Before You Ask Me What Camera You Should Buy….
Copyright Scott Bourne 2008 - All Rights Reserved
It’s still the most popular question I am asked. “What camera should I buy?” No matter how hard I try to tell people that there’s no perfect answer, they keep asking. So since I can’t convince anyone otherwise, at least know the answers to THESE questions before you ask me YOUR question.
1 ) What subject(s) will you photograph most often? Weddings, portraits, wildlife, sports, landscapes, still lifes, food, fashion, etc.
2 ) What gear (if any) do you now own?
3 ) If you had to choose between ease of use and power, which would you select?
4 ) Do you want a compact (point and shoot) or a DSLR?
5 ) On a scale of 1-10 (10 being a working pro and 1 being someone who usually shoots with a disposable camera) how would you rate your skill?
6 ) What is the MOST money you’d be willing to spend on a camera?
7 ) How long do you think you might keep the camera?
8 ) What do your friends use?
9 ) Do you have a local camera store that can offer you support?
If you have thought carefully about these questions and have the answers – you should then be closer to knowing what the perfect camera for you might be.
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I’ll copy this list and distribute to colleges/family/friends/strangers on the street that often bug me with the question.
Finally a good list :)
I’ll copy this list and distribute to colleges/family/friends/strangers on the street that often bug me with the question.
Finally a good list :)
I’m finding my question isn’t what camera should I but but rather what camera system should I buy into. I’ve considered all those questions carefully and have landed on Canon. I like the low light capabilities of the Nikon system but I would never (at this point) pay the amount of money required for one of those high end bodies. I tend to keep gear for long periods of time (on the order of decades) so I would ask how long do you thing this company/standard/format/etc will be around? I’m also banking on when I do splash out and get a full frame body … I’ll have lots of good canon glass AND Canon will have caught up with low light performance.
Long-story-short
I’m looking at Rebel 450D with the 28-135 f 3.5/5.6 IS for $957.30 last check at B&H. I will pull the trigger when it is closer to $800
I’m finding my question isn’t what camera should I but but rather what camera system should I buy into. I’ve considered all those questions carefully and have landed on Canon. I like the low light capabilities of the Nikon system but I would never (at this point) pay the amount of money required for one of those high end bodies. I tend to keep gear for long periods of time (on the order of decades) so I would ask how long do you thing this company/standard/format/etc will be around? I’m also banking on when I do splash out and get a full frame body … I’ll have lots of good canon glass AND Canon will have caught up with low light performance.
Long-story-short
I’m looking at Rebel 450D with the 28-135 f 3.5/5.6 IS for $957.30 last check at B&H. I will pull the trigger when it is closer to $800
Hi Scott. I won’t ask you what camera to buy, (I snuck out and bought a D700, much to my wifes horror). My question would be, what lens do you recommend for street photography? I have a the cheap but wonderful Nikkor 50mm 1.8 D lens, but I really need something to replace my 18-200mm DX lens that I have on my D70s. I was thinking perhaps this: AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED. But of course, this is the wrong forum for that I guess. But, it’s close :)
I have a request for an upcoming podcast. Can we talk a little bit more about lenses. What lens for what situation. Also, I have been reading what is in other peoples kits, and I see so much overlap between the ranges of lenses. Some one may have a 17-35mm, a 24-70mm and a 50mm. These lenses are all fast so what would be the purpose of having that over lap? I hope this is an OK question.
Thanks in advance, and sorry for posting in the wrong thread.
–Steve
Hi Scott. I won’t ask you what camera to buy, (I snuck out and bought a D700, much to my wifes horror). My question would be, what lens do you recommend for street photography? I have a the cheap but wonderful Nikkor 50mm 1.8 D lens, but I really need something to replace my 18-200mm DX lens that I have on my D70s. I was thinking perhaps this: AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED. But of course, this is the wrong forum for that I guess. But, it’s close :)
I have a request for an upcoming podcast. Can we talk a little bit more about lenses. What lens for what situation. Also, I have been reading what is in other peoples kits, and I see so much overlap between the ranges of lenses. Some one may have a 17-35mm, a 24-70mm and a 50mm. These lenses are all fast so what would be the purpose of having that over lap? I hope this is an OK question.
