It seems these days that I’m getting e-mails from quite a few people wanting help on which camera to buy. My friend Joanna also requested a post on this, so here it is!
Note: All the items listed in this post are available in my Amazon Store.
I’m going to do this in a series of questions and answers. I hope you can follow along!
1. Do you want a digital slr (with interchangeable lenses) or a compact digital camera?
A digital SLR camera is for people who want more advanced features and the highest quality images. They are more expensive and take a lot more technical skill to use, but can be a lot of fun! Also, once you buy the camera and a lens, there’s a never-ending list of lenses and accessories you can buy to make your photo taking more fun and exciting. If you have a limited budget, you might want to stay away from the SLR camera. If you think this is for you, go to #2.
A compact digital camera can be great if you are a casual photographer and just want a nice camera that can take quality photos as you document your life. The two main advantages to using a compact digital camera are cost and size. When you buy the camera, it is pretty much all there. Add a few memory cards, a bag, maybe an extra battery, and you are good to go. The size is great too – you can put the camera in your purse or laptop bag and pull it out whenever you need to. If you think this is for you, go to #5.
2. What brand digital SLR camera should I buy?
Let’s start with Canon versus Nikon. These are pretty much the two main brands that professionals use, so you might want to stick with one of them. I am a Canon user and I’m happy with my gear. A year ago, I would have said to go with Canon because the photographs Nikon cameras produced were not as nice, but since they release the D3 and D300, I know of a lot of Canon users who have sold off all their gear to go Nikon. I’d say at this point, you would do well with either.
3. Which digital SLR model should I buy?
This is really all dependent on your budget. Minimum, you should have a budget of about $800 to get started. You can buy a Canon Digital Rebel XTI camera body for about $600 at Amazon. I’ll get to how you’ll spend the other $200 in the next question. The Rebel XSI camera is also one to consider.
Obviously, you can spend more. The Canon 30D, 40D and 50D cameras are very nice. A step up from the Rebel, but not the expense of the 5D or 1D cameras. I use a 5D. It’s great and I’m super happy with what I get from it. There’s talk of a 5D Mark II this fall. I can’t wait to see what they do to improve this camera!
4. What lenses and accessories should I buy?
The lenses you put on a camera are as, if not more, important than what camera you buy. I’m always surprised to see people buy high end camera bodies and then stick cheap glass (slang for “lens”) on the front of it. I’d actually go the other way – buy a slightly less expensive camera body and then put good glass on it. You’ll get better results.
There’s one Canon lens I believe everyone who has a Canon DSLR should own – the 50mm 1.8 lens. It costs less than $100 and produces crisp, colorful, sharp images. Because it has a maximum aperture of 1.8, it is fantastic in low light conditions if you don’t want to use a flash. I have a friend who calls it the “nifty fifty” – a perfect name for this lens!
The bad thing about the Nifty Fifty is that it gives you the false belief that great glass can be had for less than $300 and this is really not true. Aside from that lens, I would not buy any lens Canon, Sigma, Tamron, or Tokina makes for under $300. With one exception, all my lenses have a max aperture of 2.8 or higher (1.8, 1.4 and even 1.2). This is what allows me to work in low light situations without a flash. 2.8 and higher lenses also tend to be the higher quality lenses a manufacturer makes.
Another all around great lens I would recommend is the Tamron 28-75 2.8. New, it costs around $350. It is a high quality lens that rivals the sharpness, contrast and color of the Canon competitor in that focal range, but for about $600 less. I have two of these. :-D You can visit my about page for a list of the gear I use.
As far as accessories – you will need a bag and at least one memory card. These two should run you around $100 together.
5. What compact digital camera should I buy?
Canon G10 – this is a sweet little camera. The images are top quality and the camera has lots of advanced features. You can also put it on auto and point and shoot without much technical skill. This camera costs around $450 at Amazon.
I recently bought a Canon A1000 camera. I wanted a simple point and shoot camera to take with me everywhere. Because I have lots of gear for when I want to take professional pictures, I just went with this inexpensive camera that could do what I needed it to be able to do. I’ve been really happy with it so far! It’s about $140 at Amazon.
6. What about buying used?
I love to buy used! I’ve had only a couple of problems with the gear I purchased, but for the most part, I’ve just saved a lot of money. It’s kind of like buying a new car – the smell is great and you know its history, but you lose a lot of money driving it off the lot.
Here are the places I look for used gear (in order of preference)
Fred Miranda Buy and Sell Board
Digital Wedding Forum (you need to be a member)
Craigslist
I hope this was helpful! If you have any additions to the list or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments!
