Recently I have discovered just how useless I am at answering the question, "What camera do you recommend for me"? I am most often speechless as to exactly where to start and what to say because there are so many important things when investing in a camera. I am asked about this subject many times so I decided that I better spend some time thinking this through and putting this into words so that I am not willy-nilly with varied answers for different people.
Ask yourself these questions.
1. What is photography to me?
Are you a potential deep sea diver or do you just want to water ski? Do you want to dive into photography or just kinda skim along the surface. I am not being critical of either choice. Both choices can yield great shots. I wouldn't recommend buying a Point and Shoot camera to someone who wants to spend their whole weekend taking photos. I also wouldn't recommend an expensive DSLR camera to someone who is only going to set the camera on the Auto Mode and let the camera make all the decisions. This would be a waste of money.
Simply said, ... If you want to Point and Shoot in Auto Mode, then buy a Point and Shoot camera and educate yourself by spending some time reading the manual. Most people don't and if you actually do this you would be surprised how much more fun you will have with your camera. If you are willing to buy an expensive DSLR camera, then I believe you should also think about taking a few short classes (minimum) to get some help getting started and familiar with your camera. It's a great way to meet people and learn together.
If you are a seasoned veteren photographer, you wouldn't ask me my oppinion in the first place so none of this really applies to you. If you have spent a lifetime in photography there are far better sources of information out there than me. I recommend
Ken Rockwell because he evaluates equipment all the time and writes reviews that I can understand ... and I used to gargle with turpentine!
2. Am I already deeply invested in a camera and lenses?
Have you already invested in Canon cameras and lenses? If you have 4 decent lenses and a canon DSLR camera ... I would never recommend that you jump ship and buy Nikon. You likely need to consider more education about your camera and reading the manual is the first place to begin. Find out what is offered at a local community college. It could also be that you got into deep sea diving photography on a whim and really would rather enjoy a more simple approach with a Point and Shoot camera.
3. Do I like using my current camera?
If not, why not? If you are going places and you don't take your camera, why not? Too heavy? Never get the settings right? What is it? Make sure you get this resolved in your mind before you shop. A newer camera does not always yield better results. It's true that people seem to do well for a while (typically only in Auto Mode) but then they become bored and stop progressing because they don't have to think in Auto Mode. Folks, please again understand that there is NOTHING WRONG with shooting in Auto Mode if that's what you want. It's OK and the most important thing is that you enjoy shooting and your results. If you enjoy your camera, you will use it more and great grandkids will appreciate that someday.
I am really not qualified to recommend much to people in the way of cameras. I know the mid-range Nikon cameras. It would be impossible for me to be objective about other suppliers except to say that I am not a camera-brand SNOB. I know Canon and they make incredible cameras ... and I LOVE THEM. Why? Because Canon and others force Nikon to keep getting better. That's where I benefit. You may hate Nikon but they are pushing your favorite manufacturer to improve as well and so you will benefit by photographic feature and quality progress. So, my recommendations are bias toward Nikon. If you are thinking about a DSLR in Nikon and they do cost money so this means I recommend taking a class for these cameras.
There are professional DSLR cameras by Nikon and Canon that cannot be beaten. They are very expensive. If this is the class of camera you wish to purchase, I really can offer no wisdom because I have no experience with these cameras ... except to say ... uh, they are better than anything I have been able to hold.
Consider these mid-range more affordable (though still expensive for most of us) DSLR cameras:
Option 1 - Nikon D7000 -
Nikon D7000 Specifications
Option 2 - Canon 60D -
Canon 60D Specifications
Option 3 - Nikon D90
Nikon D90 Specifications (may have to get these used)
Option 4 - Canon EOS T3i -
Canon EOS T3i Specifications
Option 5 - Nikon D5000
Nikon D5000 Specifications
Consider these great even more affordable Point & Shoot cameras:
Option 6 - Canon SX260
Canon SX260 Specifications
Option 7 - Canon PowerShot
Canon PS ELPH 510 HS
No matter what kind of camera you have ... the technology today is great. Please don't feel bad that I didn't mention your camera. I am sorry and my head is in the sand about all that is out there. I currently have three brands and they are all very good. And you if you didn't like my oppinion regarding camera, that's OK too ... just know that one day when I was gargling with turpentine I accidently swallowed. This may explain many things! All the best to everyone who shoots.
NikonSniper Steve
