Want better photos than your phone can provide?
Choosing the right digital camera can be quite tricky. The first thing you should do when choosing a digital camera is to know what features you want.
DSLRs, Mirrorless, Bridge and Compact
A compact camera or called point-and-shoot has a fixed lens and is small enough to carry in a pocket or small bag.
Bridge cameras are between a compact camera and a DSLR camera. They offer more advanced features but aren’t as advanced or expensive as DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
DSLRs are bigger to grip. They have the advantage in lens selection and an optical viewfinder. DSLRs focus faster, shoot faster, and have a better viewfinder.
Mirrorless cameras are lighter, more compact, faster, and better for video. They have access to fewer lenses and accessories. Mirrorless lenses are usually more expensive than DSLR lenses
For beginners, mirrorless cameras can be a better choice because of the compact size and simpler controls.
Resolution
The resolution, or how many megapixels the camera has, is one of the most important factors when choosing a camera. MP doesn’t determine image quality; rather it determines print size quality. In other words, with more MP, you can enlarge the image without losing clarity.
A 3MP camera will give you good prints up to 8 x 10. If you think you will use the images mostly online, you can choose a camera with fewer MP.
Size
Size is another important consideration. A sleek and small camera is ideal for traveling. If you want to see your life as captured in the photo, make sure that the camera you’ll get will carry conveniently. It’s much easier to slip the camera in a backpack or pocket than to carry it around your neck or over your shoulder.
If you have a strong interest in photography, get a 35 mm/interchangeable lens camera. You’ll see, you’ll be a hero for this.
Ease of Use
As mentioned, you must know what you want. If you are simply a point-and-shoot type of person, then make sure to buy a camera with automatic settings and one that will make all decisions on its own.
However, if you are a techno-geek and are into fiddling things, then make sure that you get a camera that will allow you to adjust settings manually.
Options
Make sure that the camera has an optical zoom lens, removable memory card, the option to use rechargeable batteries, and a built-in flash that has a red-eye reduction feature.
The camera should also have a glass lens as opposed to a plastic lens, an LCD screen, and an ISO range of at least 400 (you need more if the recipient is into shooting in dim light).
Price
For many people, price is the major factor when buying a camera. The price of a 3MP camera can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars for professional models.
Always compare prices, camera features, and always aim for the best deals. Go online and visit reputable camera stores.
Best camera 2020
- Best digital camera overall: Fujifilm X-T4
- Best DSLR under $1000: Nikon D5600 and Canon EOS Rebel SL3
- Best DSLR camera: Nikon D850
- Best full-frame mirrorless camera: Sony A7R IV
- Best digital camera for travel: Sony RX100 VII and Panasonic Lumix ZS200
- Best digital camera for beginners: Sony A6100
- Best digital camera for video: Panasonic Lumix GH5
- Best digital camera under $100: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800
- Best instant camera: Polaroid Snap Touch
- Best action camera: GoPro HERO8 Black
- YouTubers camera choice: Canon EOS 70D and Canon PowerShot G7 X
