FAQ: What camera should I buy?
Life as a photographer comes with two big frequently asked questions from friends, family, and random strangers: “What camera should I buy?” and “Who should I hire as my wedding photographer?” Here is my best effort at a standard reply:
What camera should I buy?
Version one of this question encompasses all cameras in all categories and comes with a simple answer: I have no idea. The camera options are ever changing and I can hardly keep track of the professional trends, much less every point-and-shoot specification recently released. If I have anything to offer this decision it would be based on this universal photography rule:
Quality photography equipment is more about the glass — that is, the lens(s) — than anything else. Even in point-and-shoot photos. Especially in an era of digital photography where even entry-level cameras have way more technology and image resolution than 99% of users will ever need. Forget gadgety gimmicks. You are safest with manufacturers famous for their quality glass. Canon, Nikon, and now Sony are the standouts and provide the benchmark for comparison. When in doubt, go with something from one of those companies. When picky, web search for reviews on how the image quality on the camera you like stacks up against the Canon competitor. There is some really cool new stuff out there worth considering.
Version two of this question is about a digital SLR or interchangeable lens camera (ILC) specifically. This decision is the dividing line between version one of this question and the issue of amateur/professional photography. The answer is a bit more layered and comes primarily from people considering their first SLR camera. Let’s take it in steps:
Do you want to become a professional photographer? If yes, you are going to have to buy an ILC. That is simply the tool of the trade. That is either the more traditional SLR technology or the newly staple emerging mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC) technology. If you are thinking maybe pro photography, or at least as a serious hobby, or you are asking because this is a gift for someone else, then there are other questions to answer first:
Will you really use an ILC? Either you are the kind of person who doesn’t hesitate to bring a camera bag with them or you will always find it too encumbering, embarrassing, or not ultimately used (meaning you never actually pull out the big camera). Do you even know which type you are? Are you the one bravely hauling a bag of gear and boldly brandishing a large camera? It sounds cool. I think it is cool. Do you, really?
To answer that you may need to answer the most important question as far as whether or not to purchase an ILC: Are you willing/able to invest in lenses? Again, quality photography is done in the lens far more than the camera body. If you are not interested in lenses, are not up for spending the money on them, or do not see yourself carrying a bag of them around, then you will never get what you paid for in an expensive ILC.
In fact, using only the “kit” lens and the automatic settings on a professional camera reduces it to less than a quality point-and-shoot. It is simply not the best tool for everyday photography in an era of superior more compact options. What’s more, the days of the SLR are most likely numbered. Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC) cameras will take you into the future of amateur and pro photography.
For real photography, you need lenses. Without good lenses your photos will never look like the ones that inspired you to invest in a nice camera. Quality lenses come from manufacturers who have the technology, resources, and experience to provide the best quality optics. Again, Canon and Nikon are the definitive choices with Zeiss well in the mix. I don’t want to start a fight in the comments, but no, it doesn’t much matter which. Their quality has earned them the trust of every pro on the planet. There is currently no reason to go with another company for one vital reason: they have the best glass, and once you buy lenses you buy into the brand. Other brands might have good camera bodies, but for professional or “prosumer” work, they just don’t have the lenses.
The good news is that lenses hold their value. I have bought and sold a dozen lenses and have never lost money. There was a time as a wedding photographer that I was going through two camera bodies a year and they essentially became disposable — worn out, outdated, and not worth much of anything.
So, if it is all about lenses and therefore about the top lens manufacturers, you can take a pretty straightforward approach to your purchase.
First, pause to consider this: Do your friends have a Canon or Nikon or Sony camera? Or perhaps you are looking to work with a specific photographer? In that case, go with what they have if they might be interested in sharing lenses with you. I’ve converted more than one Nikon shooter to Canon solely on the lure of them being able to try out my lenses. Photography should be about shared experiences, community, shared tips and equipment. This is possibly the best reason to choose one brand over another — certainly a better reason than ever-changing tech specs.
Otherwise, go with the one offering the best body at your price point when you are ready to buy. Then buy lenses for that camera. You can be confident in whichever one you choose. If you insist on going with a different brand, that’s between you and Google. At least I won’t be of much help.
As a professional Canon shooter recently turned Sony mirrorless hobyist, here is what I recommend: Familiarize yourself with the entry-level Canon line. If you can afford to buy new, just do it and don’t look back. If, like most of my students, every dollar is tight, then look into the camera body one generation old. It will still be more technology than you need and since everyone wants the latest and greatest you can usually find new or barely used versions on ebay, etc. for comparatively cheap. A lot of people buy or are given SLRs and never use them so they wind up being resold. Save your money on the camera body and invest in lenses first. The lenses you will keep. Odds are it won’t be your last camera body.
Get a kit lens if you want “something,” although, it is a crutch you need to outgrow as soon as possible. I say be brave, skip it. Go out and buy the 50mm 1.8 for $100. Don’t get spoiled, however, good lenses cost hundreds if not thousands, but for some reason making that 50mm is cheap. Get it, it will teach you photography all by itself. I’ve shot nearly entire weddings with it and it has taken every bit as quality of landscape shots as my vastly more expensive lenses.
Then, start learning your camera and all you can about photography. This site is a great start. The rest of the decisions/equipment purchases will come easier as your experience grows. “Which lens” is a never-ending conversation and an entirely different post for another time. In short: If you can buy only one: Canon 24–70 2.8. If you want to be as good as you can be: buy primes over zooms. You don’t have to buy “L-series” glass (there are other manufacturers like Tamron) but once you do you will never go back. Pro tip: you can always rent lenses for very affordable rates.
Version three of this question comes from the pros who already know what camera they want and are just looking for validation to pull the trigger on yet another $3,000+ camera body. Mostly, they just want to talk shop as we all love to geek out about our gear. My current answer: I’ve been nothing but impressed by the Sony Alpha line and Zeiss lenses, but still slightly miss Canon. Now I am more interested in trying medium format mirrorless like the new Hasselblad. So many new things to learn.
Parting thought: if you invest in quality equipment and take the time to learn how to use it, you will never regret it. Investing in photography is investing in the richness of your own life and life of others. A life filled with powerful, meaningful images is a life well lived. Woe to the soul who does not imagine his home filled with shelves full of well-worn books and walls framed with memories made and recorded by his own hand.
TL;DR: A Canon RP and a 50mm 1.8.
Have tips and advice? Add yours in the comments:
