If you are thinking about purchasing a camera, you’ll find yourself with an endless amount of options, which for some can seem a bit confusing and overwhelming. To make this purchase easier, and foolproof, it’s best to ask yourself the following three questions:
What Will I Use It For?
Your needs will vary from taking family vacation photos, to setting up a professional photography studio. Will you be taking photos at night? Do you need a camera that is portable? Do you need video features? Waterproof?
What Is My Budget?
Decide how much money you can spend and stick with it. FlexShopper offers easy-to-make weekly payment options, so most items will fit within your budget. Most, but not all cameras and camera packages follow the adage: you get what you pay for. Beware of the too good to be true offers out there. Look for brands that you are familiar with and have good customer reviews and consumer ratings.
Are There Additional Features I Need?
This gets into the area of accessories and upgraded features. Will you need a tripod? Camera case? Additional SD cards? There are many packages available so look at the options and decide what is best for you. Does it need to be waterproof, wide-angle, or portable?
Understanding Camera Types
Cameras come in all sizes, have different light sensitivities, and options. Photography equipment may best be described as a tradeoff. If you want small, you may give up some clarity or shutter speed. If you want professional photographs, the equipment may be bigger and bulkier. Once you have decided how it will be used and what you need as far as features, you can best decide which type is best for you.
Compact Camera
Also known as the ‘Point and Shoot’, this camera is an easy one to operate. As the name suggests, they are small, lightweight, and portable. They are less expensive than other types of cameras and are quiet and durable. They do, however, have better sensors than your phone, so this would be a step up.
Compact cameras have lower image quality and speed than some other types. The photographer also has less control over settings and there is often a smaller viewfinder.
They are affordable, accessible, and easy-to-use. They are great for the user who wants something a bit more advanced than a camera phone. These are great for amateur photography such as family photos during vacations and holidays. FlexShopper has a large selection of compact cameras. We like the Sony ZV-1 Compact 4K HD Free Bundle. This one is easy to use, shoots video for your vlog, and comes with memory cards and a software package.
DSLR
DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. DSLR cameras are often used to describe all digital cameras, but DSLRs allows for an interchangeable lens to attach to the same body, so you can change from portraits to landscape photography with the same camera. They have better auto-focus capability and work well in low light. They are not as hard on batteries since they don’t require a digital screen to be on all the time.
DSLRs are not as small as compact cameras and sometimes the picture seen in the viewfinder might not be the same as the final photograph because they rely on a mirror for some of their focusing. They can be more expensive when the cost of the lens is figured in.
DSLR offers flexibility, continuous shooting, and stabilization settings. The best one for you can be determined after you consider how it will be used. We like the Canon – EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens. The 24.1-megapixel sensor captures the smallest details even in low light and the optical image stabilizer technology ensures handheld shots are sharp. The 18-55mm lens is included.
Mirrorless
Since the mirrorless camera does not need mirrors or prisms to operate, you can expect it to be lighter weight than a DSLR. The body is also smaller, so it is more portable, some easily fitting into your shirt pocket. It is easy to operate and the image quality is excellent.
Because of the smaller body size, you do not have as many lens options as you have with a DSLR. They also may not perform as well in low light or with fast-moving scenes or objects.
Mirrorless cameras are easy to operate, small and portable, and have excellent autofocus skills. One of our favorites is the Panasonic – LUMIX G85 Mirrorless 4K Photo Digital Camera Body with 12-60mm Lens. This one is perfect for outdoor shooting. The Dual Image Stabilizer takes crisper, clearer images in difficult and fast-moving environments, while the compact, weather-sealed body and kit lens offers improved flexibility.
Action
If you love adventure, and love to record it, this may be the type of camera for you! These are lightweight, portable, and can go with you nearly everywhere. You can fasten them to your body, your bike, or your car. These are great for travel and are very versatile. They are durable and take high-quality images and videos.
Some people do not like the wide field of view offered by action cameras. Although this one is small and compact, sometimes added accessories can be bulky and take up quite a bit of space.
Action cameras are small, compact, and easy to use. Your outdoor, underwater, or underground adventures can all be easily recorded hands- free. One of our favorites is the GoPro Hero9 5K Waterproof Action Camera. This waterproof action camera is perfect for capturing your next vacation in 5K.
Drones
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), are somewhat new to the consumer market. If you need photos of an area that is impossible to shoot, or if you want overhead shots, a drone may be just what you need. Used by the military, law enforcement, farmers, and environmentalist, they have opened up a new way of photographing areas that would otherwise be left unexplored. They are fun, easy to operate, and inexpensive to purchase.
Drones have been the targets of invasion of privacy claims and have also been responsible for causing injuries to both users and spectators. Airports face threats as drone usage increases.
Like any new technology, drones may require some instruction for use. However, they are fun, inexpensive, and useful to many industries. We suggest the DJI – Mavic 2 Zoom Quadcopter with Remote Controller. With this drone, users can capture everything from wide-angle to mid-range shots.
Who We Are
Still not sure which camera to go with? Check us out! Flexshopper has easy weekly payments to suit any budget, and with thousands of products to pick from, we’re sure to have the perfect camera that fits your needs. Plus, we guarantee fast delivery to your home. Contact us today!
