How To Pick the Best Camera For Your Photography Needs

What is a good camera for me?

Everyone might have a different answer to this question. At  the end of the day, the best camera is subject to someone’s photography needs. Sometimes you don’t need to buy the most expensive one just to take that simple shot. And of course, you can’t just use your point and shoot if you want to be a wildlife photographer. Indeed, it depends on how and what you are going to use it for.

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Here is a look at some of the camera choices to get you familiarized before you visit the store.

Different types of cameras

Let me give you a description of different types of cameras and their pros and cons  so you know which is the best one to buy for your needs.

EVIL Cameras

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Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens also known as EVIL  is the type of cameras that  best described as the camera in between  a DSLR and a point and shoot because like a DSLR, this type has larger sensors, has better manual controls and supports interchangeable lenses. On the other hand, like a point and shoot camera, it is easy to use and aims to be compact.

Some feel that this camera is the best because it is described as two cameras in one: DSLR and point and shoot. Some think it’s too big and not portable enough to be brought anywhere you go. Again, it depends as to where you are planning to use this type. Here are the reasons why some consider it as the best camera:

1. It is like a compact-size DSLR which has almost all the benefits of a low-end type.
2. It has a better image quality than a point and shoot camera.
3. Its lens is interchangeable allowing better optics and more light.
4. It has good low light performance.
5. It can be a better choice for professionals who want to sacrifice a bit in image quality because of the portability.
6. It can be a better choice for beginners who don’t want to go all the way to a DSLR.
7. It offers good, high-quality videos.

That being said, it’s best for someone who wants a DSLR type of camera but a portable one and can still provide a good quality image and the wide range of lens options. The brands that provide a range of choices for an EVIL camera are Panasonic, Olympus, Samsung and Sony.

Point and Shoot Cameras

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Nowadays, not many people buy a point and shoot camera because of the upgrades that have been happening for mobile phones, having better camera features. But for those who are  into cameras and don’t want to upgrade their phones, this is still an option and some choose this rather than having a bulky one in their hands.  There is also the issue of phone waterproofing.

Why do people choose to buy a point and shoot camera rather than an EVIL or DSLR camera? Here are some of the reasons why:

1. It is indeed easy to use, as the name implies, you just need to point and shoot.
2. It has a wide range of size options, some smaller than a cell phone.
3. Most of the point and shoot cameras have a large zoom range.
4. It provides a good quality video,  which is in an uploadable format.

With its pros,  this is best suited for someone who is looking to buy a small camera that can take decent pictures aside from their phones and doesn’t care for interchangeable lenses or any of the high-end features from DSLRs. There are a lot of brands to choose from for this type of camera with different sizes, zoom ranges and other features.

DSLR Cameras

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DSLR or Digital Single-Lens Reflex cameras offer a wide range of high-end features that most professionals love. If you want something that can take the best picture and has the best image quality, you need a DSLR camera but you have to take into consideration the learning curve that you need before being a pro for this type.

There are DSLR cameras for beginners because they have easy-to-use functionality but overall if you want to get the most of it, you must learn it. Let’s take a look why professionals love a DSLR:

1. It has excellent image quality.
2. It has a wide range of options for interchangeable lenses.
3. Most of the models offer HD quality videos (be careful not all have video).
4. It has a very good low-light performance for low-ends and exceptional performance for high-ends.
5. Some can be controlled by a smartphone or a computer.
6. It is highly programmable, mostly for high-end models.
7. The body of the camera, which is often built to withstand abuse and elements, can be purchased solely, without  lenses.

With excellent features comes a high price. DSLR cameras are expensive and are best for someone who can afford one, usually professional photographers, filmmakers, or hobbyists who want to have a high-quality image and an exceptional low-light performance.

There is also a great selection for DSLRs, with different brands and features. Generally speaking, Nikon and Canon are the best brands to choose from, depending on your needs and money: entry-level, mid-range and high-end types.  Sony also makes some interesting DSLRs.

Cellphones and Smartphones

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Need an Instagram-worthy pictures? Ok so these aren’t solely cameras. But sometimes you don’t need a high-end camera, instead you can just  use your phone camera. Nowadays, smartphones offer a great quality camera that can provide good quality photos and has a lot of features.

Not everyone who likes to take pictures has an EVIL camera or a DSLR handy, sometimes smartphones are best for them because:

1. High-end phones provide good quality and size images
2. Photos can just be uploaded easily and directly to different social media platforms.
3. It  can  fit in your wallet and pocket.
4. It has GPS capability that can geotag photos
5. It can do a lot of other things than just taking pictures: messaging, internet, email, games and more.

It is best for someone who wants to carry their device all the time. This is best for someone who wants to be active on social media throughout the day.

What is best for you?

Hopefully, the list of types of cameras will help you decide what the best camera is for YOUR photography needs. One thing that you just need to remember is it’s not about how expensive the camera is, or how others will be amazed at what you have in your hands, it is what photos you can get out of it.  Many famous photographs were taken with less than a flagship DSLR.

Click here to read more about understanding a DSLR.