I thought it would be nice to offer my thoughts on choosing the right camera for you, so that the next time you are on an adventurous trek, vacation or longterm trip, you will be able to capture the moments you experience as best you can. This article will likely be whimsical and random, and I wouldn’t consider it a all-inclusive guide exactly, but I’m publishing it in hopes that it will help you a little in the decision process for your next big time camera purchase.
Recently in the first installment of my “Guide to Travel Photography” series, I talked very briefly on the subject – and here’s what I said: “Since there are hundreds of different brands and styles and levels of equipment, my only suggestion in this department – without going too deep into the differences in camera and photo-related equipment (as I could spend the 6 volume series on this subject only) – is to choose something that fits your style of travel and choose what feels right to you. The farther I go with this subject, I will be discussing more advanced settings and tricks of the trade, so it might be worthwhile for you (especially if you’re wanting to take a serious jump into quality travel photos) to think about purchasing an entry level DSLR camera – one that allows you to control the settings and interchange the lenses. Comparable models can be found from the most popular brands, like Canon, Nikon and Sony.” Well, I won’t be dedicating a 6 volume series on the subject (probably ever), but I did want to expand the talk a bit more by offering you some more information.
There are endless brands that offer camera equipment and various photo-related gear, for as easily as you can purchase a lens, you can purchase a lens filter, a lens cover, a lens hard-case protector, and so on and so forth. The point is that it’s very easily to get lost in all the gear – because gear is fun, and for every new toy makes a kid smile, and there are kids inside all of us – whether your toys are big expensive boats and bikes or if they’re creative-hobby related. So, don’t get lost in the flurry of trying to own every cool nicknack and trinket on the market – to take good, solid travel photos, you need to:
There are other points to shooting great photography, but this article isn’t to guide you through those – it’s to help you choose a solid camera. Choosing the right camera comes down to what your goals are, your budget is, and what style of photography you are aiming for. If you’re wanting to just take quality snapshots of your travels for family and friends, then shoot with an Apple iPhone (4S or newer) – use the HDR setting on the camera, and tap the darkest edge of the scene on your screen, and this setting will balance out the lights and the darks and help you to have quality snapshots. For those more adventurous, yet lower-budget folks, I suggest that you choose an entry level camera that has lens-changing abilities – as I spoke about a bit in the snippet above.
Now, for those who wish to shoot photos more like my own, I suggest a budget of $3,000-$5,000 – purchase a mid-range DSLR camera, like the Canon 60Da, 70D, or 5D-M3 (as you can see I’m a Canon guy), as these cameras are topnotch quality and are loaded with versatile features. They shoot sharp and dynamic images, in RAW file format (which is a must), and also include the ability to take HD video. I would also suggest purchasing a wide angle and a telephoto lens for starters. As I stated above, other brands carry comparable models – like the Nikon D7100, D600, and D300S. For the best prices though, I always shop on these websites: Amazon, Jessops, and B&H Photo Video.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
(Photo by Captain Kimo on Flickr)
There are endless brands that offer camera equipment and various photo-related gear, for as easily as you can purchase a lens, you can purchase a lens filter, a lens cover, a lens hard-case protector, and so on and so forth. The point is that it’s very easily to get lost in all the gear – because gear is fun, and for every new toy makes a kid smile, and there are kids inside all of us – whether your toys are big expensive boats and bikes or if they’re creative-hobby related. So, don’t get lost in the flurry of trying to own every cool nicknack and trinket on the market – to take good, solid travel photos, you need to:
- Buy a USE-ABLE camera – not the best camera available on the market, but a camera that has the minimum capabilities to get the job done.
- Learn the basic settings and techniques.
- Shoot enough, so that you’re training your eye.
There are other points to shooting great photography, but this article isn’t to guide you through those – it’s to help you choose a solid camera. Choosing the right camera comes down to what your goals are, your budget is, and what style of photography you are aiming for. If you’re wanting to just take quality snapshots of your travels for family and friends, then shoot with an Apple iPhone (4S or newer) – use the HDR setting on the camera, and tap the darkest edge of the scene on your screen, and this setting will balance out the lights and the darks and help you to have quality snapshots. For those more adventurous, yet lower-budget folks, I suggest that you choose an entry level camera that has lens-changing abilities – as I spoke about a bit in the snippet above.
Now, for those who wish to shoot photos more like my own, I suggest a budget of $3,000-$5,000 – purchase a mid-range DSLR camera, like the Canon 60Da, 70D, or 5D-M3 (as you can see I’m a Canon guy), as these cameras are topnotch quality and are loaded with versatile features. They shoot sharp and dynamic images, in RAW file format (which is a must), and also include the ability to take HD video. I would also suggest purchasing a wide angle and a telephoto lens for starters. As I stated above, other brands carry comparable models – like the Nikon D7100, D600, and D300S. For the best prices though, I always shop on these websites: Amazon, Jessops, and B&H Photo Video.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
(Photo by Captain Kimo on Flickr)
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