4. Optical Zoom is King
Not all ‘zooms’ are created equal.
When you’re looking at different models of digital cameras you’ll often hear their zooms talked about in two ways:
- Optical zoom
- Digital zoom
Optical Zoom is king, the digital zoom will simply blow electronically the pixels making your picture look “noisier” and pixelated.
If you’re looking for a zoom lens make sure it’s an optical zoom (most cameras have at least 3x )
‘Super zooms’ coming onto the market at up to 21x Optical Zoom) but the price will increase accordingly.
If you are into serious photography always remember that the best “zoom” ever is your feet, buy prime lens and use your feet to “zoom in and out”.
Primes will offer you always tack sharp images, less colour fringe and way less barrel distortion…………
5. Keep in mind the ‘extras’
Keep in mind that the camera is not everything what you need for successful photography.
There are varieties of other “extras” that you might want (need) to think about including:
- Camera Case
- Lenses (if you are getting a DSLR)
- External Flashes
- Memory Cards
- Tripods/Monopods
- Spare Batteries/Recharger
- Filters (and other lens attachments)
- Reflectors
Some retailers will bundle such extras with cameras or will at least give a discount when buying more than one item at once, is just the rule of marketing always they will offer you “extras” in about 10% of the initial camera purchase price. Do not fall for that “oversell” keep in mind though that what they offer in bundles might not meet your needs. For example it’s common to get a 1-4 GB memory card with cameras – however these days even if you buy an entry level DSLR that card will be filled in no time. You’ll probably want something at least of 8GB…………..
6. Do you already own any potentially compatible gear?
Speaking of extra gear – one way to save yourself some cash is if you have accessories from previous digital cameras that are compatible with your new camera.
For example: flashes, memory cards, batteries, lenses (remember that many film camera lenses are actually compatible with digital SLRs), filters etc.
Difference ex: Nikon will use mostly SD cards, Canon will use mostly CF cards
the photographer the fashion photographer with a classic camera, isolated on white © Lucian Coman
7. Read reviews
Before buying a digital camera use common sense and take the time to do a little research. Don’t JUST rely upon the advice of the helpful sales person in the shop, you always must remember that they want to SELL.
Read some reviews online or in digital camera magazines to help you narrow down the field. There are some great websites around that give expert and user reviews on virtually every camera on the market – use this wonderful and free resource.
8. Hands On Experience
If you are not buying online, once you’ve narrowed down your search to a handful of cameras head into your local digital camera shop and ask to see and play with them. There’s nothing like having the camera in your hands to work out whether it suits your needs, you get to play with it and get a feel for which one you could see yourself using.
9. Negotiate
After you’ve selected the right digital camera for you it’s time to find the best price.
Online is a bit hard to negotiate, but when you are in the shop don’t forget to ask for
free or discounted bonuses including camera cases, memory cards, extra batteries, filters, free prints, cases etc.
Is not happening in Botswana but if you abroad, some stores will also consider giving you a trade in on older gear or other stores that offer camera lessons that you can ask to be included.
Good light to everybody !!!
poco_bw
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Thanks for this info Uncle!