Thanks in advance, and sorry for posting in the wrong thread.
–Steve
Stephen – “which lenses?” is really the same question as “which camera?”. It’s a very personal thing. What one person uses for street, another may not and use for portrait. It’s a very personal thing, and the only correct answer lies on your style of photography. Yes, there are ‘traditional’ answers out there, but those are easily google-able.
As for the question at hand, I say, dead-on. I often get asked “Which camera?”. I take this as a very flattering compliment, as if I knew what I was talking about. But I still help – I will ask them similar questions as above, and guide them to the right ‘level’ of camera for them.
In addition, I also ask how serious they want to get into photography (everyone’s a photographer now) – setting up an upgrade path can be beneficial.
Stephen – “which lenses?” is really the same question as “which camera?”. It’s a very personal thing. What one person uses for street, another may not and use for portrait. It’s a very personal thing, and the only correct answer lies on your style of photography. Yes, there are ‘traditional’ answers out there, but those are easily google-able.
As for the question at hand, I say, dead-on. I often get asked “Which camera?”. I take this as a very flattering compliment, as if I knew what I was talking about. But I still help – I will ask them similar questions as above, and guide them to the right ‘level’ of camera for them.
In addition, I also ask how serious they want to get into photography (everyone’s a photographer now) – setting up an upgrade path can be beneficial.
I have a standard answer for this. It is the same one I give when people ask me “what computer should I buy?”
Go buy what I am using. Seriously.
I give this answer because I am not a celebrity so the people who ask me this question are the very same people who will want me to show them how to do everything and help them when things go wrong.
This has worked out pretty well. No one who has followed this advise has regretted the decision, and they are very happy to have my “expertise” available. People who chose not to take my advise are generally happy as well, but I have heard the occasional “I shoulda listened…” particularly on the computer side!
I have a standard answer for this. It is the same one I give when people ask me “what computer should I buy?”
Go buy what I am using. Seriously.
I give this answer because I am not a celebrity so the people who ask me this question are the very same people who will want me to show them how to do everything and help them when things go wrong.
This has worked out pretty well. No one who has followed this advise has regretted the decision, and they are very happy to have my “expertise” available. People who chose not to take my advise are generally happy as well, but I have heard the occasional “I shoulda listened…” particularly on the computer side!
Let’s face it, the vast population believes: GOOD_PICTURES=GOOD_CAMERA. It’s an easy conclusion to make for complex gear for any market. Let’s take automobiles for example. All you have to do is pay (maybe a lot of) money for a top brand car, and poof, you get instant performance, luxury, and you might even feel like a cool dude.
With this mentality, folks just want to know “What do I have to buy to make great pictures just like you?” Anyone can realize (most of) the top end features of a high tech car with essentially zero skill. Great marketing (those car companies) enabling all that technology for an unskilled user. Somehow, a high tech roller coaster ride pops into my head as another analogy…
The technical progression of photography also enables a huge market of unskilled users to make well exposed in_focus pictures.
To me, the line in the sand is if the “user” is willing to consider the camera as an instrument (like a violin) instead of a no_thought magic black box. Playing a camera like an instrument takes real skill, that’s a commitment, and that’s what it takes to make the great images.
Most modern cameras (point and shoot, DSLR’s, cell phones) are nearly idiot proof as a black box device. But if you want to “play” it, and to what level, this quickly segregates the choices and the advice.
Don’t know if this changes how to give advice for anyone else. For me, if I understand the users commitment, it’s a lot easier to aim them toward something they’ll be happy with.
…bill (didn’t intend this to become a rant)
p.s. this photo stuff is just one of my (passionate) hobbies
Let’s face it, the vast population believes: GOOD_PICTURES=GOOD_CAMERA. It’s an easy conclusion to make for complex gear for any market. Let’s take automobiles for example. All you have to do is pay (maybe a lot of) money for a top brand car, and poof, you get instant performance, luxury, and you might even feel like a cool dude.
