Mark Eric Photo Journal

We originally posted this on our Facebook Fan Page last year. This is a question we receive often, so I wanted to share it here on the blog as well. If you are looking for a general purpose camera to take snapshots of your family with, I’d recommend getting suggestions from a local salesman- I just don’t know much about entry level cameras.  This article is intended for those looking to buy a digital SLR.   I hope it helps.

What kind of camera should I buy?

We receive this question a few times each week. “What would you recommend for a hobbyist looking for an SLR”. I never know how to answer this question. I would love to help out, but the truth is that I just don’t know anything about entry level SLR’s. It seems like a new one is being released each month, so keeping up with them is a little tough.

Of course, I don’t mind helping. Some things to consider:

1. What do you plan on using the camera for? Lens choice is often more important than camera choice. If you will be shooting in dark environments, you will need expensive lenses. If you will be shooting telephoto for sports or nature, you will need an expensive lens. It may be wise to cut some cost of the camera in order to put more money towards the lens that you will really need.

2. Do you need something immediately, or can you grow into your camera system. Another reason I usually advocate lens choice over camera choice is because cameras get updated so rapidly. By the time you get used to your new camera, chances are the replacement will already be on the shelves. Lenses maintain their value (monetary and usefulness) over a longer period of time. If you can grow into your system- get the best lens for your situation that you can afford, and find a used camera somewhere. You can buy the latest flavor of camera once you get established.

3. Lighting. If you’ll be shooting in situations that require lighting, make sure to budget for that as well. My suggestion is to learn using only natural light (never ever ever use the pop up flash on the camera- ever! ). If you need more light, get a strobe, and learn off camera lighting. For more information on this, check out www.strobist.com

4. Join an online community to learn. I learned most of what I know through the sharing of other photographers on forums such as www.opensourcephoto.com and www.digitalweddingforum.com. Find a forum that fits your style, and soak it up.

5. Be sure to read reviews of the cameras that you are looking for. Amazon and www.dpreview.com are great resources for this. When shopping- I suggest using www.amazon.com, www.bhphoto.com, or www.adorama.com. We use these three stores for most of our purchases.

Hope that helps!

Mark