Think about all of the variables that have to be taken into consideration. Here are some selection that you might consider, listed in no particular order other than how they came to mind.
Price
Brand
Size
Weight
Number of pixels
Autofocus speed
Subject/person/eye detection in AF
Haptics
Menu configuration
Buttons and dials v. Menu operation
Position of buttons and dials
In-body-image-stabilization availability
Joystick
Video capabilities
Interchangeable v. fixed lens camera
Type of operation (DSLR v. Mirrorless)
‘Professional’ v. Enthusiast body
Prior experience with a brand
Current model or previous model
Cameras and lenses friends may have (can borrow same brand lenses)
Format
Dynamic Range
Importance of weatherproofing
Amount of digital noise at high ISOs
Ability to customize buttons
New v. Used
Manufacturer Lens selection
Ability to use currently owned lenses
Third party lens selection
Features
Color of body (black v. silver)
Accessories available
Best suited for the type(s) of photography you practice
Manufacturer’s reputation
Previous experience with a certain brand
Reviews
Online purchase v. Local
Actually hold and operate the camera before buying v. sight unseen
Country of manufacture
Good customer service
Resale value
Quality of JPEGs
Picture styles/film/color/black and white simulations
Personal preference
Can you think of others you may have used?
As you see, there are many considerations to take into account when buying a camera. This list is probably not comprehensive, but these are the things that I thought of. I’m sure which of these are the most important to any individual will vary widely. Buying a well featured digital camera today is a significant purchase.
For example, I can be happy with a full frame, APS-C or micro4/3 sensor, with 24 or more megapixels, but would only buy a mirrorless camera that feels good in my hand, has IBIS, a menu system that melds seamlessly with my brain, has buttons and dials that fit where my fingers naturally fall and a joystick. Everything else for me is a trade-off and negotiable.
If you are in the market for a new digital camera I would suggest you pick out about 5 or so of these criteria as ‘musts’ then rank the others in order of importance but not deal breakers. Most of these, I think, require some flexibility on the purchaser’s part as I don’t think anyone can find a camera that fully meets all of their criteria.
To make the best, most beneficial purchase, consider every aspect then choose wisely. After your purchase, get out as often as you can and enjoy your photography.
Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.
This is a pretty complete list evidently based upon years of photographic expertise and experience using various cameras. I would only add the "What will you use this camera to photograph?" and "How important is portability?"
ReplyDeleteMy Nikon Z7 is superb for static subjects such as landscapes and architecture. A caveat there is the anticipated display size. If 4K or a 19" print is the anticipated output, then the Z7 is overkill. It is capable, but pretty much old fashioned now for active subjects such as birds in flight. If moving subjects are the principal subject, then any of the cameras with the advanced subject detect autofocus systems will bring home more in focus photos. My experience with the Canon R6, and the Olympus OM-1 for action is exceptional. If static subjects are the primary interest then the advanced auto focus is not necessary.
For portability combined with high image quality it is hard to beat the m43 systems. I may or may not have full frame in the future, but I will always keep an Olympus and lenses.
Discreet.
ReplyDeleteFriendly, non aggressive looks. Like my PEN-F. My Rolleiflex TLR or years ago my Contax G1 are also cameras that don't chase people away. No big black DSLRs with megazooms for me.
For me, the electronic viewfinder is very important. I wear spectacles and prefer to be able to see say three sides of the viewing rectangle ( if not all four) comfortably, without pressing my eye/ spectacles in on the viewfinder housing too firmly.
ReplyDeleteI would also like the EVF/ magnify and other features to facilitate manual focusing. Another consideration is that I am in the not insignificant ( approximately 30 per cent of people, according to Wikipedia ) minority who are left eye dominant.