I've always believed that regardless of what camera is in my hands, I'm capable of taking a photograph that is worthy of any gallery. Maybe it's confidence or maybe it's experience, but whatever it is, I truly think that excellent photography is not so much the result of the equipment as it is the artist. So with that concept in mind, I think it's important to discuss a few key points that will help you decide which camera is right for you.
The one simple rule I always say when shopping for a camera; As long as your camera has M (manual) mode, you will be able to take amazing photographs regardless of how much it costs.
This is why I believe there is no such thing as a "professional" camera. Yes, there are "professional" features in cameras for the advanced photographer, but simply buying a "professional camera" never adds up to becoming a great photographer over night.
Quite honestly, many of my favorite photographs taken throughout the years were not taken with a "professional camera". Now I currently shoot with the Canon 5D Mark iii, a camera regarded as one of those "professional" cameras, but honestly, I know a Canon Rebel series can produce just as good an image.
Below are some images I've taken through the year with various levels of cameras. The concert photo is my favorite concert image. It was actually taken with a point and shoot Canon PowerShot S70.
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| I always display this image as a favorite. It was actually taken with a Canon 20D. |
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| This was actually taken with a Canon Point and Shoot Powershot S70. I set it to manual mode in order to take this image. You have to be able to shoot Manual mode to get the most out of your camera. |
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| This is a recent image taken with a Canon 7D. |
The difference for me are the advanced features and the weather sealed body of the more expensive cameras. Shooting countless weddings and various photo shoots can take a toll on camera, so the durablity factor is important.
But before I go into the actual key elements of what camera is best for you, I'd like to remind you of another important factor that should be on your mind when deciding the right DSLR; Lenses. The selection of glass you put on the camera goes hand in hand with the quality (more on that later).
Digital SLR cameras these days, regardless of price, are amazing pieces of technology. The sensors in all cameras are so advanced that the lenses you decide to put on the cameras are just as important as the camera itself. Because these sensors capture such detail, the glass factor is important.
With that said, let's examine the first of 3 key elements of what makes a wise Digital Camera purchase....
It's not about Megapixels...
In the early days of Digital Photography, camera companies were in a battle of megapixels. What are megapixels? Basically, it's the number that tells you how many pixels the camera uses to produce an image. Most photographers, amatuer and professionals, where caught up in this battle. I for one, experienced first hand the early digital battle.Working for a large studio, in 2003 I was able to use the Kodak 14N digital camera. The studio bought the camera based on the unprededented 14 megapixels capablity, which was over two times the standard DSLR capabilities of either Canon or Nikon at the time (the camera itself was built on a Nikon N90 body).
What the studio didn't realize is that the camera was all Megapixels and that's about it. You couldn't shoot sports or action with it because of limited capabilities and extreme noise outside. Lighting had to be precise or the noise levels were too high. At a price of $5000 per camera (the studio purchased over 20), this was an expensive lesson learned.
My advice at the time was to purchase the Canon 10D. A six megapixel camera with more verstile capabilites and a fraction of the price. Afterall, I had one of my own and was pleased. Yes, it was a 6 Megapixel camera (still very high for the times) but I knew the megapixel capabilites were just a small element of the overall picture (no pun intended).
The images below I took in 2004. One was with the 14 Megapixel Kodak 14N and one was with the 6 Megapixel Canon 10D. Can you guess which one was taken with which?
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The interesting thing about each photo is that only one of those cameras could actually take the photo of the my cat observing the candle. And it wasn't the 14 Megapixel camera.
Lesson: Never ever look for a camera based on megapixels alone.
Now, I know the examples above don't necessarily apply to today's cameras because all cameras now have made grand improvements in noise and high ISO capabilities but I use it as a lesson I learned first hand. The concept still holds true in most regards. I firmly believe it's not about Megapixels.
A higher megapixel count of zoom range does not make a camera better. Resolution is a term that is interchangeable with megapixels. In today's world, just about every camera, and all DSLR's, have more than enough for any need (unless you need a photo for a billboard). This is why it's not important. There's very little difference between 18 megapixels and 21 Megapixels, except price.
So when you are considering buying a camera, resist the temptation from a sales person trying to sell you the camera with the most megapixels. I advise, save the money and invest in better lenses.
Before I purchase any equipment I always read reviews and image comparisons online. Websites like www.dpreview.com are vital in my decision making process. The site helps break down every single camera on the market into various categories that are important to me. Things like noise, frames per second, custom functions, or focus points are other elements of a camera that are vital in the decision making process. As you become a photographer you will learn to place many of those elements in the order of your preference. For example, if you primarily plan to photograph your son or daughter in sports, then perhaps the determining factor could be Frames Per Second (FPS). If low light photograph is your interest, than a camera with the biggest sensor will perform best.
There are some differences when it comes to sensor size. Normally, entry level DSLR's will use smaller sensors than those used in higher priced cameras. In my next entry, I will continue my discussion on making a smart purchase.
For now, I will leave you with a list of entry level cameras (DSLRs) I would recommend. Each camera listed below can create images worthy of any gallery. Please remember, I'm a Canon guy (as I explained in the past). I will list the next segment in my next entry...-cg
Entry-Level
$500-$1000
Canon EOS Rebel 4Ti
Canon EOS 600D
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