Deciding Which Camera is Right For You

When shopping for a new camera, there are many things to take into consideration before you decide on your next purchase. The last thing you want is to come home with your new gadget only to discover you paid too much, purchased something too advanced, or perhaps not advanced enough. This is why it is imperative that you thoroughly research the market before you make your decision. We are about to take a look at a few of the things you should consider before making your purchase.

• What will you be using the camera? for?
• What is your price range

• What Type of camera is available?

  What will you be using your new camera for?

It is important to determine exactly what your needs are. This will go a long way in helping you decide on a camera and it could save you a lot of money.

• Will you be using it professionally?
• Do you just need something to take quick snapshots of the kids with?
• Do you want something compact?
• Are you going to be taking lots of action shots?

If you are going to be using your camera in the professional photography line of work, then you probably want to look into a DSLR camera with its interchangeable lenses. However if you need something light weight, small and compact, that you can easily keep on you, a Digital point and shoot camera should work just fine for you.

What is your price range?

The average price range for a digital camera is very wide open. A good point and shoot camera price starts out around $99. Where as a DSLR can start at a price around $500. This is why it is so important to determine ahead of time how much you are willing to spend. A camera is an investment toward capturing memories, or things, whether for yourself or others.

What type of camera is available?

• Digital Point and Shoot

A digital point and shoot camera is a light weight compact camera with an auto focus or focus free lens. Just turn it on and you’re ready to start taking pictures. Most Digital point and shoots will have preset options so that you can get the most out of your photographing experience. Some of these options may include

ISO - Minimizes blur due to hand shake, low light conditions or times when flash is not possible.

Scene Modes- portrait, landscape, sunset, backlight, children, night, fireworks, snow, food, building and text

These can range in price from $99 to $400+

• Digital Advanced point and shoot

A digital advanced point and shoot camera is a little bit larger in size. It is a cross between a Digital point and shoot and a DSLR. It has the Auto focus ability along with some of the manual settings. It is a great option for someone who wants to eventually go into a professional photography field and needs to learn how to use a DSLR. It will help you learn how to adjust the lighting manually instead of relying on your auto focus to get your picture just right. The digital advanced point and shoot also comes with scene modes-portrait, landscape, sunset, backlight, children, night, fireworks, snow, food, building and text. These range from $300 to $500+

• DSLR Camera

DSLR stands for Digital single-lens reflex. A mirror reflects the light that comes through the lens at a 90 degree angle, and then reflected another two times by a pentaprism to portray the image into the viewer. The mirror swings up then the shutter opens, which allows light to project onto the image sensor through the lens. Then another shutter will cover the sensor to end the exposure, the mirror then drops back into place and the shutter resets. This process happens within milliseconds and a fast camera can do this more than 10 times a second. If you intend to take a lot of action shots, you will need to take this into consideration when you are choosing your camera. The DSLR camera can be really pricey the average starting price for a DSLR with a lens is approximately $500 and they can cost more than $10,000.

Have Fun

As you can see choosing which camera is right for you can be a little daunting. Just remember its ok to go to a store and try out different cameras and to ask questions. Take your time in choosing your digital camera so you can be sure to find the camera that is best for you. Remember, this should be a fun experience not a stressful one!