What camera should I buy?

There are a lot of factors that go into buying a camera especially when they range from $200 to thousands of dollars! One of the first things I would ask myself is “what is the end result when processing my images?” In other words are you a person who will be printing your images to display in your home or office or more like 90% of Americans who either leave them on the camera’s flash card or download them to facebook. It makes no sense to spend thousands of dollars or more on a camera if you don’t intent to print them and display them in your home or office. Most people now save them to the computer with good intentions of printing them later. But let’s face it, life is busy and we never do! You wouldn’t believe how many people bring to me their flash cards or hard drives after they have accidentally erased them. The photos were not important at the time to have them printed, but now that they have been erased they were priority. Something to think about… print those pictures!

When choosing a camera, is more better? Yes, but only if you know how to use it. It cracks me up when I see people with a huge DSLR with a great lens on it and they have the camera set to “P” (the P is for the camera’s Auto Program function, not Professional). If you don’t know anything about shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, ISO or what different focal lengths do to an image – then you are wasting your money. If you are going to put the camera on “P” then save your money and buy a good pocket camera.

Here are a few cameras I have selected that would make great images. Keep in mind that the higher the MegaPixels don’t necessarily mean a better camera. I have listed four cameras here but the two more expensive cameras have 2MP less than the less expensive cameras. But, the 10MP sensors are better that the 12MP in the case of the cameras sensors (a whole different subject for later). But, while we are on MegaPixels most people don’t want to go out and buy a $100 flash card(s) for their cameras. So they buy the less expensive cards and dial down their resolution to be able to get more images on their cards. What… you have a 12MP camera but your only getting 2 to 4 MP files? Yes, you did it because you wanted more images on your card. But, don’t be alarmed. A 2MP file is more than enough to print an 8x10. Are you even printing? If not, 2MP is way too much for web viewing and scrapbooking. So, is a 12 or more MegaPixel camera an overshot… yes, unless you plan to print 24x30 wall portraits!

If you are a person who likes that “P” mode for ‘professional’ and you have no desire to manually try and create some images by thinking about it, then I would recommend either the Canon Powershot 100HS or the Nikon Coolpix S4100. Both cameras have the same functions with image stabilization, face detection, HD video and high resolution which you may never use. The Canon is a 12.1MP and the Nikon is 14MP. The great thing about these cameras is they have the ability to capture video! The Canon is priced around $170 and the Nikon $157. Both are user friendly and have a 3” display. Great cameras for the Point and Shoot photographer.

Now if you want more control of your images, but don’t have an SUV to carry the DSLR and equipment around in try the Canon Powershot G12 or the Nikon P7000. I have the Nikon P7000 myself. Both cameras give you the ability to change most often used functions with dials and buttons on the exterior of the camera in manual mode. Unlike a point and shoot camera you will not have to go into the cameras menu every time you want to change a setting. This gives you more freedom to be creative instead of looking for a function then missing the shot.

The Canon G12 and the Nikon P7000 are 10Mp cameras (plenty) and have HD video as well. Two things that stood out with the Nikon P7000 for me was the higher ISO range for low light conditions and the larger display of 3”. The Canon G12 only had a 2.8” display. Does sound like a big difference, but when you get to be my age the bigger display is appreciated!

The price on the Canon G12 is around $470 and the Nikon P7000 is around $449. If you hurry www.bhphotovideo.com has an instant savings of $100 on the P7000 bringing it down to $349 (great buy for this camera) and an instant saving of $40 on the Nikon Coolpix S4100.

If you have any questions about this article or cameras you may email me at jay@lovejoyphoto.com

My next article will start to get into the functions of the camera including manual modes, shutter speed and ISO.