We are asked quite frequently from clients and friends about which camera is good or for shopping suggestions. So we put our most recent advice here for you because we know that shopping season is in full swing and you are probably hoping to purchase a new camera either for you or someone on your list!
Digital cameras have become a household item but choosing one can be overwhelming. They seem to come out with new models every month with new bells and whistles. Which one to choose depends greatly on what you want to use a camera for, and what is important to you.
Some people like to start by talking to a person by going into a store like Best Buy and telling them what you are looking for. In person you can get a feel for the weight and size you of the camera are interested in.
If you want to further compare cameras before making your purchase, hop online and start doing some more detailed research.
You may want to visit the manufacturer's web site first, to read the advertising of what they are offering in the latest and greatest in cameras. From there, you want to dig into less biased opinions and reviews.
Amazon.com is a very informative place to see what cameras cost, and to read reviews for a good idea of what actual users think of a particular model. Many reviewers will actually recommend a similar camera that they preferred more.
A fantastic resource for more in depth unbiased reviews is DP Review. Not only do they review every camera and lens on the market, as well as older models, they also give you sample photos and let you compare models. DP Review also allows you to search for cameras using a long list of Features (eg: compact or SLR? SLR, aperture priority? etc).
Keep in mind with any online review, there may be biased reviews, company employees posing as consumers, or people who just dislike a certain company for no particular reason. Some reviews may be about a feature that the camera offers but you are not interested in using. It is a good idea to keep a list of what features you find important in a camera (eg: fits in purse, has a long zoom lens, can shoot HD movies, uses XD not SD cards etc) Remember, what someone may find gimmicky, you may find invaluable (eg face detection, red-eye reduction etc)!
Once you have narrowed down your choices to 2-3 cameras, DavidB likes to return to the store in person to see which feels better in your hand. Remember, you may be carrying this camera around all day - is it too heavy? Is it too small or too big in your hand? Do you need to carry it in one hand? Do you need to capture fast action or are you going to just use it for snapshots?
Pocket point-and-shoot cameras have improved a great deal over the last few years, and have become very easy to use. And they offer more and more ways to share photos easily. Personally, I have always had the best luck with Fuji FinePix F-Series in the small pocket cameras, though I hear the Canon point-and-shoots are also very lightweight, versatile and easy to use. The Olympus has a line of durable cameras called the Stylus Tough.
Check out this Fugi!
Or how about this Stylus!
With an SLR, you usually trade the light weight and small size for a much faster reaction time (shutter lag). An SLR also allows you to change lenses if you get more advanced later down the line.
DavidB has used Nikon and Canon and would recommend them both. If you have some old Nikon lenses in the basement, I'd stick with a Nikon body as they will usually work with a new Nikon digital camera - same with Canon or Pentax etc.
For a fast, versatile yet lightweight SLR, DavidB recommends the Canon Rebel series.
They will allow you to control everything manually or choose the many automatic and preset modes.
He found them to have many benefits of the point-and-shoot within the faster and more versatile SLR body.
DavidB suggests taking a look at what's out there, and really taking the time to think about what do want the camera for, and what do you expect it to do. This will help you narrow down what camera is best for you. Choose "The right tool for the job"!
When you do decide, he likes to purchase from small local camera stores, though a larger chain, or even Amazon, can prove to be the best for you and your needs. And don't forget to get the extended warranty as you will hopefully be actually using this camera! Happy hunting!