My thoughts on camera buying.

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theborg

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Buying a new digital camera is like buying a new house, car, tv, etc, It’s a very subjective thing and I’ve found it to be a minefield, just like buying all the above and more. Take the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38, I’m only using this camera as a example of the choices we all face.
I been reading a lot about buying a new camera, you would think the Internet would have the simple answer to “What camera is best for me”, but it didn’t! I even asked Google that very question and you would be surprised at the result you get.
I have gone round and around in circles, had many headaches, changed my mind a million times, and thats just today!
Take my DMC FZ38, Its my current choice at 11.45AM GMT, I looked at all the rivals, read all the reviews, looked at people comments and discovered the following.
No matter which camera you like, or think you like, someone loves it and someone hates it, subjective see. Take my Panasonic for example, some reviews thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, while other wouldn’t move from the FZ28. Some individual comments thought the FZ38 was a brilliant leap forward and it took fantastic pictures, while others though a Barbie camera would do better.
So, as you do, you carry on looking and looking, every camera I’ve looked at gives me the same headache, just like TV’s (don’t even go there on my discussion on those). So I thought I would just share these thoughts, rather than asking the million dollar question, mainly because it has been asked before.
I also feel it’s the person taking the picture rather than the equipment, I bet that stirs people up, I fairly certain that my Barbie style camera would take picture perfect under the right conditions.
So what I am doing, well, still going round in circles. In the end I’m going top put what I think is the best mid ranged cameras in a hat and pick one, can’t be any worse than constantly thinking is it this one.
That’s my rant over, I will let you all know what I buy, probably in the year 2120, when I’m still going round in circles.

With Compliments

The Borg.
 
How to choose a camera... (IMO!)

#1 Set a budget. Don't forget to allow for a card or 2 and maybe a battery. And a case - maybe a tripod.
#2 Decide what features you want and what you're likely to be photographing. Think what the maximum print size will be.
#3 Flick through some magazines, ideally those that have a full listing with features.
#4 List all the models that meet the specs you're after and fall within (or close to) your budget.
#5 Either decide what to get and order it from the cheapest place you find it on the web or visit a shop and have a feel of the cameras in the flesh then repay them for their generosity in allowing you to handle their stock by buying your choice from them.
#6 Start saving for your next upgrade!
 
Nod said:
How to choose a camera... (IMO!)

#1 Set a budget. Don't forget to allow for a card or 2 and maybe a battery. And a case - maybe a tripod.
#2 Decide what features you want and what you're likely to be photographing. Think what the maximum print size will be.
#3 Flick through some magazines, ideally those that have a full listing with features.
#4 List all the models that meet the specs you're after and fall within (or close to) your budget.
#5 Either decide what to get and order it from the cheapest place you find it on the web or visit a shop and have a feel of the cameras in the flesh then repay them for their generosity in allowing you to handle their stock by buying your choice from them.
#6 Start saving for your next upgrade!
Click to expand...

or.....

1) Visit a photography forum
2) Ask the question "which Camera should I buy?"
3) Sit back and laugh as the Canon owners slag off Nikon, the Nikon owners slag off Canon and then everyone joins forces and picks on the one Olympus owner who dares to voice an opinion
4) Ignore all of the above, visit a camera shop and buy the one that feels "right"
5) Come back to the forum and show off your new Sony


:lol:
 
OK. None of the major manufacturers produce complete dogs, and there are no really bad cameras out there. They will all do pretty much what they're supposed to do.

It's up to you, and it's a bit easier to decide if you have some experience. What sort of photographs do you want to take? Do you want a DSLR, and access to the system that goes with it, a compact or a P & S? Is the size/weight an issue? Do you have any particular brand preferences? How much are you willing to spend?

I'd suggest doing some reading (magazines and internet),visit forums, ask questions and keep an open mind. Don't get too bogged down in this - choosing a camera is pretty subjective - or you'll get even more confused! Decide, more or less, what you want and go to a store where you can handle the different models if possible. Talk to the salesman, but take his advice with a pinch of salt. Some of them are very knowledgeable, but others are hopeless, and they're all trying to sell you something. Nothing wrong with that, but there can be hidden agendas like commission on certain brands and models. It's important that you feel comfortable with the camera, or you'll probably regret buying it. I would also suggest sticking to your budget, and not letting yourself be talked into spending a lot more than you planned. This can spoil the whole experience, if you find yourself developing buyers remorse.

Choose a camera, buy it and use it. It's not a lifetime investment, and you can always sell it and get something else if you're really not happy with it. This can happen, even if you're sure its what you want when you buy it.

High street store or reputable internet supplier? Some people think it's wrong to take up the salesman's time and then purchase on the internet to save money, others reckon that's just business realities. I'd get a couple of prices from internet suppliers, print them out and take them with me. If you've received good service, and the store seems committed to helping you to make the right choice, I'd buy from them providing their price is reasonable, or tell them you're ready to buy and ask if they can match or get close to the internet price. I don't mind paying a bit more for personal service, but I'm not prepared to pay a huge premium for it.

Let us know how you get on!
 
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