Last Updated on February 26, 2018
Before your next trip to Italy, France, Africa or a local theme park, you need to pick a camera that suits all your needs. Where you are going makes a difference. If you are going to Hawaii or Bali, you may want to capture some underwater shots. You must remember, not all cameras are created equal. No “one-in-all” camera can address all your needs.
First, you need to assess your needs and then make a list of your priorities. It should look something like this –
- Why do I need the camera?
- Will I be taking some long distance shots or will I be taking underwater shots?
- Will I be clicking many pictures in low light conditions or high light conditions?
- What is my experience in photography?
- Finally, what is my budget?
Once you find the answer to these five questions, it will become a lot easier for you to find the right model, make and brand of camera for your upcoming holidays.
How to start your searching process?
Cameras are an investment. Especially, if you are thinking of buying a digital SLR or DSLR, you should consider the maintenance cost and accessories cost as well. Long exposure photos look amazing on DSLRs, but for that, you will need special lens assemblies and a good quality tripod. If you are thinking about Megapixel and clarity, remember not to confuse them. Megapixel is not everything. Unless you are thinking of officially competing at expert photography contests or printing out poster size images, you should not invest in an upper range megapixel model. Try to save the money for having some fun during the holiday.
What’s right for you?
Digital point and shoot cameras are much better in comparison to DSLRs for amateur photographers. They are smaller, niftier and you will find digital cameras much easier to manage. Cleaning a digital point-and-shoot is also much less of a hassle if you consider the entire lens assembly and disassembly ordeal of the standard DSLR cameras. Digital SLRs may be becoming cheaper by the day, but that does not mean you should go out and just get one on a whimsy.
Find out about the “extras.”
These extras can range from memory cards and camera cases to lenses, filters, tripods, and reflectors. The higher the model you choose (DSLRs), the more the cost of these extras become. Most retailers try to bundle on these extras with your purchase, so you end up paying for a bunch of things you do not need. If you think, you will not be comfortable lugging around a DSLR, do not go for one. Get a good quality digital camera. Digital cameras have far fewer add-ons as compared to SLRs and DSLRs. Just get a couple of extra memory cards to stay prepared for fun filled vacation.
Zoom matters
Next thing to consider is your zooming level. While buying a camera, zoom is going to be the deciding factor in many cases. Zoom can refer to either digital zoom or optical zoom. Digital zoom simply makes your subject look bigger. It enlarges the pixel size, while not populating them more. This creates blurry images as we used to see in first generation mobile cameras. Optical zoom, on the other hand, offers better quality zoom images. The most popular options in the market come with optical zoom options.You will find a plethora of “super zoom” cameras in the market. Our advice – always go for one that states “Optical Zoom.” Even a 3x optical zoom is enough for holiday photography.
Manual or automatic
This is another huge concern for those shopping for cameras. Do you plan on making a lot of adjustments to ISOs, shutter speed, focus, and grids? If not, do not go for a high-end model that floods you with so many options. No one wants you to spend your time at the beach or in front of the Eiffel Tower with your face inside the manual. You must remember to keep the controls simple to capture the right moment with as little effort as possible. A simple camera will help you stay ready for any frame-worthy moment that pops up naturally.
What about selfies?
When we are talking cameras, we cannot just skip selfies. For holiday selfies, you need a camera that is light and one that you can at least operate by yourself. The best way to choose a selfie camera is to try one at the store. You will see thousands of people post mirror selfies using DSLRs. That is one problem with these cameras. They are so massive; you cannot usually operate them with one hand. If you are more of a selfie person, you need a lighter digital camera that can capture you from all angles. You may even want to try your camera once on a selfie stick before you make your purchase. DSLRs and holiday selfies do not blend and trying to make them meet quite a futile effort.
What’s the word in the market?
Finally, you need to pay attention to what other users are saying about a camera. Some of the new models seem lucrative with their flush designs and candy colors. However, are they worthy of their price? Cameras can be quite a costly deal, and it is always better to find out what you are signing up for before you make your purchase. CNET, PC Mag, and a few more websites have genuine reviews about specific camera brands and models. Research both to find out the perfect balance between price and performance.
Last words …
Shopping for a camera should be fun and celebratory. It is the official beginning of the preparation of a holiday you have long deserved. Just remember to list your needs, expectations, and budget before you walk into that store. Do not forget to look beyond buzzwords including zoom, megapixel, and DSLR. Keep your focus on the models that meet your need and do not cost you a buck more than your permissible budget.