How Much Does A Camera Really Cost? Make Sure You Budget Right Before Buying A New Camera
You’ve been thinking about buying a new camera. But are you ready for the investment? A good camera can cost upwards of $500, and that’s not accounting for the extra gear you might need to really make it sing.
If you’re ready to buy a new DSLR or point and shoot camera, here are three things you should know before purchasing:
1) What is your budget?
2) Are there any specific features you want?
3) How often do you plan on using the camera? If it will be an occasional purchase, consider something affordable and entry level. If photography is your passion, then spend more now to get what works best for your needs.
Remember, this is a budget for good gear and not just buying the cheapest thing available. You want quality in your art, as well as in your equipment; always get the best. Quality costs more, but it’s worth it because it will last longer and make future upgrades easier. You wouldn’t buy a $10 camera today that you plan to upgrade five years from now for $60. You want a Cadillac camera now, so that when technology changes, you can change with it.
Don’t buy a camera that’s too cheap, but also don’t get caught up in the “Bigger is better!” game. There are many beginner cameras out there that work very well. If you need something basic, or if you don’t plan on upgrading for awhile, consider getting a point and shoot camera instead of an interchangeable lens camera. Point and shoots are great for convenience, and they can take exceptional pictures. Just be sure to research the camera and do some basic testing before you go buy one. Set a budget, as well. If you’re visiting a camera store, bring your notes with you so you can buy what you need without overspending.
One of the most important things in buying a camera is the lens. If you are willing to spend more, make sure to buy an SLR and extra lenses. You might want a telephoto lens in order to capture more detail from far away, or something wide-angle for taking shots of groups or landscapes. DSLRs have interchangeable lenses and many different features that can really help improve how your photography looks. You can shoot faster, and you can even get a higher zoom. If you want a camera with interchangeable lenses but aren’t ready to invest in an SLR, consider a point and shoot that has the option to add lenses. They work just like DSLRs, although they do not have mirror reflexes or interchangeable screens.
Remember: researching your purchase before buying is always worthwhile. Take your time, do some research, ask others for advice and look at as many options as possible before making your final decision. Remember to keep your budget in mind at all times as well!
Source: http://www.completecameraonlineguide.com/how-much-does-a-camera-really-cost/
Title: How To Take Good Pictures When Your Camera Isn't Amazing
I've always wanted a fancy camera with a dSLR body, lenses, and every other accessory you can think of. I wanted it to be my tool to master the craft. I wanted really nice pictures that everyone would be envious of. However the one thing that's held me back from getting such a setup is how expensive it is -- even used ones with less expandability than a newer model run $1,000+.
I've always been more of a “take a picture and post it on Facebook or Imgur” kind of girl. Even then, most of these pictures come out pretty decent (comparatively speaking) because the camera is relatively good. It's a Sony HDR-AS15, which is an older action cam that also has a 720p video recording mode. It's nothing fancy or professional-grade; its video quality pales in comparison to dedicated action cams like my GoPro Hero 2, but for casual use it's okay.
On the other hand, I've seen many great photos taken with even simpler digital cameras as well as cell phones. I've taken my share of awesome shots with the AS15; for instance, it does great with macro. But the point is that it's not a magic wand, and you can take good pictures regardless of your camera.
I'm going to show you how.
1. Learn your equipment – if you have an old camera or a camera phone, know its features like the back of your hand; learn its strengths and weaknesses as well as its shooting modes (e.g. photo mode vs video mode). Play around with it and experiment every now and again until you know what each feature does (and in what situations each works best) as well as how to access them quickly.
2. Frame your shot – this is the most important part of taking a good picture. Learn to frame your shots well before pressing the shutter button, because the moment comes and goes in an instant, and you won't be able to get it back. A good rule of thumb is to have something interesting (or, forget interesting and just one thing) in every frame; this will help you learn composition naturally as you take pictures with your camera.
3. Pick up a digital SLR if finances allow – if not, continue reading for the next step! DSLRs are intimidating; they're big, heavy, expensive, and require a lot more effort than point-and-shoot cameras (even cameras with zoom lenses). But the end results are worth it.
4. Do your research – for a $500 body (assuming you have to purchase one new), you can get a pretty decent digital SLR camera with some really good specifications. The Canon 70D is a great entry-level DSLR; so is the Nikon D600. If you're willing to spend an extra $100-$200, the Sony A99 or Canon 1D X ($3,000+) are great cameras that also come with infrared sensors so you can take pictures in low light without needlessly compromising on quality.
Conclusion
You don't need to spend a lot of money on a fancy camera to take great pictures. You just need the knowledge and practice to frame your shots, learn about lighting, develop style and technique, and respect your equipment. Whether you're using a $500 DSLR or an old point-and-shoot that you got from a thrift store, the point is that it's not your camera that matters most – it's what you do with it.
Instead of buying an expensive camera… get some cool accessories for your existing one! :)
Source: http://www.unlockthephottographer.