With this mentality, folks just want to know “What do I have to buy to make great pictures just like you?” Anyone can realize (most of) the top end features of a high tech car with essentially zero skill. Great marketing (those car companies) enabling all that technology for an unskilled user. Somehow, a high tech roller coaster ride pops into my head as another analogy…
The technical progression of photography also enables a huge market of unskilled users to make well exposed in_focus pictures.
To me, the line in the sand is if the “user” is willing to consider the camera as an instrument (like a violin) instead of a no_thought magic black box. Playing a camera like an instrument takes real skill, that’s a commitment, and that’s what it takes to make the great images.
Most modern cameras (point and shoot, DSLR’s, cell phones) are nearly idiot proof as a black box device. But if you want to “play” it, and to what level, this quickly segregates the choices and the advice.
Don’t know if this changes how to give advice for anyone else. For me, if I understand the users commitment, it’s a lot easier to aim them toward something they’ll be happy with.
…bill (didn’t intend this to become a rant)
p.s. this photo stuff is just one of my (passionate) hobbies
I always hear that great photographs have nothing to do with the camera but i have to disagree. No matter how good the carpenter, he is only as good as his tools. I will never disagree with the vision of an artist. only certain people can tryuely create art but it sure does help when you have the tools you need. If the camera was irrelevant than everyone would have a point and shoot. Go ahead and flame me if you want but when the people saying that the gear don’t matter are shooting with the best gear, i have to say that the gear does matter. My new camera gives me more options and possibly the potential to be more creative than my old camera.
That said i think the question keeps coming up because the people asking are uninformed and are either to lazy to research or are really asking for the opinion of a profesional. It’s no different than asking a mechanic what kind of car he owns because you know that he should know what is quality and what is crap. Buying gear is costly and it is nice to have someone who knows what is what giving advice.
Not trying to start a war but i had to throw my 2 cents into the discussion.
I always hear that great photographs have nothing to do with the camera but i have to disagree. No matter how good the carpenter, he is only as good as his tools. I will never disagree with the vision of an artist. only certain people can tryuely create art but it sure does help when you have the tools you need. If the camera was irrelevant than everyone would have a point and shoot. Go ahead and flame me if you want but when the people saying that the gear don’t matter are shooting with the best gear, i have to say that the gear does matter. My new camera gives me more options and possibly the potential to be more creative than my old camera.
That said i think the question keeps coming up because the people asking are uninformed and are either to lazy to research or are really asking for the opinion of a profesional. It’s no different than asking a mechanic what kind of car he owns because you know that he should know what is quality and what is crap. Buying gear is costly and it is nice to have someone who knows what is what giving advice.
Not trying to start a war but i had to throw my 2 cents into the discussion.
But even with black boxes, it’s important that a user is happy with it – if it’s frustrating they may never want to advance beyond that. Everyone has to start somewhere. None of us were born with the skills that we acquire. Often, even things such as ‘talent’ can be learned.
But even with black boxes, it’s important that a user is happy with it – if it’s frustrating they may never want to advance beyond that. Everyone has to start somewhere. None of us were born with the skills that we acquire. Often, even things such as ‘talent’ can be learned.
Kevin if you’re just looking to pick a fight – you can take either side of this argument to the extreme – but the saying “Wow what a great photo – you must have a good camera.” is at the heart of those of us saying it’s the photographer and not the gear. To prove that the photographer is much more important than the gear – I did an experiment with a Seattle Art Center photo class I taught several years ago. I let the best students in the class shoot a wedding using my professional gear and I shot the same wedding using a $300 Canon Powershot owned by one of the students. We processed the photos, put them in proof books and let the bride pick her favorites without telling her which were which. She was allowed to pick a total of 50 images. She picked 46 of mine and four of the students who used the pro gear.
Nuff said.
