[caption id="attachment_9947" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Picking out a camera isn't as easy as it used to be... Or is it? (photo: my.arts.edu blog)"]
[/caption]
There is something to be said about people who obsess over the details of digital cameras when buying them. I'm not sure what exactly it is and once I figure it out, I probably won't be allowed to write it here, but the plain truth is that most people do over think their camera buying decisions. In this day and age, it seems like almost everyone out there is an expert photographer with a DSLR looking to give you advice on your photographic equipment. So just who should you listen to when considering purchasing a DSLR? Well before you waste several hours on dpreview, amazon, manufacturer websites, Ken Rockwell, or any of the usual suspects, read this post in full. I would also avoid internet photography forums unless you have a very specific question after you've made your purchase and you are learning the wonderful fundamentals of photography. Honestly, I am writing this because there really is so much extraneous information out there when it comes to "buying guides" and camera comparisons. For the full-time camera/photography geek there is still probably too much information, but it is just flat out overwhelming for the average consumer. So here is my simple NON-Photographers buying guide to DSLRs.
1. Do you even want a DSLR?
[caption id="attachment_9960" align="alignright" width="300" caption="A DSLR may not be the best camera for you, the good news is there are many other great cameras out there"]
[/caption]
You've probably seen your cool trendy friend with a DSLR or perhaps you are envious of another friend who is a "pro" photographer. It is easy to just go dump a big wad of cash for a fancy looking DSLR and if that's what you want to do by all means we will be happy to sell you a camera, but first I highly suggest a reality check. There is a decent chance that a mirrorless interchangable lens camera (MILC or sometimes just ILC) from Olympus, Panasonic, or Sony would make you very happy. Maybe even a high-end point and shoot camera is the right choice for you. Here is a small check list. Please don't think this is meant to be demeaning or anything, but some people just don't need a DSLR.
Do you plan on learning anything about your camera besides how to turn it on and keep it in AUTO mode?
Would you prefer using a viewfinder instead of the rear LCD monitor to compose and focus photographs?
Are you interested in purchasing more than one additional lens to go with your camera?
Is there a specific kind of photography or subject matter that you are excited about photographing?
Does it make sense to you that a really good lens will cost more than most camera bodies?
Do you plan on enlarging your photos to print, perhaps bigger than 8x10"?
Are you ok with carrying around a camera/lens that won't fit in your pocket, backpack, or purse?
If you answered "yes" to more than one of the above questions, a DSLR may just be the perfect fit for you. If you answered no to any of the questions, don't be ashamed, but perhaps another type of camera would be better for you. Even though they have become seriously mainstream these days, DSLRs are still bulky machines with a lot of quirks, buttons, and settings. Of course learning the basics of photography will allow you to pretty much figure out any camera. However, while I strongly encourage everyone to learn more about the photographic art form, it simply isn't for everyone. Some people just want nice quality photographs of their family events, vacations, and memories. Really there is nothing wrong with that and these days you DON'T need a DSLR to achieve that goal. So in the future I'll be putting together a little post to help out those who don't need a DSLR, but today let's talk about those out there who really do want a DSLR!
2. Ignore Megapixels
[caption id="attachment_9959" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Megapixel overflow! (smashingmagazine.com)"]
[/caption]
Many of you know that I'm not in the huge megapixel camp. While there are certainly advantedges to having more resolution, it certainly isn't the end all be all of cameras. Even a highly trained eye will have a hard time discerning a 13x19" print from different resolution cameras. These days the Megapixel counts are so high that they truly are a marketing ploy for manufacturers. Especially when it comes to the average/non-professional photographer who is just looking for a decent family/vacation/event camera. So even if you are shopping for a used DSLR on KEH or eBay, don't worry too much about megapixel count. I have made great looking 30x40" enlargements from 12 megapixel files. These days all DSLRs boast higher pixel counts than that, so it really shouldn't be a consideration when picking out a camera.
3. Comfort is King
Believe it or not comfort is perhaps the most important factor when picking out a camera. Think about this for a second and you will realize it is the reason why your smartphone is your most used camera these days. The convenience of always having it handy combined with the comfortable pocket-sized form factor of a smartphone is a no-brainier, even if the pictures stink compared to a point and shoot camera or a boat anchor DSLR. So really, if you aren't comfortable holding a camera, you won't use it, no matter how great the picture quality is. Trust me on this, I've gone through many cameras that I had high hopes for, but didn't end up using because they were too bulky and/or annoying to carry around. Cameras are so similar these days and manufacturers offer so many different lens options, that the brand of camera you purchase really doesn't matter anymore. If you are comfortable using your camera, you will use it a lot and that's what counts right?
4. Girl Look at that Body
If possible, pick out a DSLR that you can purchase as a "body only." Meaning that you purchase the camera body by itself and pick out a lens separately. Yes I know this is going to be a more expensive investment, but it is totally worth it. The kit lenses that come with cameras are fine. This isn't some diatribe about how kit lenses are awful, but in many instances they are boring. The exciting new DSLR you are about to purchase is going to be a lot more fun to use if you have a lens that is best suited to the type of photography you want to do. If you are dead-set on purchasing the camera as a kit, buy an additional lens. In fact, purchase every lens that exists for your camera and make sure it is from Unique Photo. No really, you will thank me later if you pick up an additional lens or just put together your own kit. Sometimes manufacturers offer packages that include an additional lens with a camera purchase for a ridiculously reduced price. Always be sure to ask about this.
[caption id="attachment_9962" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Don't spend too much time reading online, you will probably confuse yourself"]
[/caption]
5. "I read online that ________"
Reading too in-depth into critical reviews and user opinions is one of the worst things you can do. I am not saying that ignorance is bliss, but if you aren't well-versed in the fundamentals of photography, chances are you will end up overclocking your brain reading technical terms and looking at boring pictures of color charts. If you already have a solid background in photography, well then this post isn't for you and by all means research your little heart out. Additionally, all user generated reviews should be taken with a grain, or erm... perhaps a boulder of salt. Chances are many of the negative camera reviews are from frustrated people who haven't spent the time to learn how to best utilize their expensive purchase. I really can't think of a current DSLR that deserves to be bashed or advised against purchasing.
6. My friend who takes really good pictures has a _________.
I've heard this one a million times. A new non-photographer customer walks into our store and asks to see a high-end model like the Canon 5D Mark II/III or Nikon D700 because their friend has one and takes "really good pictures" Again photography has almost nothing to do with what camera you own and almost everything to do with how well you know the basics of lighting/lenses. Sure the expensive Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras are great. Your friend wouldn't be using one if it flat out sucked, but you probably won't take full advantage of all the features and slight performance boosts that professional cameras offer. Wow a guy at a camera store is telling you not to spend your money? No not exactly. If you want to walk in here with a suitcase stuffed with Benjamins, I will help you find a way to spend all of it, but an expensive camera body is the last place where I would start. I'm starting to sound like a broken record here, but the money you save purchasing a less expensive camera body can be put towards exciting lenses, lighting, and accessories that will result in those "really good pictures" your friend is taking.