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How To Buy Camera: Perfect Camera Buying Guide 2022

Camera Buying Guide For Beginners

How to Buy a Camera For Beginners?

Buying a new camera is a way to start a thrilling journey. And if you are thinking about buying a new camera, and don’t have any idea where to start! Then here we are to help you in this regard. Buying a camera is really intimidating, as there are numerous options available and it is quite difficult to choose the best one for yourself.

Here we have made a comprehensive guide here, which will help you to know everything you need to know about a camera. We are sure that you will feel confident after going through this guide.

In this guide, you will come across all the information such as different types of camera, its specifications, lenses as well before putting your money on a specific camera.

Buying a camera is not tough anymore with our complete analysis. Let’s go through the guide.

Photo of Digital Camera

Advance Camera Buying Guide

These Things You have to consider before choosing a Camera

Types of Camera:

  1. Point-and-Shoot Camera
  2. Bridge Camera
  3. Mirrorless Camera
  4. DSLR Camera

Features & Specs of the Camera:

  1. Megapixels/Resolution
  2. Sensor Type and Size
  3. ISO Rating
  4. Shutter Speed
  5. Shooting Rate
  6. Lens Quality
  7. Aperture
  8. Image Stabilization
  9. Focal Length

Extra Features:

  1. HD Video
  2. Wi-Fi connectivity
  3. GPS Tagging

 

Types of Camera

Due to the innovation of technology, it has become an everyday job to spend time with an excellent camera and captures some candid pictures. There are different types of cameras available to fulfill the need of a normal folk as well as the photography fanatic. It satisfies the need of a budding photographer and enhances his style and creativity. On the other hand, it allows you to keep your memory fresh forever, which was quite impossible some years down. Here are four types of camera that we are discussing to give you a good insight.

 

Point-and-Shoot Camera

Canon SX730 HS Point-and-Shoot Camera

This is known as the smallest cameras in this category which is used only for normal photography. If you are looking for the small cameras along with easy to carry feature, then point n Shoot is the best. It has a permanent lens and covered with a wide zoom range. The point-and-shoot cameras come with the smallest sensor, so there will be a normal quality picture. For the beginners, this is the best affordable cameras due to their inexpensive feature.

These cameras also are known as a compact camera and come with a simple operation. It goes well with any kind of people. You don’t need to be a photographer to use this type of camera. These easy-to-use cameras were quite widespread, but due to the arrival of high-technology, smartphones with better quality cameras, it’s popularity went declined.

It offers you better picture quality and more creative control while snapping an image. These are also stylish and handy as well. If you are on a tight budget but want to store some memorable outings, then this is the best option for you. For general purpose and for those budding photography enthusiast point-and-shoot camera goes quite well. There are a lot of point-and-shoot cameras on which you can rely.

Here are some of the Best Cameras

  • Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
  • Canon Power Shot G7X Mark II
  • Canon PowerShot SX730 HS
  • Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100

 

Bridge Camera

Red Colour Nikon Bridge Camera

Bridge cameras are the best alternative to those innovative DLSR cameras. They are versatile and comes with many manual controls. Its built-in zoom covers the wide angle and offers excellent pictures. If you are looking for a lightweight and travel-friendly camera then Bridge cameras are the best option for you.

Clicking landscapes to wildlife, Bridge camera offers you a nice solution to your photography passion. You can say it is an all-in-one solution. But keep this in your mind that a bridge camera comes with a smaller sensor as compare to the DSLRs. So the picture quality will be good, but not as much as like DLSRs or mirrorless cameras.

Apart from this, a bridge camera comes with a non-removable lens and capable of capturing a wide range of substances. If you like to come out from the point-and-shoot camera zone and need a better quality picture with greater experience, then bridge cameras are just for you.

It really worths your money. And last but not the least with the affordable price the picture quality with this camera is much closer to a DSLR although not the same.

Here are some of the best Bridge Cameras

  • Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
  • Panasonic Lumix FZ2000/ Fz2500
  • Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
  • Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III
  • Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

 

Mirrorless Camera

Black Colour Sony Alphar 7R Mirrorless Camera in Lether Cover

An advanced level of a digital camera with all the popularity among the photo enthusiast is undoubtedly the mirrorless cameras. It has almost all the features and ability like a DSLR. It comes with a noiseless feature, so the snapping is totally quiet. So it is quite good to go for some candid captures on the go for any usual photographers.  It comes with a small sized body and free from any mirror.

These types of camera are equipped with interchangeable lenses. It also comes with a full-frame size like the DSLRs. These are the most appealing cameras other than the DLSR cameras due to its functionalities and features. These are quite lighter and smaller as compared to the DSLRs. You can expect a normal picture in low light conditions.