Kevin if you’re just looking to pick a fight – you can take either side of this argument to the extreme – but the saying “Wow what a great photo – you must have a good camera.” is at the heart of those of us saying it’s the photographer and not the gear. To prove that the photographer is much more important than the gear – I did an experiment with a Seattle Art Center photo class I taught several years ago. I let the best students in the class shoot a wedding using my professional gear and I shot the same wedding using a $300 Canon Powershot owned by one of the students. We processed the photos, put them in proof books and let the bride pick her favorites without telling her which were which. She was allowed to pick a total of 50 images. She picked 46 of mine and four of the students who used the pro gear.
Nuff said.
Kevin – I think that there are two types of people who go “if only I had a better camera, I would take better pictures.” The first group are the consumer hobbyists that believe that $$ directly equates with picture quality. The second group are the photographers who have found the limitations of their equipment, and would like to upgrade to a specific camera for specific reasons. It’s the same in any discipline, you either upgrade because you want the biggest and the best that’s available, or you upgrade because you specifically need and understand the benefits of doing so.
If Rembrandt walked up to an art student and said “let’s both paint a portrait, I’ll use only 10 colors and you can use as many as you want,” he’d still have the better portrait. However, if he then painted one without limiting himself, it would be even better. So having the right tools matters, but having the skill to fully utilize those tools matters more
Kevin – I think that there are two types of people who go “if only I had a better camera, I would take better pictures.” The first group are the consumer hobbyists that believe that $$ directly equates with picture quality. The second group are the photographers who have found the limitations of their equipment, and would like to upgrade to a specific camera for specific reasons. It’s the same in any discipline, you either upgrade because you want the biggest and the best that’s available, or you upgrade because you specifically need and understand the benefits of doing so.
If Rembrandt walked up to an art student and said “let’s both paint a portrait, I’ll use only 10 colors and you can use as many as you want,” he’d still have the better portrait. However, if he then painted one without limiting himself, it would be even better. So having the right tools matters, but having the skill to fully utilize those tools matters more
I agree with Scott.
I would say, “The tools are only as good as the photographer”.
I can attest, because I have fabulous gear, but my shots are still not as great as I’d like them.
Kevin, I wouldn’t say the gear doesn’t matter (entirely) – I don’t think anyone would say that. Gear CAN be limiting (especially if you require a specific shot). But it’s not the critical factor for a good photo, and certainly not above the user’s eye.
I think this discussion is slightly off-topic though. For this argument, I think beginners ARE wise to ask someone seasoned. Most cameras, even P&Ss, are capable of a lot more than gear-enthusiasts give them credit for.
I agree with Scott.
I would say, “The tools are only as good as the photographer”.
I can attest, because I have fabulous gear, but my shots are still not as great as I’d like them.
Kevin, I wouldn’t say the gear doesn’t matter (entirely) – I don’t think anyone would say that. Gear CAN be limiting (especially if you require a specific shot). But it’s not the critical factor for a good photo, and certainly not above the user’s eye.
I think this discussion is slightly off-topic though. For this argument, I think beginners ARE wise to ask someone seasoned. Most cameras, even P&Ss, are capable of a lot more than gear-enthusiasts give them credit for.
As I suspected – now this thread will be hijacked by the discussion of whether or not the camera matters. Sigh.
As I suspected – now this thread will be hijacked by the discussion of whether or not the camera matters. Sigh.
Question 8: “What do your friends use?” is a great one. A buddy of mine and I both bought Pentax DSLR cameras without even consulting each other, or knowing the other was considering a DSLR. But it worked out great because we were constantly able to show each other cool features and things we learned. Plus, we could share lenses.
Perhaps Question 10 should be: “What will you buy for me in gratitude for my expert advice?” :)
Question 8: “What do your friends use?” is a great one. A buddy of mine and I both bought Pentax DSLR cameras without even consulting each other, or knowing the other was considering a DSLR. But it worked out great because we were constantly able to show each other cool features and things we learned. Plus, we could share lenses.
