Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Identify Your Needs
• Method 2 of 3: Point and Shoot vs. DSLR
• Method 3 of 3: Compare
• Tips

Are you having trouble choosing a camera? Not sure which camera will suit your needs? Not sure what you need? Read this article and find out.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Identify Your Needs

1. 1 Write down what your main goal is. Why do you need a camera? If all you need is a vacation camera, then a cheap model will be the best choice.
2. 2 Write down how many times you expect to use the camera. The more often you are going to use it, the more likely you are to upgrade your camera. Buy a good one or buy it twice.
3. 3 Write down how much you want to spend. This is a good way to gauge what quality camera you will buy. Don't be afraid to spend a little more than you bargain for, so you can get a camera that will last much longer.
4. 4 Decide which camera you want - analog or digital. Both types of camera have their pros and cons.
   • Analog (film camera): Now that most hobbyists and professionals use digital cameras, film cameras have the advantage of being cheaper than digital cameras of the same quality. Film cameras don't have the minimum range noise problems digital cameras do, although of course you will have film grain. On the other hand, the fascination with film can get expensive if you take a lot of photos. Keep in mind that you may also want to purchase a good quality scanner.
   • Digital: The main advantage of digital cameras is the ability to view the images you have taken immediately after the release. This means that you do not waste money on unwanted prints and can reshoot if necessary. Almost always, a beginner should start by buying a digital camera, not necessarily an expensive one. Digital cameras allow you to go through this process yourself quickly and do not depend on the budget. You can also print or edit any photo you want. These days, you can go to Kodak or the website with a camera cable to upload your photos and they will send you prints for about 15 cents apiece. It is much cheaper to print an image (or group of images) in a print shop than it is to print them yourself on an inkjet printer.

Method 2 of 3: Point and Shoot vs. DSLR

1. 1 Check out the difference between a DSLR and a compact camera.
   • The compact camera is very simple to use, you point the camera at a subject, zoom in or out, and then press a button to take a picture. These cameras require very little effort on the part of the photographer; they tend to focus on their own and adapt to the lighting conditions.
   • Single-lens reflex cameras, on the other hand, are used by professional photographers. With a single lens reflex camera (and many other DSLRs), you have complete control over your photography. You can independently adjust the shutter speed, aperture, change the ISO level and whatever you want, or you can just use it as a compact camera. Unlike compact cameras, you can use interchangeable lenses. This means you have a wide variety of lenses to choose from depending on the manufacturer. Disadvantages of DSLRs are that they weigh more and do not record video.
2. 2 Take a look at your needs. Are your needs really the same as what a DSLR has to offer? If you are not a very experienced user or are ready to learn the basics of shooting with DSLRs, you should not buy one. Bas Scheffers writes, “In general, if you haven’t used a DSLR in years as an advanced hobbyist or professional, if you need to read this article to learn about digital photography, then you are not ready for a DSLR. You have been warned. " “A DSLR will also hit your wallet a little harder. On the other hand, if you have a desire to photograph fast-moving children or pets, the lag on compact cameras will make that impossible, and the only thing that might suit you is a DSLR.
3. 3 DSLR cameras come in digital and analog formats. With DSLRs, you don't have to pay for cinema and developing fees, you can experiment more freely, and you can instantly see the image after you take it. However, film cameras can be purchased for a lower price, and the value of shooting can help improve your photography skills because you will think more about whether the image can be further enhanced.
4. 4 If you are not sure if photography is your hobby, buy an advanced soap dish. They're not as expensive as DSLRs, but they give you the freedom to experiment with different settings.

Method 3 of 3: Compare

1. 1 Visit your local photo store and ask to try out some of the cameras. With a digital camera, you can take a few photos right in the store and see if you like it or not (alternatively, Flickr lets you browse photos by camera type).
   • Isn't it too difficult? Will you avoid filming because it is difficult?
   • Feel comfortable to hold the camera in your hands.
   • Take notes or ask for brochures so you don't forget what you just held in your hands.
2. 2 Read on the Internet for the pros and cons of the cameras you have tried.

Tips

• Don't forget to purchase accessories. A camera strap or bag can be a lifesaver if you wear it for too long.
• Think about the future. If photography is not your hobby, you shouldn't buy an expensive DSLR, buy a regular compact camera.
• Be sure to compare a lot. There are many sites filled with informational testimonials and user experiences. Use this to your advantage.
• Plus, you can get good photo editing software for both types of camera. If you are purchasing an analog camera, be sure to ask for a photo disc. This saves the hassle of scanning, and you can edit and print your images whenever you need them. Photoshop Elements 6 can be purchased for $ 90.
• Buy a large memory card. It is cheap. Do not buy a small memory card or delete pictures from the camera to free up space. Deleting photos can damage the memory card. Format memory cards each time you download them to a computer.
• If you choose the digital path, ask the seller how many photos can fit on a given memory card, is it too much or too little?
• It is cheaper to buy one memory card for one gigabyte than two for 512 MB.
• With digital cameras, don't worry about megapixels. A typical compact camera shows decline image quality above 6 megapixels.