You can experience the manual setting as well as automatic and semi-automatic modes with a Mirrorless camera. You won’t find any loss of image quality with this camera. You can shoot high-resolution videos with this as well.

You can compose your pictures with the rear LCD screen only due to the unavailability of a viewfinder. The autofocus mode is not much precise as in DLSR. The price of these cameras is relatively lesser than the DSLR cameras.

Let’s have a look at the best mirrorless cameras below.

  • Sony Alpha A7 III
  • Canon EOS R
  • Fujifilm X-T3
  • Fujifilm X-T20

 

DSLR Camera

Topical view of DSLR camera

These are the most popular digital cameras and completely versatile and comes with the best performance in all situations. It comes with a body that captures the images and a removable lens. This camera is quite flexible and one of the most popular cameras available in the market.

There is no lag time between your snap and the recorded image, so you can say it is highly responsive. It offers high-quality and excellent pictures. You can use hundred of lenses with a DSLR, and almost all lenses are compatible with this. So can try your creativity with this camera.

You will experience pre-programmed, automatic and semi-automatic modes and take the full control of this with ease. You can shoot good quality video as well with full-HD and high definition mode.

DSLRs are the bulkiest and heaviest digital cameras and it comes with a high price as compared to the other cameras in this category. Known as Digital Single Lens Reflex camera, these are the combination of the optics and mechanics of single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor. The DSLRs mainly use autofocus based on phase detection.

These types of cameras house a mode dial to access standard camera setting or even the automatic scene-mode settings. It also comes with larger sensor size and the best picture quality.

Here are the examples of Best DSLR cameras

  • Nikon D850
  • Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
  • Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • Nikon D750
  • Canon EOS 7D Mark II
  • Nikon D7500

 

Essential Features and Specifications of the Camera

Megapixels/Resolution

A megapixel allows you to make your image big with our enlarging it digitally. One megapixel contains 1 million pixels. The megapixel number calculates the number of data points which is recorded by a camera. It is the measure of the resolution of a specific camera. Keep this in mind that the greater the megapixel number of a camera the higher quality picture you get.

The megapixels are the medium that makes a great camera. But it is not the only factor to watch out in a camera. First, analyse the resolution you do need in a camera and then move forward. The bigger pixels of a camera absorb better light, generate better color and better against noise and color distortions.

The megapixel count is highly essential if you want to take the print of a picture or else want to crop the picture. But the crucial thing which is to be kept in your mind that it has not any close relation to offering a quality image. Instead of megapixel the physical size and the quality of an image sensor plays a vital role to give you a high-quality picture.

 

Sensor Type and Size

Digitl Camera Censor

There are different types of sensors equipped with the cameras available in the market. The higher-end cameras come with a full frame sensor and some of them equipped with an APS-C sensor. Typically a sensor is a smaller version of a full frame. Usually, a sensor comes with a size of 36mm x 24mm. But the smaller sensors come in a size of 22mmx15mm.

With those different sensor sizes, the cameras provide a different field of view. The larger sensors show wider scenes as compared to the smaller ones. But the crop sensor also known as APS-C sensor shows a lesser screen such as zoom in effect. The bigger sensors offer the better photos, and this the basic truth.

 

ISO Rating

The ISO rating defines the light sensitivity of the sensor of a camera. It was also called the film speed. The ISO can be altered up and down as per your requirement. The higher the ISO the intense a picture is. And it is achieved by changing the information gathered during an exposure.

The sensor and the noise-reduction feature affect the ISO while generating the picture. It can also allow you to take some high-quality picture under the low-light condition.

 

Shutter Speed

Cmaera Shutter

The Shutter speed regulates the spending time of a camera for gathering light. It is calculated in fractions of a second. Usually, the higher the shutter speed implies to the lowest time taken by the camera to capture a picture.

With this feature, you can get blur-free action pics. The lowest time allows you to attract more light. Typically the shutter speed of 1/25 implies the shutter opens for one 125th of a second while taking a picture.

Shutter speed varies, with high and low light conditions. It is calculated in fractions of a second ¼ or 1/500. The longer the shutter of your camera remains open, the less light, usually available with a snap. So consider a camera that has a good range of shutter speed for better quality pictures.

 

Shooting Rate

Dancing Girl

The shooting rate is the measure of total pictures can be taken per second. For spot pictures as well as fast action photography and scenes the higher FPS is quite useful. The FPS is known as frame per second.

 

Lens Quality

Animated Lens

A lens in a camera plays a vital role. A camera lens can be of equal aperture and focal length, but it can be of lower quality. With a poor quality lens, all the colors can’t be available to the same focus while taking a picture.

For a good quality camera trust he renowned brands and manufacturers. Try to gain knowledge on the best quality camera lens from various websites. Always try to assemble your camera with a good quality lens, so that you won’t undergo any sort of color fringes. A good quality camera with a terrible lens is meant for nothing.

