Why People Keep Buying the Wrong Camera

2015.09.09

People constantly buy the wrong camera. They come to classes hoping to do a certain type of photography and yet just bought an inappropriate camera for the task.

Top 5 Reasons

1. Don't read a buying guide and know what matters.

Digital cameras are very complex and now come packed with features, yet not all features matter and some are entirely reproducible via software. For this reason it is crucial to read a Digital Camera Buying Guide. For more specific types of cameras, we even have a recently updated Mirrorless Buying Guide and a DSLR Buying Guide.

2. It is shiny and new. Not enough budget for the good new model, so buy the inadequate new one.

This common mistake happens for all sorts of things, laptops, cars, etc. It is fun to have one of the latest generation. In reality though, a higher-end model of the previous generation is often better than the mid-range offering of the current one.

There are sometimes significant leaps between new cameras, but most of the time, refinements are small between consecutive generations. Image sensors, the most crucial part of the imaging pipeline are costly to develop and are often reused for several generations.

3. Don't look across categories.

There are reasons to choose a DSLR, or an ultra-zoom or a compact. Each has its purpose but sometimes people just look at one category, like DSLRs, thinking that image-quality or speed (or both) requires such a camera. Nothing can be further from the truth.

There are now mirrorless cameras with the same image-quality as DSLRs and they can do a number of things even faster, like shoot continuously. One must clearly understand what each category offers to choose the ideal camera.

4. Forget about the whole system.

Mirrorless and DSLR cameras are system cameras. They require a lens and each manufacturer offers a different selection of lenses. Some are common in terms of focal-range and aperture, yet many are unique to certain systems.

Lenses are a major cost when investing into a system and so they must be carefully considered. Their weight too is important. Bigger sensors usually need bigger and heavier lenses.

5. Focus on the camera rather than photography.

The camera is almost always seen as the problem. Lots of people blame their cameras for unsatisfactory results. This is true but only sometimes. Fantastic images can be made with rather old cameras in the hands of a skilled photographer.

A good investment is to pay for photography courses, seminars and books. Much information on the subject is even free online now. Eventually, you can learn if it is the camera which is lacking or not. Most importantly, you get to learn what is actually needed.

• Digital Camera