Buying Your First Real Camera!

Almost everyone has a camera today because it is integrated with your mobile phone. These cameras take very good pictures thanks to advanced technology...but what if....you decide you want to do more? Most cell phone cameras, although great for capturing memories fast and easy, are still limited. What if you need flash? Or extended video time? All those questions mean its time to buy your first real camera. This can be quite overwhelming and though I am by no means an expert, I can help you get a general idea of how to choose the right camera for your needs. 


The first thing you should ask yourself is "What am I trying to achieve?" "What type of photos do I want to take?" "Do I want it to have video capabilities?" "Do I have editing software or know where to find a freebie that works well?" or better yet, "Do I want my camera to be able to edit my photos inside of the camera body before I upload them?" These are just a few of the questions you as a consumer should ask yourself. Make a list, write them down, take it with you. It is much easier to find the right camera for yourself when you know exactly what it is you want.


Some important things to think about are mega pixels, point and shoot, size, and cost. Pixels are how digital cameras capture images. A mega pixel is 1 million pixels. This important mainly if you want to enlarge your photos, for example, to poster size. The more megapixels the clearer and more detailed your image will be. Digital cameras that are point and shoot are exactly what it says, you point at what you want to photograph and push the shutter button. This is great for beginners because the camera self adjusts and most of the time if you hold the camera steady, they come out perfect. If you are a bit more advanced or want to really learn  photography, you should purchase a DSLR camera that integrates point and shoot with self adjustments for F-stops and more. 


Digital Cameras come in all sizes to fit every need. Decide if you want to slip the camera in your pocket, or carry it in your palm, or if you want to hang it around your neck. Keep in mind the larger the camera, the heavier it is and you will probably want to purchase a tripod to stabilize your camera to take better shots. More about accessories in another blog. 


Just like there are many sizes of digital cameras there is also a wide price range. Figure out your budget, compare it to what your needs are as well as your wants and find the best camera for you. This is an exciting moment...relax and enjoy it! There is nothing better than taking your first REAL camera out of the box....HAPPY SHOOTING!