Photography, a versatile art form, can be a hobby, a profession, or a means to capture and share life's moments, from important events to holiday memories, or even your culinary adventures on social media.
We're not here to judge, but you'll need a camera if you want to do any of this. This article will examine why you should get a camera, what you must think about, and a few recommendations for various digital cameras worth checking out.
Why Should You Get a Camera?
While a new smartphone may boast a decent camera, investing in a standalone camera is a wise choice for situations that demand the highest quality photos or videos.
Smartphone cameras provide different quality, speed, or control than standalone cameras, and while they have improved greatly in recent years, they'll always be a step or two behind dedicated devices.
What Are You Using Your Camera for?
Given the myriad of situations where a camera can be used, it's crucial to consider your specific photography or videography needs. After all, today's digital cameras are versatile, capable of capturing quality video and images.
Typically, most models will do both, but when buying, think carefully about whether you'll be using your camera more for video or photography, as each camera tends to do better.
What to Look for in a Camera
When you buy a camera, you'll see many different makes and models, each with different features and specifications. Don't worry about these specifications for the amateur or budding photographer unless you're really looking to spend a lot on your camera. You can find good cameras at an affordable price without understanding the technical specifications.
When considering a camera, it's essential to focus on its features and how they align with your intended use. For instance, if you plan on capturing high-speed video or images, a camera with excellent image stabilisation might be a suitable choice.
Resolution can also be important, but only if you plan on shooting video or taking photos that will be blown up and put on a giant screen or printed on a large scale. Megapixels don't automatically equate to better photos. It just means that the image is made up of more pixels. You could still shoot a massive image but get the light balance and composition all wrong.
The Different Types of Cameras
Several different families of cameras exist, and the various types of products have different features and uses.
The type of camera you choose will also affect the quality of the photos, the type of viewfinder you have, and even how well the camera works in different kinds of light and conditions.
DSLR
A digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR or digital SLR) uses the optics and mechanisms of traditional cameras while also including a digital image sensor to capture images and videos.
These types of cameras are usually good in low-light situations and include an optical viewfinder (rather than a screen). They're also typically compatible with different sensors.
However, they are heavier than mirrorless cameras, so they aren't ideal for travelling light and taking holiday snaps. That said, with the right photography equipment like a camera bag, travelling with a DSLR is possible.
Mirrorless Cameras
A mirrorless camera doesn't use the same optics as a DSLR. Sometimes called DSLM (digital singe-lens mirrorless) or MILC (mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera), these offer a smaller, quieter, and lighter solution for photography and shooting video.
An optical viewfinder isn't possible as the light enters the lens and is sent straight to the sensor. Instead, the viewfinder is simply a screen replicating the image the sensor picks up.
Though these cameras are light and portable and typically suitable for video capture, they tend to struggle in low light and with fast-moving objects.
Don't forget that you can also make your camera better with the right accessories.
Cameras to Buy in 2024
While we can't predict your specific photography needs, we can offer a glimpse into some of the top-rated cameras of 2024. These cameras cater to various photography styles and are each highly recommended for their unique features and performance.
Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D
Let's start with the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D. This affordable DSLR option is typically OK for basic travel photography, landscape photography, and sports photography.
It's not recommended for vlogging or making videos. If you find this one too big or bulky, the Canon EOS R100 provides a nice mirrorless alternative.
Canon EOS R10
The Canon EOS R10 is highly recommended as an excellent mirrorless camera for beginners. It handles well and has great autofocus.
It's a small camera that works well with fast photos and features subject-tracking and 15fps burst shooting.
The viewfinder could be better, but this is an excellent little camera is available at a reasonable price.
Canon EOS R50
This is another Canon mirrorless camera that is good for sport and wildlife photography, travel photography, and landscape photography.
As a mirrorless camera, it's also suitable for shooting video and vlogging. While it doesn't perform great at high speeds when shooting videos, you'll be acceptable for most typical types of video.
Don't let Canon's numbers fool you. The R50 is a step below the Canon EOS R10.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is an SLR-style mirrorless camera. It's excellent for many different types of photography and video performance. It also does well in low light and features image stabilisation.
Canon EOS R7
The Canon EOS R7 is a mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor. Its autofocus and image stabilisation are excellent. If you're interested in wildlife and sports photography, its 30fps burst certainly helps.
Fujifilm X-T5
The Fujifilm X-T5 is an SLR-style mirrorless camera with one of the highest-resolution APS-C sensors on the market.
While the Fujifilm X-T5's video performance is good, it's mainly a camera for photography and performs well for travel, landscape, and sport and wildlife photography.
If the price is too high, you could always look for second-hand models like the Fujifilm X-T4.
Fujifilm X100V
The Fujifilm X100V is recommended as an excellent compact camera for beginners. It looks retro, and the hybrid viewfinder is fantastic.
Since this model is quite popular, it can be tricky to find, but it's worth waiting for if you can order one.
OM System OM-1
The OM System OM-1 is a micro four thirds camera. This means that the sensor is smaller, and ultimately, so is the camera. This excellent option is available at a lower price than a full-frame system. While the autofocus isn't quite as good as some Sony and Canon models, it still comes highly recommended.
Panasonic LUMIX S5 II
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is a mirrorless camera that's great for photography and video. However, like some other mirrorless cameras we've recommended, it struggles with action video.
It records video up to 4K at 60FPS and performs well in different light levels.
Sony A7 IV
The Sony A7 IV performs well in video and photography. This is a mirrorless camera, and while it's not great for sports and high-speed photography, it's good for almost everything else.
The price might put some people off, but it's worth it if you have the budget.
Sony A7R V
The Sony A7R V is a full-frame mirrorless camera highly recommended for professional photographers.
It's an excellent camera for landscape, portrait, and studio photography, with fantastic autofocus. In fact, the autofocus uses AI to detect subjects!
As a professional-grade camera, you may be surprised by the price. We certainly wouldn't recommend it as a first camera. Still, if you already know what you're doing and want to upgrade, this camera could be it.
Sony α6700
Last but not least, the Sony α6700 (that's an “alpha”, not an “a”) is a mid-range SLR-style mirrorless camera.
It does pretty much everything well. It's recommended for travel photography, landscape photography, and sports and wildlife photography. The video performance is good, too, and while many of the mirrorless models we've seen struggle with action video, the Sony α6700 does well there, too!
We recommend going to a local photography store and trying some models out before you buy a camera, especially if you're buying your first one!
If you need more help with photography, why not get help from a private tutor on the Superprof website?
Just search for photography, and you can start browsing the profiles of potential tutors. With many offering the first lesson for free, you can even try out a few potential tutors before choosing the one that's right for you and what you want to learn!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