The lens quality is beyond the focal length and aperture for sure. A good quality glass offers a good quality image. So go through the lens specifications and try all of them, then only choose the best for yourself. Another important thing is while checking various lenses, check their compatibility with your camera.

It is always advisable to get a good quality camera and then spend more time on finding the best quality lens as that will be with you forever. Apart from checking the lens quality keep this in your mind that different lenses come with a different mount. O you have to take care of this aspect as well.

Check your camera first, then go for the selection of lenses. The lenses won’t fit any of the cameras; they have their own specification. For example, the lens for a cropped sensor camera and the lens for a full-frame sensor camera are entirely different.

 

Aperture

Aperture is another crucial feature in a digital camera. It is a relative measure of your lens opening diameter. The lower the f-number the wider an aperture is the f-number with f/2.8 known as the extreme aperture and it can pass the light as per requirement.

An aperture of a lens is actually it’s maximum opening. So as we said the bigger the aperture, the more light it can collect and the least amount of light it can require for a snap. You can’t ignore this feature while buying a camera.

And if you want to use your digital camera at home or don’t want to use the flash then this feature is highly crucial. With a better aperture, you can take good quality images from a distance as well.

The aperture of a lens is calculated in f/numbers. An aperture of f/2.0 implies that the opening of the lens is actually half of the lens focal length. So it is always good to have a bigger aperture lens. For candid pictures and indoors pictures a lens with bigger aperture works really well.

 

Image Stabilization

Stablized image of car

The image stabilization is another crucial feature of a camera. It comes with all those elements to move in the opposite direction of any small movement for stabilizing the picture. Vibration reduction is an important way of image stabilization. With this, you can take snaps with relatively slow shutter speed.

Some of the renowned brands in the digital camera category come with features like Optical Image Stabilizer, MegaOIS. All those digital cameras have their own set of stabilization feature. Some of them furnish this feature right on their body itself by simplifying their camera lenses. So whenever buying a camera first watch out for its Optical image stabilization, it offers the needed stability to your picture.

 

Focal Length

The focal length is the distance between the lens surface and the image sensor. So the larger the focal length, the intense the lens magnification factor. A focal length in a digital camera governs the angle view. With a shorter focal length, a camera usually houses a wider angle of view. And with a longer focal length, the scenario is totally opposite. It is calculated in millimetres. Usually, the minimum focal length of a camera is around 35mm.

For wide angle picture focal length works really well. You can increase the focal length of a camera by zooming in.

 

Extra Features to look out for in a Camera

HD Video

HD photo of beautiful Girl

While going for a digital camera, look at its video capabilities as well other than its image capturing quality. There are a lot of entry level cameras which comes with 4K and full HD videos with ease.

They have the capability to record your video in 1080p, and the other ones are limited to 720p. These cameras also furnished with various frame rates. A camera with good video quality option will be quite helpful for you at any time. So don’t just watch out for the image taking qualities, consider its video recording ability as well.

 

Wi-Fi connectivity

wifi symbol

The newest digital cameras come with an option of Wi-Fi connectivity. You can connect them wirelessly in no time due to the advancement of the technology. With this feature, you can upload your images to your laptop or desktop and save them with ease. Apart from that in the age of social media, you don’t have to wait for some medium or time to let your friends about your photography and creativity.

With a simple click, you will be in the world of social media and get thousands of likes in no time. There are some cameras which allow you to download some application and link your smartphone with your camera quite easily.

You can also click the photos, set the timer for taking a snap, and press the shutter from your smartphone itself. Nowadays, many cameras come with NFC feature. With this, you can transfer your pictures from your camera to another device wirelessly. You will find all these features in the high-end digital cameras.

 

GPS Tagging

GPS Map Symbol

There are some high-end cameras that come with a Global Positioning System known as GPS. With this feature, you can track the capturing location of a picture with ease. While you are on a journey, this feature is quite useful.

You don’t have to remember the places you have visited. The GPS tagging feature can reveal the location easily. Apart from that if you are going hiking then this feature is highly essential for you.

In case of any difficulty, you can return to your original place by checking the location. These are the main USPs of a digital camera in this highly innovated world. This feature makes a camera stands firm in the jam-packed digital camera market.

 

Camera: Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about buying a camera right! While choosing the best camera for yourself, you usually undergo lots of questions in your mind. Don’t worry here is the solution to your problem. Go through this guide, and you will the best answers.

 

Which DSLR Camera is Best Under 25000?

The Canon EOS 1300D is a popular DLSR model from Canon that is equipped with an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor. This plastic body is quite robust and durable. The matte finish on the camera surface offers a better grip and scratch-resistant.

