What's most important when buying a camera?

1. 71

   Cre8torposted 11 years ago

   What's most important when buying a camera?
   
   I'm a rookie wanting to buy a new camera but am not sure what features are most important to consider. I want to take stills, motion (sporting events) and video but I can't spend more than a couple hundred dollars. What should I be paying attention to? Any suggestions?
   
   

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2. 60

   lexx13posted 11 years ago

   Well, it all depends with a number of factors but the most common are:
   -Purpose or use of the camera: either personal or work-related reasons.
   -The megapixel(picture excellence) rate: Basically this will define the clarity of your photos hence the higher the megapixels, the finer the image.
   -Ease of use: Most cameras are easy to use but it is important to not that all cameras are the same in terms of settings and functionality.
   -Cost: if you plan on getting a multimedia camera like the ones used by journalists, then you certainly have to dig deeper into your pocket otherwise it is cheaper to get a simple pocket-sized camera.
   As for starters, there is no limit with what you can do with a camera...You can try any of the Nikon D-series or Canon pocket-sized cameras.

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3. 85

   Suzanne Dayposted 11 years ago

   Having owned quite a few cameras for work and for home, I think there are a few ways to find the camera you want. Look within your budget range and pay attention to the megapixels, as Lexx said. Then see if you can try out the camera in store. It may suprise you, but some cameras take better looking photos than others, regardless of megapixels or listed functions. Some just seem to capture better hues automatically, and you want one with great hues if at all possible. Another way is to test drive family and friend's cameras, or look at photos they have taken with them.
   
   You need a certain base amount of megapixels to produce photos for print resolution (aim for A4 or A3 size finals at 300dpi) so decide this if it is what you need it for.
   
   I find cameras perform differently for different weather or indoor/outdoor, no matter what their buttons say. My Nikon performs well with product shots indoor and outdoor and on sunny days, whereas my Canon works best outside on overcast days. I prefer using the auto function instead of playing around with shutter speeds and ISO for every single photo.
   
   Recommendations from others are a good way to find out useful brands to explore.

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