The Great Camera Debate Part 3

Let’s find the best camera 

In the Great Camera Debate Part 1 and Part 2, I categorized cameras into two main groups:

A) Point and Shoot cameras

B) Cameras with interchangeable lenses.

I also divided category B cameras into three subcategories:

1) Entry Level cameras

2) Prosumer cameras,

3) Pro cameras

And once again, here is the question which is so often asked and discussed in great detail:

Which is the best camera?

This question is actually not much help at all, because there are many types of photography and the subjects I shoot most often may be different from what you do. So the right question is:

What camera do I need to buy or upgrade to?

Now we are on the right track! I can read as many reviews on cameras as I can find, but at the end of the day my specific needs in photography are the best guide to which camera would be best suited for my uses. So read on for my thoughts on the different scenarios typically found in photography and we’ll look at which category and type of camera is better suited than the others. By comparing your shooting requirements with these common scenarios, you will be able to “clear the clutter” and choose a right camera that is right for you.

Scenario 1 (Finding the Best Camera):

You primarily want to be able to capture higher quality photos and you’d like to control the settings of the camera to capture what you have visualized in your mind. You are not planning to shoot low light shots. The size and weight of a camera are more important to you than the accessories, body construction, and weather sealing.

In this scenario, if you know you won’t want to upgrade by adding accessories such as interchangeable lenses, filters, flashes etc., you can choose one of the advanced Point and Shoot cameras. Be sure to check the size of the sensor to make sure that it is larger than a regular point and shoot camera.

But what if you want to be able to upgrade lenses, use flash on or off camera, capture low light scenes or try out creative accessories such as filters? If this matches your needs then you’ll want to consider moving up to a DSLR or Mirrorless camera.

The entry level cameras in this category provide all of the important settings and controls for your photography needs. You can even use pro lenses on these cameras for better results. Entry level cameras are well suited to photography as a hobby or as an affordable way to find your niche in photography because they are generally less expensive. If you are new to digital photography and know you want some creative control, I suggest you consider an entry level camera and add one or two high quality lenses if you can. Here are some samples taken on entry level cameras by students who’ve participated in my digital camera workshops.

As you can see in these photos, even a kit lens can capture high quality images. Please check the clients’ testimonies HERE, to learn how taking the right workshop can make you fall in love with photography.

You will find a complete list of our upcoming classes HERE. I highly recommend our popular Digital Camera Bootcamp starting January 13, 2016. This eight week program gives you some solid basics of understanding your camera, exposure and composition; a Night Photography and a Day field trip are also included in the Digital Camera Bootcamp.

Stay tuned for the next instalment as we continue to explore The Great Camera Debate.

Ted and the Omnilargess Team