Four Things to Look for When Shopping for a New Camera

Camera-Photographer-Chispa MagazineHas your current camera been letting you down as of late, resulting in less than stellar photos? Maybe you have an older model that just isn’t compatible with today’s latest software and technology. Then again maybe you don’t have a camera at all, but you’ve been wanting one for quite some time and aren’t sure where to begin.

Buying a new camera can feel like a real investment depending on the price tag, which is why you don’t want to rush into a decision. Knowing how to comb through the options and find the models that are perfect for your needs takes a bit of skill and knowledge on your part. In order to make the shopping process fruitful we’ve gone ahead and put together a list of things to look for when buying a new camera.

Research Various Brands
Rather than be swayed by the latest trending brand, it’s a good idea to do your research and look into various brands out there. Check out online consumer reports, customer reviews, and ask friends and family who own a camera for their input. Top brands such as Canon, Sony, and Sigma are all covered in-depth online through various reviews. The Sigma Photo Pro page on the Sigma Rumors website is the perfect example, as it goes into detail about the camera, its features and functions, and why it may be perfect for you.

Narrow Down the Category
The first thing you’ll probably want to do is narrow down the camera category. This will instantly shrink the pool of options, which can make your final selection a lot easier. Experts break down cameras into two main types – basic cameras and advanced cameras, and from there you’ll find there are three in each category.

Under the basic cameras are point-and-shoots, superzoom point-and-shoots and waterproof point-and shoots. Basic cameras are simple to operate and tend to be budget-friendly. They don’t however provide the same professional results as an advanced camera offers.

As for the advanced cameras there are advanced point-and-shoots, mirror-less models, and SLRs. Advanced cameras are more expensive but they give the photographer a lot more features to work with, allowing the photo quality to be that much better.

Try a Camera Out Before You Make a Commitment
It’s a good idea to shop at a location that allows you to try the camera out in the store before you buy it. You want to be able to see how easy it is to use, what the quality is like, how comfortable it is to hold, and how heavy and bulky it may be to carry around.

What About Interchangeable Lenses; Is It Necessary?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether or not they need to purchase a camera with interchangeable lenses. This is really dependent on the type of photos you will be taking. Upgrading your lens will result in better photo quality, so it’s something worth considering.

Final Tips to Remember
A few final tips to remember during your shopping experience is to make sure you set a budget that is firm, don’t be swayed by the “latest and greatest” models, and remember that megapixels aren’t everything.

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Milo Senalle

Milo Senalle

Managing Editor at Chispa Magazine
As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.

Milo Senalle

As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.