Anyone who has been out in public with a SLR style camera has most likely been asked this question or a variation of it. "I've been thinking of getting a better camera what brand should I get?" Or, "Which cameras work better, Canon or Nikon?" Or, "I really like (insert photographer name here) and I see they use (camera brand here) so I'm going to buy that because I want my stuff to look just like hers."
So, let's get into it. Which brand is the best?
My answer is "It depends!"
I firmly believe that there is no "best" when you are talking about the big 3 manufacturers (Nikon, Canon, Sony). Each has a formidable line of cameras and lenses. And once printed, you will NEVER know which body/lens combination was used to make an image. If you are a pro or a semi-pro Canon and Nikon have the best variety of bodies and lenses, and the best selection of truly exceptional lenses (sorry, Sony!). That's why you don't see many pros using Sony cameras, they are a bit light on the high-end glass selection (however that is changing as Sony matures as a camera manufacturer, so if you are reading this a year after I wrote it, do some research before believing this statement).
So, here is the advice I give to those who ask me that question.
First decide what type of camera you want. For 90% of people who are asking, an upper-level point-and-shoot with a non-detachable zoom lens is going to provide you with everything you will need. I'm talking the Nikon Cool Pix or Canon G series or PowerShot series that are in the $300 to $400 range. These will produce a high quality image up to 11x14 or larger and many have plenty of zoom power. You'll also save yourself some serious $$ over purchasing an SLR style camera. Sure SLR's look cool, but for most people you'll leave it on AUTO and only really work the zoom ring on the lens. That's like buying a Porsche and then only driving it on residential streets. Like fine sports cars, these things are only truly appreciated when you take them out and make them RUN!
If you are serious about your photography, are going to print large prints, or take action photography (sports, racing, etc) then an SLR will have some advantages for you. Think about how you are going to use the camera and the types of pictures you are going to take. Do you really NEED 6 frames-per-second for what you are going to be doing with this camera? Is auto exposure-bracketing a feature you will use?
Next, get out there and get your hands on it. Find a store that carries all three brands and has a knowledgable staff. Then go play, take some sample pictures, work your way through the menus and settings, dismount and mount some lenses (if you are looking at a SLR camera). Does the menu structure make sense to you, are the buttons where you want them to be? Does the shutter release button fall where you are comfortable? How does the camera flow? These are the things that are going to make a difference for you as you are working with the camera. Granted you can get to know anything, but when you are spending the kind of money you are on a good camera why should you have to compromise.
Rent the body/lens combination you are looking at purchasing. Borrowlenses.com, Adorama or B&H all have incredible selections of equipment you can rent. $50 spend now might save you $1000 when you buy. I had been thinking of getting a super-wide zoom, so I rented one to use on a model shoot I was doing. Finished the shoot and realized I had not even taken the lens out of my bag. $25 spent renting the lens saved me $500 since I determined that the lens would not be used for what I do.
Personal Note: I use Canon for a number of reasons, none of which is that it produces a "better" image than any other brand.
A better question to ask would be "Why did you choose that brand?" You'll most likely get the answers you are looking for. Until they tell you "Because it takes better pictures." Now the lying starts...
Next post...where should most of my money go when buying a camera.
Keep shooting!!
So, let's get into it. Which brand is the best?
My answer is "It depends!"
I firmly believe that there is no "best" when you are talking about the big 3 manufacturers (Nikon, Canon, Sony). Each has a formidable line of cameras and lenses. And once printed, you will NEVER know which body/lens combination was used to make an image. If you are a pro or a semi-pro Canon and Nikon have the best variety of bodies and lenses, and the best selection of truly exceptional lenses (sorry, Sony!). That's why you don't see many pros using Sony cameras, they are a bit light on the high-end glass selection (however that is changing as Sony matures as a camera manufacturer, so if you are reading this a year after I wrote it, do some research before believing this statement).
So, here is the advice I give to those who ask me that question.
First decide what type of camera you want. For 90% of people who are asking, an upper-level point-and-shoot with a non-detachable zoom lens is going to provide you with everything you will need. I'm talking the Nikon Cool Pix or Canon G series or PowerShot series that are in the $300 to $400 range. These will produce a high quality image up to 11x14 or larger and many have plenty of zoom power. You'll also save yourself some serious $$ over purchasing an SLR style camera. Sure SLR's look cool, but for most people you'll leave it on AUTO and only really work the zoom ring on the lens. That's like buying a Porsche and then only driving it on residential streets. Like fine sports cars, these things are only truly appreciated when you take them out and make them RUN!
If you are serious about your photography, are going to print large prints, or take action photography (sports, racing, etc) then an SLR will have some advantages for you. Think about how you are going to use the camera and the types of pictures you are going to take. Do you really NEED 6 frames-per-second for what you are going to be doing with this camera? Is auto exposure-bracketing a feature you will use?
Next, get out there and get your hands on it. Find a store that carries all three brands and has a knowledgable staff. Then go play, take some sample pictures, work your way through the menus and settings, dismount and mount some lenses (if you are looking at a SLR camera). Does the menu structure make sense to you, are the buttons where you want them to be? Does the shutter release button fall where you are comfortable? How does the camera flow? These are the things that are going to make a difference for you as you are working with the camera. Granted you can get to know anything, but when you are spending the kind of money you are on a good camera why should you have to compromise.
Rent the body/lens combination you are looking at purchasing. Borrowlenses.com, Adorama or B&H all have incredible selections of equipment you can rent. $50 spend now might save you $1000 when you buy. I had been thinking of getting a super-wide zoom, so I rented one to use on a model shoot I was doing. Finished the shoot and realized I had not even taken the lens out of my bag. $25 spent renting the lens saved me $500 since I determined that the lens would not be used for what I do.
Personal Note: I use Canon for a number of reasons, none of which is that it produces a "better" image than any other brand.
- The flow makes sense to me.
- The buttons and selection options feel natural to me
- I love the huge selection of lenses available
- I had several thousand dollars in high-end glass when I made the switch to digital
A better question to ask would be "Why did you choose that brand?" You'll most likely get the answers you are looking for. Until they tell you "Because it takes better pictures." Now the lying starts...
Next post...where should most of my money go when buying a camera.
Keep shooting!!
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