Choosing The Right Camera for YOU
It’s probably the most common question asked when dealing with photography. Go ahead, say it with me…. “What camera do you use?”. The second someone sees an amazing picture, they don’t ask about your photography background, how many hours you’ve spent studying, shooting, reading, editing. No, none of the credit goes to you. It all goes to the camera. And maybe a little to the lens. So how important is the camera? Well, it’s pretty imporatant, but not all that it’s cracked up to be. So for those of you who need a little guidance in which camera you should buy, I’m going to tell you.
When it comes to buying a camera, there are two companies – Nikon and Canon – that are dominating the industry. What’s the difference? In my experience with using both of them, I have found that Nikon gives a sharper, more concentrated look, and Canon gives a softer, more delicate look. Keep that in mind – but also the lens possibilities before you decide which way you will swing. Once you have decided that, here are our suggestions for cameras:
For the beginners who want to graduate from the point and shoot to dSLR, but don’t want to spend a fortune. The people who will never change the dial off Auto. You just want better pictures w/o the extra work. You’re a casual photographer who never plans on going pro. You want to keep it well under $1,000. Simple. Affordable. Nice pictures. Here’s your camera:
Nikon:
Canon:
EOS Rebel XS (a.k.a. 1000D)
Now we take a step up to those who are taking photography to the next level. Not just casual, but a serious hobby and maybe hoping to go pro one day. Still don’t want to spend 3 months rent for your camera, but are willing to make a little more of a sacrifice to reap the benefits of the outcome of picture quality. Your ranged of budget is somewhere between $1,000-$2,000. Committed. Determined. Passionate. Here’s your camera:
Nikon:
Canon:
And now for the bigwigs. I probably don’t even have to recommend anything, because if you are serious enough to drop this much money on camera equipment, then you probably already know what you are doing and have done the research yourself. But just for kicks, I’ll add my two cents. We’re talking full frame, complete and total camera package. Budget: $2,000+. Professional. Serious. Moneymaker.
Nikon:
Canon:
There you have it folks. Now get shopping.
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I’ve always had an interest in photography and you’re right, my question has been, “What camera do I use?”. I’ve seen a whole bunch of camera’s but since I don’t know squat about which one to get, I’ve never invested in one. Thanks for the post. It’s exactly what I needed.
Great break down, very helpful!!
So I guess no level of photography skills is good enough for the 1DS eh? Too good of camera I guess…nothing beats Canon :D :D
About 2 months ago I bought the Nikon D90. It was a huge step-up for me, from my old Olympus e-410 to this wonderful camera. It has not been an easy decision either, as Canon has a really great offer too. So, I’ve spent several weeks researching and making pros-cons lists. I’ve gotta say it was the wisest decision I could make. I couldn’t be happier with any other Canon, Olympus or Sony. It’s simply perfect for my needs.
I also want to say that this is the first time I see D90 being put in the same category as 50D. I’ve tried them both and they are indeed wonderful cameras. But even if I love my D90 much more than I like Canon 50D, I’ve got to say that I believe 50D to be in another league: the semi-pros, while D90 is only (high-)consumers.
I appreciate the effort to post…but what’s the value in this article? You’ve selected 2 cameras at arbitrary price points without any sort of justification. What made you choose the D90 vs a D300 for example? What about Sony DSLRS which are gaining traction rapidly in the pro and semi pro world? What about medium format digital?
I would agree Canon or Nikon are probably the wisest choices…but say why! Wider selection of lenses and accessories new and used, widely available documentation and user community, greater resale value, etc.
Just listing some cameras off the top of your head is a let-down, in my opinion.
Eric – I appreciate your opinion. Let me just tell you that I have had people straight up ask me what camera they need to buy. They’ve done so much research, but there are so many options out there that they just can’t make the decision. This article was for those people. It could have been 5 pages longer if I had gone into all the details about why. But these choices were made off of research I’ve done, cameras I’ve used, and feedback from fellow photographers. It was quite challenging to narrow it down. But the bottom line is that all of these cameras can produce great images, and people need to stop worrying about every last detail about the camera and learn how to take a good picture.
i have been using nikon d 90 for the past one year …its really amazing camera.. very user friendly controls.. great pictures.. any body can please tell me the how is the performance of Canon 50D… ???
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Nice article.. but i think is so short… i espect more information… in general about these cameras not only know about the reference and its all. In my opinion the Nikon D40 is so old they had been replaced by the D60.. that is a great camera, i bought these about 4 months ago, but now im thinking in improve my stuff and i have a big question D90 or D5000 i dont which can be better.. thanks!!!