Ok so you wanna buy your first camera...where do you start??
Canon? Nikon? Sony?? What the hell is mirrorless? ?
When it comes to cameras its all about what you need as a photographer, there is no such thing as "the best camera" because what might work best for some may not work best for others. So it really comes down to this....what will you be taking pictures of?
(Downtown Orlando, FL)
Before we continue, lets talk IMAGE SENSOR size... The larger the image sensor in your camera the better your low light performance.
There are five basic types of sensors. (From smallest to lagest)
1- Your point and shoot cameras
2- Your Micro four thirds
3- APS-C
4- Full Frame
5- Medium Format
Let's take a look at the different types of cameras.
1- We have your regular point and shoot cameras ($50-400 range usually) Point and shoot cameras are basically the same sensor size as your iphone. So basically the only difference between a point and shoot camera and your smarphone is not in the image quality, but in the funcionality and features. Your images will be about the same (maybe a tiny bit better) than your smartphone. Point and shoot cameras are great as a small step up from your phone's camera as far as control, functions and features, but phones are getting so good now you might just end up returning your point and shoot and just sticking to your phone. Honestly. I use to see it all the time when I worked in camera sales.
2- Entry Level APS-C sensor DSLR and Mirrorless cameras.....($450-1,200) DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex....basically what that means is that you have a mirror/prism inside your camera. This is the camera you need if you're serious about photography, or even an enthusiast. DSLR cameras not only allow you to control all of your camera's functions but you can also switch out the lenses which gives you complete control and versatility.
Mirrorless cameras carry the same image sensors as your entry level DSLR cameras, except, as the name suggests, they have no mirror inside. This makes them smaller, lighter, and some even faster shooters than most DSLR cameras. Since you have the same controls, same image sensors and same ability to switch out lenses, mirrorless camera systems have become very popular in todays market with Sony as the leader in the Mirrorless game.
In my opinion....as long as you have good lighting and a solid tripod, APS-C cameras will get the job done, even professional jobs (for weddings you might want to go full frame)
Now, lets move onto the big boys...
3- Full Frame DSLR cameras ($1000-5k+) These cameras will do the same as your entry level DSLR cameras, plus they give you a few more buttons so you can access settings a little faster, larger image sensors, and a few other more professional functions (functions which the average person will probably NEVER use, honestly, unless you shoot video) One thing to know about Full Frame cameras is that an APS-C lens that costs you $400 will now cost you $1000-$2000 just because it goes on a bigger frame camera. So thats something to consider.
4- MEDIUM FORMAT cameras....This is the camera you get when you work as a photographer for Rolling Stone magazine...and they pay you a 6 figure salary (These cameras range from $6,000 all the way to the 50k, maybe even higher) These cameras have the Largest image sensor out of all the cameras previously mentioned. If you can afford one of these then you probably dont need this info anyways 👍 But myself, I'd rather take all that money and put in in a Roth IRA.
So, which one should you get?? Well again that depends. What kind of photography will you be doing?
If you're gonna be taking pictures of your kids a regular point and shoot will probably get the job done, then again so will your phone.
If you really want to get into photography you might want to invest in a decent DSLR (Nikon d5500, d5300, d3300 or Mirrorless camera (Sony a6000 or a6300). Being able to switch lenses and control things like Aperture, Shutter Speed and your ISO is crucial when it comes to getting "that shot".
Should you get a Full Frame DSLR or Full frame Mirrorless camera? If you can afford this type of camera I say go for it! But do you need it to get amazing images? Absolutely Not! Do you need the best $1500 lenses to get amazing pictures?? Absolutely not!
Photography is all about lighting, and even if you use an entry level DSLR or Mirrorless camera your photos will be incredible as long as your lighting is good. The advantage of having a full frame camera lies in having that LARGER image sensor which will perform better in low light conditions (the difference is not like night and day, but it is noticible if you zoom in)...Know how I fix my low light problems?? I use a flash. A simple solution that can save you a few thousand dollars.
Will you get better image quality from a Full Frame camera than from an APS-C sensor camera?
Yes you will....but whats funny is you wont be able to tell unless you zoom ALL THE WAY IN and compare every detail side by side. See? Thats why i said it depends what you're taking pictures of.
Example....A wedding photographer may get away with using an APS-C camera, but he will benefit way more from a full frame camera because he/she may not be able to fire a flash during the ceremony. A full frame camera will give him the best low light performance possible...again, it's not INSANELY better, but it is noticibly better... when you zoom in.
Someone who shoots sports or action shots may prefer an APS-C camera because you have more of a crop factor...this is an entire different subject...but basically, an APS-C image sensor has a crop factor of ×1.5 (Sony & Nikon) Canon's is 1.6 I believe, so this means that a 50mm lens is actually a 75mm lens when used on an APS-C camera. So even though the full frame camera will be better for low light, your APS-C might work better for you because your lenses will get you in closer...not to mention you'll be saving a few thousand dollars by getting the (aps-c) camera. Maybe you can buy more lenses and invest in lighting with the savings.
So whats the best camera? Which one should you buy? The one you can afford! Even if you want to become a professional photographer, start with what you have. DO NOT LET YOUR LACK OF "PROFESSIONAL" EQUIPMENT stop you or discourage you from reaching your goals!
I've taken photos for clients with both a full frame and with an "Entry Level" camera...and you know what?? They've beem happy with both. People cant even tell the difference between the 2. Its funny actually.
GET THE $3000 Full frame camera if you plan on working for Mercedes Benz as one of their official photographers......For almost every other project....entry level APS-C cameras get the job done every time as long as you know your gear and are creative!
In the end....I've learned most clients don't care about purple fringing, chromatic aberrations, and they have no clue what dynamic range is.....my point? Photography is about the artist...NOT the camera.
Take pictures...have fun! Thats all that really matters. Master your gear...build your client list and earn a solid reputation....get the fancy gear later on down as you grow.
Thanks for reading.
Great advice! The only thing I'd add is what I tend to tell anyone who comes to me for advice on cameras is that your almost always better off buying a generation or two back from the current generation DSLR or mirrorless camera and putting that savings towards getting higher quality lenses and as a bonus lenses hold their value better than the camera bodies. If I didn't need my DSLR for the photobooth software I use I'd have sold it by now as the micro 4/3 system is a near perfect fit for my modest needs.
Awesome feedback! Youre absolutely right. I would rather invest in lenses than bodies. And micro 4/3 cameras are incredible too. Olympus makes GREAT stuff...so does panasonic.