When I’m out photographing at local gardens, people often stop to see what I”m doing and start a conversation. At least a few times a week, people mention they’re looking for a new camera and ask me what I’d recommend.
As much as I’d love to have a simple answer to that question – there really isn’t one camera I’d recommend for everyone.
Personally, I have lots of cameras (OK lots and lots and lots) and what I’m photographing often determines which camera I use.
If I just want to take a quick snapshot to share on social media – I’ll use the camera on my phone.
If I’m going to walking around taking photos like I did in New York, or traveling somewhere I won’t have my tripod with me – chances are I’ll be using my newest camera (just got it last week) a Sony a6000 mirrorless system.
If I’m going to using my tripod, photographing an event, or working in the studio, my Canon DSLR is my go-to gear.
And if I want to shoot instant film – it’s time to pull out my Crown Graphic.
So that’s what works for me – but chances are if you’re looking for a new camera, you’re looking for one camera – not a whole set of cameras.
Let’s make this easy – the perfect camera to use is the one you have with you when you see something you want to photograph.
And here are few points to consider in figuring out what is your perfect camera
- What are you willing to carry? A DSLR camera with lots of lenses doesn’t do you any good if it’s always sitting at home because you don’t like carrying all the gear with you. If what you’re willing to carry when you want to go out photographing is your phone – then your camera on your phone just may be the perfect camera for you.
- Do you need to be able to print your photos larger than 11X14? One drawback to camera phones is that while the photos from them look great on the screen or as a small print, it can be challenging to make large prints from many files taken with a phone.
- Do you want a camera with separate lenses? If you don’t need a camera where you use different lenses with it, take a look at some of the small Point and Shoot cameras on the market, They’re small, lightweight, and can have a nice zoom lens on them. I’ve used Canon, Nikon and Panasonic P&S cameras over the years – been happy with all of them, There are other companies that also make great P&S cameras – it’s just a matter of finding one that meets your needs and fits your budget.
- Do you already have multiple lenses from either another DSLR or film camera? If you do, check to see if any cameras currently on the market work with those lenses, especially if you really love your lenses. Even if you end up replacing some of your lenses down the line, at least you’ll have some lenses to use immediately without having to invest in both new camera and lenses at the same time
- And finally, if you want a camera with inter-changable lenses and don’t already have some lenses, have you considered going mirrorless? Be sure to take a look at some of the mirrorless systems from companies like Sony, Fuji, Panasonic and Olympus. Mirrorless cameras tend to be much smaller and lighter than traditional SLRs, and available with the same features as many DSLRs. I’ve got to admit – one of the great things about my new Sony setup is that my camera bag filled with the body and 3 lenses weighs about 5 pounds – a whole lighter than the 22 pounds of Canon gear I often carry in my pack.
I hope these questions give you a place to start in finding your perfect camera and that you have as much fun photographing with it this summer as I’m having.
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