Buying a Camera - Tips to Save You Money

I see them coming at me out of the corner of my eye. They stare. They have a curious look on their face. They don’t want to interrupt but they can’t help themselves. They speak. “What kind of camera do you use?” I get it all the time photographing events large and small.

Digital photography has made making pictures easier than ever. Everyone is a photographer and most people are pretty darn good. The biggest challenge these days is deciding on equipment.

Pick up a photo magazine; you probably have one or two next to your favorite reading chair. The information is overwhelming. It seems every month a new lens or camera body is introduced. Manufactures try to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, their competition, and all the while present their shinny new gadgets that will surely get your photo on the next cover of National Geographic.

The good news is that buying photo equipment does not have to be that hard. Consider what a camera does. It focuses light on a chip. The amount of light is regulated by the aperture and shutter to produce a proper exposure. That’s photography. Every camera out there does just that, nothing more.

Here are a couple of thoughts to consider when purchasing a camera.

• Canon, Nikon, Olympus, who cares? Spending x-amount of money on one brand will get you as good a camera as spending the same amount on another brand. Buy what feels good in your hand.

• I doubt you need a top of the line camera body that can shoot 10 frames per second during a typhoon at midnight. I have photos from all over the world hanging on my walls that I shot with a $250 point and shoot.

• Pixel size is getting ridiculous. 10 megapixels is more than enough. 6 megapixels will produce a very nice 11×14 print and will certainly be far more than enough for your web site.

• Two lenses are all you really need. I have a 24mm to 105mm that is almost never off my camera. It is light weight and very versatile. A longer zoom (200mm to 300mm) is also necessary, especially if you have little ones that play sports.

• Patronize your local camera store but don’t be afraid to purchase some equipment online. I have been buying from one of the big stores in New York for over 20 years and never had a problem. You generally get the best price and if you live out of state you don’t pay state taxes.

• Consider renting equipment. It is a great way to try before you buy. Also having a good relationship with the people at the local rental shop is good idea. They are some of the best informed people in photography and good folks to know.

Bottom line is you don’t have to dip into your child’s college fund to be a better photographer. Don’t spend a lot of time and money worrying about your equipment. You will enjoy photography more if you spend that time (and energy) taking pictures and working composition.

Andy Templeton is a professional photographer located in Orange County, CA. Andy specializes in editorial, public relations and corporate photography. Please visit his site at http://atempletonphoto.com to see his photography, access articles on leveraging images to enhance your business or access his photography blog.