So, you want/think you need a new camera. Me too…seriously…I always want a new camera. Canon has had me since hello. But I don’t need a new camera. Maybe you’re different. Maybe you lost/dropped/washed/dried your camera, and it.is.toast. For this post, we’re going to assume that, whether your camera is in working order or not, you want one that’s a little better than the one you have/had. With us so far? So, now comes the tough part. Why do you want a better camera? What do you plan to do with it? Have a heart-to-heart with yourself and come up with a solid answer. Is it to take better photos of your kids? Is it to move toward taking photos of other people’s kids? Is it to pursue a general interest in photography?
Now, we have to force readers to separate. Depending on what you want, our suggestion for gear is different. Pick your answer below and keep reading.
a) I want to take better photos of my kids.
b) I have an interest in making photography a more serious hobby.
I WANT TO TAKE BETTER PICTURES OF MY KIDS
You might be surprised to learn that you might be able to take better pictures of your kids with the camera you already have…if your kids didn’t throw it the toilet. Taking better pictures is more about knowledge than it is gear. The angle of the shot, the placement of the subject, and the available light do much more for a shot than a better camera. That doesn’t mean that I can take exactly the same photograph with my professional camera and a point and shoot camera, but you’re not going for professional. You’re going for better, and you don’t have to have a big, fancy camera to do that. Instead, consider learning a little more about the camera you already have. Do some googling, enroll in a workshop (hey—get a few friends together and call us…you host and we’ll talk…just email for details)…just take the time to learn. It ain’t as easy as buying a better camera.
So, now that we’ve warned you that a better camera might not be the best answer, here are a few suggestions for point-and-shoot cameras. We tried to hit all budgets with them…and we do not own any of them. We researched, read reviews, and scoured photography forums for suggestions. This is what we came up with:
Nikon Coolpix S4100 $175
Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS10 $225
Canon S100 $425
I WANT TO MAKE PHOTOGRAPHY A SERIOUS HOBBY
Before you buy a new camera, check out all the photography tutorial basics over on The Pioneer Woman’s site and make the best of the camera you have. Until you have an understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO (and how all those things work together), you won’t be able to make the most of a new (likely more expensive) camera. In order to improve your photographs, you must put in some time and effort. Sometimes, you can trade money for time and convenience, like with Keurig cups. I pay a little more for coffee because those little heavenly cups save me about one minute and a little effort with measuring and clean up every morning (afternoons and evenings sometimes too). But cameras aren’t like K-cups. You can’t spend more and skip the time and effort. You HAVE to learn the basics before a new camera will be worth its cost. Lecture overJ
Once you have the basics down, you’re ready for a camera that gives you more options. Digital-SLRs allow you to change lenses and add a better flash. While those are expensive additions, you don’t have to buy them right away. Slow and steady. One lens and the built-in flash can get you started (although I recommend NEVER using the on-camera flash!). We both shoot Canon, but we’re giving you the Nikon equivalent too. We do suggest sticking with Nikon or Canon. Keep in mind that these links are for the cameras only. You will also need a lens and CF cards (links below too). If you head over to the Digital Photography School, you can read a much more in-depth review of DSLRs than we could ever give you.
$700 Nikon D5100
$675 Canon Reb
$825 Nikon D90 (camera only—no lenses or CF cards included)
$900 Canon 60D
Lenses
Nikon 50 1.8 (about $100)
Canon 50 1.8 (about $100)
Tamron 28-75 (available for Canon or Nikon…about $450
CF cards-4 GG
GREAT LINKS FOR LEARNING!
Five Steps to Taking Better Pictures of Your Kids
The Pioneer Woman
More Digital Photography School
(awesome blog and paid forum…well worth the fee)
A Before and After
