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 | TIPS ON BUYING
A CAMERA
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Greetings!
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 The number one question that I am asked by clients, friends, and even professional photographers is "What's the best camera for me?" The best place to start is to ask yourself what kind of pictures will you be taking? The kids' sporting events, dance recitals, birthdays, vacations, family gatherings, grandchildren, etc. are all typical subjects for most of us, so we need to choose a camera that is versatile enough to cover most of our bases.
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MEGAPIXELS
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 "Megapixels" are the main thing that we need to look at. The higher the number of megapixels in a camera, the more expensive the camera and the better the quality of the image that it can capture. "So should I buy the most expensive camera that I can afford?" The answer depends on the level of quality that you need. Personally, I think around 8 megapixels is just fine for the average person shooting for fun taking photos to share with his family and friends. Keep in mind that most of us do not make prints anymore, and we tend to view our images on our computers, so a very expensive, high megapixel camera may be more technology than we need. Hang with me here, and I'll put some perspective on the two types of cameras. Here's an interesting article on megapixels.
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| POINT AND SHOOT OR SINGLE LENS REFLEX (SLR)? |
Here's a link that will help you to learn more about point and shoot and SLR cameras.
Point and shoot and SLR cameras
The point and shoot cameras are just that, turn on the camera point it and shoot. The camera is automatic and takes great images under most lighting conditions. With this type of camera you normally cannot interchange lenses, but many of the higher end P&S (such as Canon's G-10 series) cameras have a very powerful zoom lens that may give you all of the flexibility that you need. It's worth doing a bit of research before you buy. Cameras with zoom lenses
My first digital camera was Canon's G-2, and I still use it today for taking pics around the house or on vacation. I just bought my wife Anne a Canon ELPH 1100, 8mp that is very small and great for what she takes shots of, Greg, Greg, Greg, and more Greg (our son). Here's a link for the ELPH series. Canon ELPH
Starting with a point-and-shoot to test the waters is often a good idea. You'll know pretty soon whether or not you want to move on the SLR approach. While Single Lens Reflex  (SLR) cameras give you much more control, they are also bigger, more costly, and you must be willing to learn more about the technical side of photography. This type of camera is great for sporting events since you can swap the lenses out and put on that very long impressive 600mm lens to zoom in on the action. You'll be the envy of all your friends at the game and have a backache the next morning. These types of cameras are also great for getting visually very close to a subject without being physically close. You don't want to get too close to a grizzly bear, but you do want the photo. The 600mm lens is an excellent choice here. This is the lens that you see the photographers shooting with at sporting events and on safari. Years ago, I spent some time on the sidelines at Falcons' games with my friend Jim Mora with my little camera and my little lens. Everyone looked at me and asked, "Who are you?" Believe me, at the next game, I made sure I had the right equipment to fit in. While you probably don't need a 600mm lens to start off with, moving from the point and shoot to an SLR gives you the option to explore your talent and personal needs.
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WINDOW SHOPPING CAN BE FUN
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If you're interested in the best and money is no object, then check out this link for the Canon 1Ds Mark III. The retail price is about $8K with a 21.1 megapixel full frame sensor. Remember, the higher the megapexils the higher the cost and the better the resulting image. I have one generation before this camera and have taken images all across the globe with it. It is my traveling camera of choice when I do not want to take my studio gear. While this is a very serious (and very expensive) camera, you'll be able to find just the right camera at the right price if you do your homework first. Canon 1Ds MarkIII
Now take a look at this link to see other SLR cameras and the lens lineup for each. For those of you who are in the market for a SLR you may drool over such a beautiful collection of equipment. Other SLR cameras
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I am in the business of creating fine art portraits for my clients, so my equipment and techniques may not always apply to the "shutterbugs" out there. The important thing to remember, however, is that the the key to success is to do your homework and choose the right camera for your personal needs. Keep in mind that you're probably going to "outgrow" your first camera, so you might want to check around for used cameras. There are some good buys out there. Just remember that it's a lot like buying a used car, so be careful. Most importantly, have fun and share your photos with family and friends!
Cheers,
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Jay Fletcher
Fletcher Portrait Artist
3500 Peachtree Rd
Atlanta GA 30326
404-842-9445
Email
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