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on Buying a Camera
decide what type of photography you are
planning to pursue. A studio photographer's
needs are different from a natural
photographer. An amateur photographer may
only need an inexpensive point and shoot
camera whereas a professional may spend a
great deal of money on high end SLR Digital
or Film Camera to match his or her needs.
With the advent of Smart (Cell) phones a new
wrinkle has been added, do I want to buy a
"traditional" camera or should I just use my
phone? Seeing the statistics today I think
many are opting out for the Smart Phones,
the choice is up to you.
Questions to ask:
How much do I want to
What do I want to do with the
What extra features do I want the
camera to have?
Do I want a digital or
Do I want a Point and Shoot
or SLR camera? Do I want to just buy a
Cell Phone and just use it?
Do I want to take classes?
Camera prices vary from model to model and
store to store. If you are just going to
shoot occasional pictures of your children,
a cheap point and shoot or cell phone will fit your needs.
If you want to shoot more varied pictures,
then a high end point and shoot or a low end
SLR will probably fit your needs. If you are
creative I would advise you invest in a high
end SLR, lenses, flash and a tripod. Many of
a camera is bought or given as a gift which
is too complex for the user and ends up on a
closet shelf after many frustrating attempts
at shooting! Match your needs with the
camera. If you buy or get a high end camera,
take a class in photography. You will find
your investment in time and money will be
worth the effort.
cameras can be used for different purposes.
A point and shoot or cell phone can take simple snap
shots, while a mid range camera can shoot
good general pictures. An SLR has a wide
range of features that can shoot anything
from the simple snap shot to a glorious
landscape, portrait, or wildlife picture.
Remember what you want to shoot, how you
want to shoot and how much time you want to
spend should determine your camera use.
Today's cameras have a wide range of extra
features that can enhance your pictures. You
can buy a simple throw away camera that has
no controls, a medium range camera with
limited features or a professional SLR
camera with a wide range of features. What
you want the camera to do is very important
in making this decision. If you are just
going to shoot some quick snap shots of your
kids then a throw away might be what you
want. If you want to take high quality
pictures move to either the midlevel or
professional SLR cameras. The quality of
your work will improve as you move up the
level of your camera.
or Film Camera?
Today's market offers two forms of
the digital and film. Film cameras come in
slide, 35mm and 120mm formats whereas
digital cameras use flash cards that come in
a variety of forms. Film cameras images are
saved on either positive slide film or
negative strips. Digital cameras save images
electronically on flash cards. Digital
cameras have greatly improved their ability
to produce outstanding pictures to a point
some experts predict that the film camera
may go the way of the Beta VHS, the 8 track
tape and the floppy disk!
Are Classes Necessary?
If you want
to understand how to use the camera properly
then yes I would recommend a class. Keep in
mind that if you have a low end camera, then
a class might not be for you. You will find
that a class will usually cover topics that
don't apply to your camera. If you have an
SLR, then I would highly recommend a class.
Contact your local college or community
school and see if they have photography
classes. One question that has recently been
asked concerns the Online Classes now being
offered by many schools. I myself prefer
classes that involve a live teacher who can
answer questions and provide more hands on
instruction! Your way of learning should
determine the format of your class.