Perhaps Question 10 should be: “What will you buy for me in gratitude for my expert advice?” :)
Mrkgoo, Thanks for the response. I guess, I want to learn about lenses! You know, how can I say, I want to know more. I am not asking for the response, Yes lens A is the best, B, C, D are all crap, I want to know why some people get lenses with range over lap, I want to know why a zoom from 18-200 is not as good as a 70-200 in some ones mind. YES, I understand it is choice, but I can guarantee you, if you are a street photographer, and there was a survey of what lenses you use, most people, probably 80% would be on the same range of lens. Let’s not get it in our heads that everyone is asking for the perfect response, I was asking for more discussions on lenses.. Is that OK?
–Steve
Mrkgoo, Thanks for the response. I guess, I want to learn about lenses! You know, how can I say, I want to know more. I am not asking for the response, Yes lens A is the best, B, C, D are all crap, I want to know why some people get lenses with range over lap, I want to know why a zoom from 18-200 is not as good as a 70-200 in some ones mind. YES, I understand it is choice, but I can guarantee you, if you are a street photographer, and there was a survey of what lenses you use, most people, probably 80% would be on the same range of lens. Let’s not get it in our heads that everyone is asking for the perfect response, I was asking for more discussions on lenses.. Is that OK?
–Steve
I also love the “what do your friends use” question because when someone buys a camera and has no idea how to operate it. It is nice to be able to ask your friends
I also love the “what do your friends use” question because when someone buys a camera and has no idea how to operate it. It is nice to be able to ask your friends
I take “what do your friends use” to be a bit more about the pool of available equipment than just having people that know the quirks of a given system. Even a camera or system that’s reputed to be different or awkward in terms of usability and operation aren’t really that bad these days. The essence of photography is brand-independent, but if you have trusted friends which you can borrow or loan bits like lenses, then you have a better variety of equipment to work from. Maybe my interpretation is a bit iffy because the gear can get to be pretty expensive, I personally have difficulty lending things.
I take “what do your friends use” to be a bit more about the pool of available equipment than just having people that know the quirks of a given system. Even a camera or system that’s reputed to be different or awkward in terms of usability and operation aren’t really that bad these days. The essence of photography is brand-independent, but if you have trusted friends which you can borrow or loan bits like lenses, then you have a better variety of equipment to work from. Maybe my interpretation is a bit iffy because the gear can get to be pretty expensive, I personally have difficulty lending things.
I agree 100% that the photographer is what matters the most and I’ve seen award winning pictures taken with disposable cameras but I also agree that argument can be pushed to the absurd at either end — that being said is there any cell phone camera that you all would buy for the camera? So, far I haven’t seen one though the Samsung Omnia may qualify; its said to be the best that Verizon has.
I’m between cameras now (yes I know, why do I listen), I have a lot of photography experience over many years including medium format and lab work, I used to really enjoy trying to capture my vision (sometimes doing OK though not at the level of most of the people here), I can’t spend much money in these times (discounts on phones would help) and I’d like to get something that I’ll always have with me as the camera you have with you is the one that counts (I’ve missed some great shots of mist over fields, sometimes with wildlife, on my early morning commute plus I like the idea of being able to use it as note taker / reminder as Alex uses his point and shoot).
I agree 100% that the photographer is what matters the most and I’ve seen award winning pictures taken with disposable cameras but I also agree that argument can be pushed to the absurd at either end — that being said is there any cell phone camera that you all would buy for the camera? So, far I haven’t seen one though the Samsung Omnia may qualify; its said to be the best that Verizon has.
I’m between cameras now (yes I know, why do I listen), I have a lot of photography experience over many years including medium format and lab work, I used to really enjoy trying to capture my vision (sometimes doing OK though not at the level of most of the people here), I can’t spend much money in these times (discounts on phones would help) and I’d like to get something that I’ll always have with me as the camera you have with you is the one that counts (I’ve missed some great shots of mist over fields, sometimes with wildlife, on my early morning commute plus I like the idea of being able to use it as note taker / reminder as Alex uses his point and shoot).
Sounds good, but are we looking at say $10 + fees = $30 ?
Sounds good, but are we looking at say $10 + fees = $30 ?