How do I know what Camera to purchase for me or a loved one that is interested in Photography?
It can be a real mine field out there, not knowing where to begin when trying to choose a digital camera for yourself, your child or a loved one.
It is a question I get asked a lot, What is the best digital camera for a beginner? When they want to take up photography as a hobby, rather than just snap away on the Smart Phone. I love sharing my passion of photography by teaching it, be it with smart phones, digital cameras or digital SLR cameras.
There are several different cameras, below are listed in order of price and level:
- A digital – point and shoot camera, like a Smart Phone really, you can’t change change any lenses or settings. The camera decides how to take the photo
- A digital SLR camera – you can photograph ‘Off Auto’ and change the lenses, so allows more creativity which depth of field (the blurry affect) or Capture fast movement
- Mirrorless cameras are the newest technology on the scene – and you can be more creative than a point and shoot
Which one you go for will depend on, What budget you have, what you or the person wants to get out of photography. Always, always shop around, There are plenty of reputable companies that sell on 2nd hand items, I would suggest looking at them rather than buying from a person you don’t know, so you have much more comeback if the camera is faulty when you receive it.
A point and shoot digital camera is ideal for children and more so when they are not old enough to have a Smart Phone, as long as you have a PC / Mac to upload the images onto, this is a great way to get them interested in photography, explore the outdoors, observe nature, and the seasons, light etc. Prices start from £90 upwards (written November 2020) so will of course vary over time.
A link to show available point and shoot cameras
Vtech Kidizoom is a great first camera for 7/8 year olds
Or if you are looking for something that is Shock proof, waterproof, comes in various colours and some have patterns on then look at the Nikon Coolpix W150
An entry Digital SLR camera starts from about £330 (camera body only) for cameras that come with a lens – usually comes as standard with an 18-55mm lens, they start from about £425 upwards, again written November 2020 so prices will vary. I shoot on a Nikon and very happy with it, but it is all subjective like a car choice, how the menu navigates, the weight of the camera etc, but once you start paying £425+ you certainly will be getting a decent camera. Things to consider, is videoing on the camera important? To consider in the budget as well, you will need to also purchase a memory card for the camera, and best to look after the camera and have a protective case / carry bag.
A link to show Digital SLR cameras –
Mirrorless
A mirrorless camera as the name suggests, doesn’t require a ‘mirror’, which is a key component of a DSLR (which stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex, the word “reflex” referring to the reflective nature of the mirror). The mirror in a DSLR bounces it up to the optical viewfinder. In a mirrorless camera, there is no optical viewfinder. Instead, the imaging sensor is exposed to light at all times. There are many benefits of having a mirrorless camera, but the first notable one, is they are much lighter in weight, compared to a Digital SLR / DSLR.
Mirrorless cameras at the time of writing this November 2020 start from £349
A link below to show Mirrorless cameras available
My choice of cameras
Compact cameras for children – Nikon Coolpix Digital W150 (comes in a variety of bright colours) most importantly though is Waterproof, shock proof, dust proof and easy to use!
Digital cameras for teens or adults – Nikon Coolpix B500
Digital SLR’s – Entry level
Nikon D3500 – https://tinyurl.com/ynd7zhfr
Nikon D5600 – https://tinyurl.com/6a6wv52p
Canon EOS 250D – https://tinyurl.com/34h4utp3
Mirrorless Cameras
Sony A6000
Shop around, Always! Check the latest reviews on a camera and the retailer before you make a purchase. Consider what you may be using the camera for, and if you wish to video on it as well. Build into your budget the accessories you will need to purchase, that unfortunately not included in the price, such as a memory card, protective bag, tripod, any other lenses.
Look at Amazon, Jessops, Wex photo and Video and MPB always check reviews and price comparisons before purchasing.
I hope that is of some help. Enjoy exploring your new passion of photography !
