What’s the best camera? What camera do you use? What's the best brand for a camera? A frequently asked question among people who want to learn photography. Well, it depends on what type of subject you want to photograph. Another thing, for me, camera brand is not that much important.
Cameras nowadays come very fast yet go out of style within a snap of your fingers. It may sound exaggerated but it’s true. Anyone can own any type of cameras but for a wise buy, you should know what kind of camera that’s best for you. Cameras are a bit expensive, so buy a unit that fits your style and need.
Let me introduce you to the most known types of camera that exist today. Probably you know them already but for those who aren’t yet, here they are:
(Note: Series of camera photos below are not mine unless stated)
- Point and Shoot Compact Camera
- Bridge Camera
- Mirrorless Camera
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR)
Action Camera
- Polaroid Film Camera
- Mobile Phone Camera
So, what now?
Should it be a Digital Point and Shoot cameras, Action cameras, DSLR cameras, or maybe a Mobilephone camera?
My answer again is, it depends on your style and needs. If you are a high fashion photographer, if possible, do not use a non-HD camera because you need to give emphasis on the details of your model's outfit (Or again depending on your theme). If you are a street photographer, do not use Hasselblad cameras. If you are a landscape photographer, do not use a camera w/o wide lenses or if you are into architectural photography, do not use action cameras because you’ll end up having curvaceous buildings/structures.
Here are my tips to help you decide what type of camera to buy.
- If you are earning from your photography or you want to have a photography business you must have at least a high-end camera. It can be a mid pro mirrorless camera to an entry-level or mid pro DSLR camera to a pro DSLR camera. Never give your customer a low definition/quality photos. I usually use Nikon and Canon and both brands deliver. I also used Pentax, Samsung, and Sony and still they deliver perfectly. (How you take photos is another thing).
Best Examples: DSLR, Hasselblad, and Mirrorless Cameras
- If you are a blogger/vlogger you can use a DSLR or a smaller camera. If possible and I prefer a smaller camera with full manual control with great camera sensor and at least 1080p, with 24,30, 60 frames per second for video footage. It can save you from the hustle and bustle of a bulky camera as well as heavyweight camera bags. It’s small; you can sling it around your neck or over your shoulder while roaming around.
Best Examples: Digital Point and Shoot Compact Camera, Bridge Camera, Action Camera, Mirrorless Camera, DSLR Camera, and a smartphone camera. These can take good care of your needs as a blogger/vlogger. Smartphone or Mobile Phone camera is one of my best all-around cameras when capturing moments for my blogs and social media accounts.
- If you want to document your trips or seminars/workshops a point and shoot camera will do. It’s small and not so pricey. Using a Mirrorless camera or DSLR is fine but it’s a waste of shutter count/actuation. Shutter replacement is expensive (sometimes more expensive than a compact camera) and it does not guarantee that your DSLR or Mirrorless Camera will work 100%. Smartphones are also perfect for this need.
Best Examples: Digital Point and Shoot Camera and Smartphone
- If you want an instant print where you can treasure your moment shots in an album instantly, choose Polaroid Film camera. Instax: Fuji is best known for this type of camera today with their Instax Series. One click, an instant print. The drawback of this camera is you cannot take unlimited photos because it’s a film based camera.
Best Examples: Instax and Polaroid
- If you are looking for a camera that has instant access to your social media, there are newly developed DSLR, Mirrorless, and Action cameras which able you to connect on Wi-Fi connection or buy a smartphone with a great camera.
Best Examples: Smartphone, Mirrorless Camera, DSLR Camera, and Digital Point and Shoot Camera
If you are looking for an all-around camera, I mean literally ALL AROUND camera, having all the best feature on one cam, I guess you can never find one; a camera that has super wide angle lens and at the same time having a telephoto lens is not possible (at this time, maybe in the future). Every camera is limited.
I hope this post will help you a little bit before you decide what camera you should buy.
Don't buy a camera because it's trending/viral/everybody uses it. Buy a camera that suits your passion and need.