Now that's a question I hear a lot!
Buying a new camera can be a big decision, especially if you want to spend a considerable amount on it.
It's not a very good idea to just head down to your local electrical store and see what's on offer. Photography is a very personal thing and the camera you buy should be based on what you like to take photographs of and what you are like as a person.
What do I mean by that? Well, if you like taking the occasional photograph of your children in the park but you only want to be able to share them on social media then you’d probably be best with a smartphone that has a decent camera. However, if you would like to take beautiful photographs of your children, outside with nature, blur the background, take photos of them running around etc... and print those out and maybe even put a few in a frame, then that is a whole different story.
When considering a new camera it is worth putting yourself in one of two categories:
- Beginner, 1st proper camera
- Improver, upgrading your camera
If you are a beginner and this is going to be your 1st proper camera your decision will probably be based more around your budget. Do you just want something to get you going? Do you want to see if you enjoy photography first before spending loads of money on this new hobby?
Here are 5 questions to ask before you go camera shopping;
1. What do I want to take photographs of?
2. Do I want a camera where the lens can be changed or would I prefer to not have to do that?
3. Does the weight of the camera matter? Do I want it to be light and compact?
4. What is my budget for the camera?
5. Will I need additional lenses or accessories to take the photos I want to?
Now we are getting somewhere…
If you are an improver, your camera buying decision should be based more around you and what you want to achieve. You've most likely outgrown your camera and are ready for something better.
Here are 4 questions to ask before going camera shopping;
1. Have I really outgrown my camera or could I learn more techniques to improve my photography first?
Buying a new camera may not necessarily improve your photos if you still don't really understand how photography works. Are you shooting on RAW and processing?
2. What do I find frustrating about my current camera?
Are you finding that a lot of your images are blurry? Could you do with better lenses?
Does your camera struggle in low light conditions? Could you do with higher ISOs?
3. Do I need to buy a new body or could I just get a new lens?
If you enjoy a type of photography that requires a longer zoom, you may be able to mount a pro lens on your current camera body!
4. Why am I honestly changing my camera?
It is very exciting to get a new camera but it's really disappointing if you get one but your results are still the same!
Most people experienced in photography, who really understand what they are doing, simply wouldn't ask "What camera should I buy?" They will ask the question "which camera in my budget, does what I want it to do?"
There is no shame in admitting you need some help with your camera and perhaps it's not the camera that's the problem. Photography is an amazing hobby and will mean so much more to you if really understand it!
If you are a beginner I’d be more than happy for you to give me a ring and we can go through those questions together and then I can recommend something based on what you tell me. If you are an improver I'd be more than happy to speak to you and see if you really have outgrown your camera and are ready for something better!
Contact me now for a FREE 10-minute camera consultation – 0114 383 0644