How do you pick your first “real” camera? As in a step up from your phone or iOS device and point and shoot camera. Here is the good news: technology just keeps improving and you have a solid selection to choose from. If I were choosing a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera— the kind with settings and lenses that you can change, or the kind most frequently referred to as “real”— then I would choose a Canon or Nikon. And you can purchase a kit for less than $400.
Which is Better: Canon or Nikon?
Both of these brands are reliable and are great. People seem to have serious allegiances to one or the other, but neither are 100% perfect, maybe 95% for both, and their quality, technology, and results are very comparable and reliable. Yes, the goal of these companies is to improve their models, every year it seems, with sharper, faster images. But for the most part, you aren’t really going to be able to tell between the entry level models and you can often get last year’s model at significant savings too.
Do What Fits
When I first chose my first professional-grace camera I was given advice to choose the camera body that felt best in my hands. For me that was Canon, and I built my lens and accessories collection from there. Although I think you’d become familiar to any feel of either brand after using it enough, it is still a dependable launching point. And then it is important to buy something that fits within your budget. At the time of writing this I have found a few options for some of my photography students that are Nikon or Canon kits priced around $400-$450. (links below)
Where to Buy
Where do you buy? Well, Costco and Amazon are always there, but they are not my go-to place. Some bigger camera stores actually have better customer service, bundles, and pricing available. My favorite photography stores to buy my gear are: Samy’s Camera, BH Photo Video, and Adorama (links below). For mainland folks, you often get free expedited shipping with each of these vendors, and some states will save on sales tax too. For Hawaii folks, Samy’s and BH Photo Video have better shipping rates than Adorama. Both Adorama and BH are in New York City, but for West Coast folks, Samy’s has a few locations in Southern California, and their Santa Barbara store was my go-to when I was there.
Mirror Mirror, or Not
One other option is to go mirrorless. This is relatively new and fast-developing technology that may one day be the standard in digital photography. Time will tell. For now it is a solid choice for a step up from the point and shoot cameras, and the mirrorless systems also have interchangeable lenses and adjustable camera settings, but without the weight or bulk. The favorites seem to be: Sony and Samsung in a tie for first with Panasonic, Olympus and Fuji in a tie for third. There are less lens choices for these cameras, but still plenty to get you started. Just know that this newer mirrorless technology will cost you a little more in camera body and lenses than DSLR.
But regardless of what you choose, remember this wisdom from Chase Jarvis, “The best camera is the one you have with you.”
If you have a favorite camera purchase you made when first buying a “real” camera, please comment and share.
Suggestions & Links (hover & click)
Current Deals I Found— these are at the time of writing this, so prices may change.
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