Camera choices
I’m sure we’ve all heard of the cliché - the best camera is the one you have with you… Although let’s be honest, the best camera really depends on your specific requirements. Whether you are a beginner, enthusiast or professional - deciding on the right gear can be an exciting, yet daunting experience.
Determine your needs and the type of photography that interests you; portrait, landscape, sports, wildlife or everyday moments? Consider your budget and level of expertise. Researching and comparing features will ultimately help you make the right decision. Try before you buy and don’t overwhelm yourself with too many additional options - start off with a kit lens, it’s a great starting point! After spending enough time out in the field, you will eventually learn about your limitations, strengths and weaknesses. After which, explore more lens options going forward…
Consider additional factors such as ergonomics and build quality, weather sealing and lens compatibility. Understandably, there are many pros and cons to deliberate over - see the table below for a reference comparison.
DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex)
Pros: Excellent image quality, interchangeable lenses and manual controls.
Cons: Bulky, heavy and additional equipment can be expensive.
Mirrorless
Pros: Lightweight, fast autofocus and high-quality video capabilities.
Cons: Battery life, lens selection is limited (but still growing).
Bridge
Pros: Long zoom range, user-friendly, affordable.
Cons: Limited controls, non-interchangeable lenses, smaller sensors.
Film
Pros: Unique aesthetic, tactile experience and high print quality.
Cons: Film costs, development time, difficulty to share.
Additional tips
Read reviews and keep up to date with the latest news.
Relax, having fun is the best way to learn more about your camera.
Invest in the essentials, such as a memory card, tripod and camera bag.
Over the next few months, there will be more articles about equipment - technical skills, location shoots and post-production processes…
