, dynamic range
- Camera design: interchangeable-lens cameras and fixed-lens cameras, mirrorless and DSLR
- Image sensor: size and surface area, resolution
- Lens: focal length and angle/field of view, maximum aperture, lens mount and format coverage
- Autofocus
- Continuous/burst shooting, buffer depth
- Viewfinder and display
- Image stabilisation
- Weather resistance
General advice
A camera’s age is irrelevant. Cameras don’t age like phones or computers do, because they have no increasingly demanding software to keep up with. So as long as a camera is in good working order, it should work as well as it did when it was brand new. Don’t mind the launch date of a camera—focus on the features you care about and the capabilities you need.
The lenses you choose will have a far greater impact on your photography than any camera ever could—well, in most cases, at least. That is true for both interchangeable- and fixed-lens cameras. If you choose the latter, you must pick a camera based on the sort of lens you need. If the former, I'd recommend starting with a standard zoom lens that's offered in a kit, as that's the cheapest way to get up and running, but prepare to buy other lenses over a few years' time, and possibly replacing the kit lens if and when you find it inadequate.
Shop used; that’s common, well accepted and well established in the camera market, even at the high end. Try reputable outlets (KEH and mpb) and the used sections on big retailers (B&H and Adorama in the US) and local camera stores. You can also find refurbished cameras sold directly by the manufacturers’ distributors.
Visit a camera store, if you can, after you’ve narrowed down your search to a few models, and try those in your own hands. Ergonomics are important and too often overlooked.
Where to go from here
This is my go-to resource for everything to do with cameras: https://www.dpreview.com/
Use their buying guides to start your research and quickly see what’s available, then dig deeper into the full reviews. (Note that some buying guides may not always be up to date.)
Top Comment:
Nah mate, Leica M11 or Kodak Pixpro bridge. No other option.
What camera should I get?
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Hi, so I just have a simple question about what camera I should get. To clarify, I have little to no experience in photography. The most I've done is take videos and photos on my iPhone and I want to take it up a notch with a camera. I was told by some other people that I should start out with a camera like a Sony a7iii. I am currently saving up for one, but I've also come across a Sony a7c. Which one would you say is better? And if there are any other good cameras that are less expensive or more beginner friendly (but still have good quality) I would love to hear your suggestions!
Top Comment: What is your total budget, lenses included?
What’s your favorite camera and why?
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Not necessarily the “best” one.
EDIT: Thanks for all the thoughtful replies! I learned a lot from this post and have updated my “want list” accordingly 😂
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Right now it’s my xt-5. It’s easy in the eyes, lightweight, analog dials, 40mp, nice flip out screen, ibis, film sims, easy Bluetooth, less expensive lenses, and above all else...takes great photos.
What, specifically, makes a “good” camera?
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I believe in the famous saying that what matters most is what is in front of and what is behind the camera. However, I also know that more expensive, professional cameras are considered better. What I want to know is, what specifically makes these expensive cameras worth it to professionals?
Comparing some cameras I can see more features like WiFi capability, touch screen, higher ISO, etc. But are these features really worth a $2,000+ difference in price?
I ask this question because I have mostly used a Nikon D3100. However, last summer it broke, and during the fall semester I borrowed a D3200 which took massively higher quality photos. From what I can tell, the only significant difference between the two models is a higher sensor resolution.
For reference, I have been shooting for nearly five years and have taken a digital photography class. I would consider myself a low-intermediate level photographer.
Top Comment: I shoot race cars for IMSA. I used to shoot on a D850, an older but very nice Nikon DSLR. I when a car is just cresting a hill and I’m trying to get the driver in focus with a 600mm lens and I have oh I don’t know 1/4 of a second where he’s in the framing I actually want, I’d hit that shot maybe 1 out of 4 attempts. When I switched to a Sony a7iv, it has this 3d tracking eyeball autofocus that can (my god) catch a persons eyeball through a windshield, through a helmet and lock on and hit that shot more like 4/5 attempts. Other things like dual card slots for backups, more tactile buttons to change settings without taking your face off the camera, make over cameras nicer.
What is widely considered the best of the best professional camera for still photography in this industry?
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I'm simply just curious what is considered the cream of the crop in this industry. While I am shopping for a new camera I'm not looking to spend my life savings, just curious what camera shows others that you mean serious business.
Top Comment: The best is the one you have at the right moment. Might sound cliche, but it's true.
What camera should I get?
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Hello! I'm looking into buying a new camera. I will primarily use it for school. I study multimedia, we do a lot of photography and soon videography. I want to get a camera that will last and will be sufficient for future works too. I also do content creation, mostly landscape and food photography.
I'm torn between getting the Fujifilm XS2, Sony A7II, or Lumix G85. My budget is >$1500. My friends said I should get a camera that at least records 4k60 videos, good for color grading, and has IBIS.
I'm new to all things about camera, I currently use an old Canon DSLR, and I'm open to suggestions or if you have other things that I should look out for before buying.
TIA.
Top Comment:
Is this mainly for social media? I’d look at the Sony A7 III or Sony a6700 for more budget smaller options. It’s got a crop sensor so do some reading on that. I’m a Fujifilm user but Fuji is just different and weighs heavy on film simulations and not so friendly to Lightroom and prefers to be edited on capture one. If I was in your shoes I’d look at Sony A7 iii or 6700 or 7C II. You don’t necessarily have to get the biggest and best cameras. Canon has some good option with R7 & R8 and the LUMIX s5 line is very underrated. I’d do research on all of these and most importantly take your time. Once you enter a camera ecosystem with lenses it’s hard to get away without starting over. You’ll do great!