Cameras have become more accessible and of greater quality across the board. In the end, it comes down to your preference and what you believe will best carry out your ideas. This will be a very quick overview of camera types, and offering some tips and resources for buying a camera.
DSLR — a single-lens reflex camera. Industry and pro standard.
Mirrorless — mirrorless cameras shoot with the quality of DSLRs, at a travel-friendly and less bulky size.
Point and shoot — greater image quality and control than camera phones, yet just as simple. Great for travel, and things like video and vlogging.
Mobile — join in on the mobile photographer movement! We all know that our phone cameras boast pretty crazy specs.
Film — for people who love the completely manual shooting experience, unexpected results, and physical copies of their photos.
Tips
- Rent + trial periods — Test the waters by renting from your local camera or tech store, or simply test in-store if you’re not looking to spend. If you’re a college student, utilize your resources and test out tech for free while you still have the chance.
- Buy used — if you have a specific camera in mind and don’t mind a little wear, buying used could be a great way to save a couple hundred dollars. Of course, you should do your research and buy from trusted sellers. You may find sellers who offer bundles on other gear and tools, so be on the lookout. And if you’re looking into film photography, you could likely check your local thrift store for a cheap find.
- Buy older models — You know the drill — once a new model is out, previous versions go on sale. I’ve had my Sony A6000 for a few years now and it still works great. If you don’t mind having some older firmware, previous models are choices that can deliver the results you are looking for.
Resources
Dedicated blogs and video channels offer in-depth guides, pros and cons, and demos for specific cameras. Reading camera reviews while viewing products online are also a great way to get perspective from different types of users. Here are some resources I really enjoy:
Tom’s Guide / blog — Gives great comprehensive reviews and lists of cameras. A great place to start if you need quick rundowns and comparisons.
Omar’s Photography / YouTube — While Omar mainly uses Fujifilm cameras, he gives great advice on
Negative Feedback / YouTube — A channel by and for film photography enthusiasts. This channel will answer all your questions about film, and the videos are a cinematic treat.
