Over the past week Ive had a couple people contact me asking questions about what type of camera I would recommend for them to get as their first DSLR. First of all, flattered – thank you, second I LOVE talking cameras – love it!
I am not the best photographer out there and nor would claim to be, but those who know me do know I truly put my heart and soul into my photography and my equipment, as well as my time invested is well thought out, researched and spent!
Everyone does not have the same interest or passion. First off what I would recommend is doing your own research. I personally would rather spend the money on a DSLR vs a point and shoot. My reasons for recommending a DSLR over a Point and Shoot… (without getting technicial)
1. As a mother my biggest reason is the lag time in the shutter of a point and shoot, your child (or animal) is doing something super cute, you click the button on your camera and by the time the camera takes the picture the kid or animal has moved and your image is a blur.
2. Quality – the images from a DSLR are a much better quality – even if the p&s and dslr are both 12mp, the quality of the dslr image will be better.
3. Price – the prices of the DSLR’s have dropped dramatically from when I bought my first one. They are SO affordable and many of the entry level DSLR’s are actually the same or less than some point and shoots.
4. Camera & Video – this is becoming much more common. Before I got my current camera it’s a feature I never thought I would care to have or use, well I love it. I don’t use it that often, but when I am enjoying family time and get the urge, I don’t have to pull out another piece of equipment – no matter what size, its all in one, all I do is flip a switch, hit the button and its recording – without the kids even knowing!
5. Its an investment – as a photographer myself I highly recommend people to take MORE pictures of their family and kids. The reality of everyone getting yearly or twice a year family photos done is slim, however if you have a nice camera, why not get someone to take some photos for you. These are memories that will become treasures over the year!
6. With a DSLR you have room to grow… buying your first you want to become familiar with it, play around and learn what YOU want to. With a DSLR you have the room and flexibility – for myself when I bought my first DSLR, I remember telling my husband “this is the only camera I will ever need”… I laugh every time he reminds me of this statement, now 4 camera’s later ;) However I grew and knew why I needed and wanted to upgrade. With a DSLR you have the option to first begin upgrading with lenses – starting with a kit lens and the nifty fifty (50mm) you are able to try out both lens types and get a feel for how you like to shoot and even if you would ever want to upgrade or rather just have a “nice camera” for everyday use.
7. Don’t buy what everyone else is buying! I began to fall into this after I joined a forum and thought I had to learn how to do everything and anything to do with photography, no! Thankfully the things I did try I did inexpensively. Such as off camera flash… Well first I started with my on camera flash, personally did not like it (I began playing around as I was growing and realized just how harsh the light can be), then got an external flash -much better option, but then I saw off camera flash, or better known as OCF… Totally not for me, I am all natural light and would prefer to only use a flash in a pinch.
8. Read and research, this also includes trying the camera model that you are looking at. Some are smaller than others, personally I do prefer the larger models, for me it feels more secure in my hands, but they are heavier too. The website http://www.dpreview.com is an excellent source of information!
9. Invest in a stylish camera bag. They really are not that expensive and will protect your investment AND when you have something nice to carry it around in… You WILL carry it around more!
10. Spend within YOUR limits! Don’t feel pressured to buy bigger just because – chances are you won’t really “get” what the bigger camera has. You can always upgrade along the way, used equipment is just as good and you can sell to upgrade too!
Check out Henry’s. I’ve bought my last 2 cameras from them, both with the extended warranty and had great service!
Most of all have fun!!! Enjoy your new camera and capture all those precious family memories!!! :)
