Time for a New Camera?

So you've decided it’s time for a new camera. Now what? First you’ll need to do needs assessment; this starts by asking yourself what you want the camera for and how often you’ll use it. Then you’ll need to determine how much you (a) could spend and (b) can spend. Then you’ll need to determine which cameras out there will meet the requirements at a cost you’re comfortable with. Today we’ll take a look at the needs assessment.

Camera Needs Assessment

The process of making photos can be the simplest of tasks – literally point, click, upload to Facebook, done! – or it can involve a complicated process of travel, camera and lens selection, evaluating and considering composition, use of filters, accessories such as tri-pods, filters, remote shutter release, determining optimal depth of field, shutter speed, waiting for light to change and on and on. And what about supplemental lighting – flash or other types of strobes – how does all that factor into the equation? Then there’s the post production aspect; which software to use to edit the digital files and how do you make the photos look the way you intended when you took them? Then there’s the matter of printing; what size will the image be? What sort of paper is best? The number of variables are endless and to further complicate things there’s no right or wrong answer.

Before you purchase a camera you need to have a pretty clear idea on what you want the camera to do. Here’s some question to ask yourself:

1. 'What are the short comings of my old camera?' Assessing this will better equip you to evaluate the many features available on newer cameras and which of these are important to you. You'll also be better able to understand what the camera store folks are talking about.

2. 'What's my budget?' Only you can answer this question. But like with anything else, it's important to know what you're not getting by saving money - a camera that doesn't meet your needs or expectations tends to not get used or lead to frustration so it may be better to wait until your wallet can withstand a more significant outlay.

3. 'How much Camera do I need?' Whether it's s a smart phone or top of the line pro gear, Modern digital cameras are computers that record graphic images. With greater durability, speed, flexibility, sensor quality and build quality comes more cost and often more bulk. Smaller so-called point and shoot cameras are more discrete and easier to fit into a pocket or handbag. If you're the kind of person that wants to pack 30 pounds of camera gear on a family holiday then go for it, but if you find yourself out for the day with no camera because you couldn't be bothered lugging it around then a smaller and lighter camera would be a better choice.

4. 'Do I want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses?' This is a critical decision. If you intend to by more than one lens then the point and shoot cameras are not for you - at least not as an only camera. Most digital SLR's come with a 'kit lens', that is, a good general purpose zoom lens that will get you through most occasions. Recently major manufacturers have introduced mirrorless cameras that offer the compactness of a point and shoot camera with the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. The Canon EOS M is such a camera as is the Nikon 1. Canon offers a selection of M series lenses specifically for the EOS M camera but by purchasing an adapter any of the manufacturers lenses can be fitted. If you do not ever foresee the acquisition of additional lenses and you are happy with letting the camera handle all the creative control aspects of photography then a decent quality point and shoot camera will likely fill all your needs.

5. 'What kind of file size, type and quality do I need?' Knowing what you intend to do with the photos you take is critical. Some people rarely if ever print their photos in the traditional way; they may post them on social media or publish a photo album from time to time - or they may never get transferred off the camera at all. Other folks are happy to spend their free time editing digital files using sophisticated software and making very large gallery-quality prints. If you intend to sell your photos you'll need to invest in a camera suited to the task.

In tomorrow's post I'll discuss the basic elements of the various camera types and the critical differences between them.

Today's photo was taken in a market in Tuscany.