5 Steps to choosing the best camera for your needs

There are a lot of factors involved in selecting the right camera. The first thing you would want to ask yourself is, “where do I need it?” This way, you can easily narrow down the features you would like to have on your optical device. Are you going to buy one for your photography class or for your hobby? Or do you need one for professional use? It matters to figure it out because there is a camera designed for every need.

There are four types of digital cameras: the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera, compact digital camera, a super zoom camera, and a compact system or mirrorless camera. Which of these suits you best? To help you decide in finding the best camera based on your needs, here are 5 factors to take into consideration:

1. Image quality- it is not always true that a DSLR camera offers the best image quality possible. There are models of compact system cameras and superzoom cameras that can exceed the quality of DSLR. Nevertheless, you can rely on the fact that only a DSLR can have the widest range of lenses of available. That means you can improve the image quality with the help of lenses.
2. Camera type– A point-and-shoot camera will be fine for hobbyists. But for hobbyists who also travel often, it will be more practical to invest in more compact units. Take a smartphone with optical image stabilisation and wide aperture lenses as an example. Do note that there are also cameras designed for special uses. Thermal cameras, for instance, are being used in certain fields like firefighting, law enforcement, and power line maintenance. A variety of thermal cameras are now available in smartphones, too.
3. Features- the essential features include the ISO, megapixels, manual mode, and autofocus. Certain models offer additional features including the panoramic mode and image stabilisation. When you are buying a camera for professional use, it would be better to buy one that has HD video recording. You will need it on special occasions like shooting weddings
4. Accessories– aside from the camera itself, you have to invest in essential accessories to keep it going. The first on the list is the memory card. A branded memory card usually costs more but they are worth it. DSLRs normally require more accessories so you have to set aside money for the extras like a camera bag and external flash. In addition to these, you also need cleaning accessories to maintain your DSLR.
5. Price- have you set a budget for your camera? If you have not, you might want to go back to the features. Basically, a device with extra features will cost more. Spend money on an interchangeable lens camera only when you have decided to take photography to the next level. Otherwise, a compact budget camera or a smartphone will be fine.

If you are just starting out, it is best to go with point-and-shoot. Sometimes you don’t even have to look far. The newer models of smartphones these days are equipped with features that will please photography lovers. In this day and age, you can find smartphones that let you take stunning pictures.