You can find this camera quite compact, and use it with one hand. You can shoot 1080p videos with this, and it is quite good for capturing images under low light condition. With its high-performance battery you can take around 600 shots on a single charge. It comes with an 18-55 mm lens with an ISO of 100-6400.

The actual optical zoom of this camera is 3X and the capturing speed is 3fps. There is a 3 inch LCD screen with this camera. For the better convenience of the user, Canon EOS 1300D is furnished with Wi-Fi as well as NFC connectivity. So if you look at these features, you can say this is the best camera under 25000.

 

Which DSLR Camera is Best Under 30000?

Nikon D5300 is one of the best entry-level DLSR cameras that comes under 30000. This 24-megapixel camera is equipped with an excellent performing sensor, EXPEED 4 processor, a 3.2-inch articulating screen and 39 point AF system.

If you want to take your photography to the next level, then this is the best option for you. The control layout of this camera is quite good, and it is free from the anti-aliasing filter. You can find an inbuilt Wi-Fi with this camera. This camera has a high-resolution vari-angle screen and quite good to grip.

The absence low-pass filter is the most amazing feature of Nikon D5300, with which you can take pictures in more details. If you want to be more creative while taking images, you can use, its preloaded effect modes. With its GPS feature, you can tag your images along with longitude, latitude, and altitude of your capturing location.

 

Which is the Best DSLR Camera Under 35000?

If you are looking for the best camera under 35000 then Nikon D5300 is the best available option for you. And it will be the best buy for you. The Wi-Fi connectivity and the tilting screen make it unique among all the available options in terms of DSLR cameras.

You can connect your smartphone with this camera. You can sync this camera and control it through your smartphone itself. The key features of this camera are the articulated LCD screen, low noise at high ISO, 24-megapixel sensor, ISO range of 100-12800 units makes it a great choice.

It is quite compact and easy to use as well. It offers good quality pictures under low light and high ISO. So if you are a beginner, and under a fixed budget then this one is just for you.

 

Which is the Best DSLR Camera Under 40000?

Nikon D5600 is an advanced and entry-level DSLR camera, and the one in this range of 40000. The high-resolution 24.2-megapixel sensor has the capability to capture some high-quality images for you. Good handling, along with an articulating touchscreen and 39 point AF system makes it a great selection. The AF system is quite good, and it is also comfortable to grip this camera. The photo fanatics who like to go through more and more advanced features and creative controls can try D5600.

The EXPEED 4 processor, ISO range of 100 to 25600, optical viewfinder and compactness makes it the best camera under 40000.

 

Which is the Best DSLR Camera Under 50000?

Canon EOS 750D comes with a polished control layout which is quite easy to use. It has a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, a Vari-angle screen, and inbuilt Wi-Fi & NFC features. The 3 inch TFT screen is touch sensitive and quick.

The sensitivity range of the ISO is 100 to 12800. You can also expand the ISO setting up to 25600 in case of low light condition. You can adjust the screen as per your requirement. So Canon EOS 750D is quite handy to use in any situation.

It has a 19 point phase detection AF system. For those beginners and learners, this is the best camera under 50000.

 

Which DSLR is Best Canon or Nikon?

Both Canon and Nikon are the most popular brand in the camera technology with their thousands of camera models. For a larger choice of lens you can stick with Canon as it offers the lens option like general purpose lenses, EF-S lens and does lenses. Canon cameras are equipped with DPP known as Digital Photo Professional, a photo editing software, which you don’t find in the Nikon models.

As a beginner, and if you like to make a DSLR camera as your companion, then you can go with the Nikon models. Whereas if you like to try your hands in terms of photography, and learn then go with Canon due to its variety of lenses and editing software, as well as advanced features.

Finally, the best among the two is actually based on the price at the time of purchasing.

 

Which is the Best Canon DSLR Camera?

Canon has some of the best quality DSLR cameras in all ranges of price and features. But Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the best among all of them due to its versatility. It comes with a 30.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, a 7fps burst shooting option as well.

This camera is quite robust and one of the most well-rounded DLSR cameras. It uses both DIGIC 6 and a DIGIC 6+ processor. The Motion JPEG allows you to create some good quality video files. It also features DCI 4K video capturing at 4096 X 2160 pixels at 30/25/24 fps.

It has an external microphone and headphone ports. You can also find the HDMI mini out and USB 3.0 terminals. It also features dual SD and CompactFlash card slots. You can connect your smartphones through its inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity features.

 

Which Camera Brand is Best for Photography?

If you need a camera for photography purpose, then Nikon is the best brand which you can choose without a second thought. You can find a Nikon camera at a low price and can experience a lot of good quality features. For the betterment, you can also fix different type of lenses, which you can get at a cheaper price to try your hands in photography.

 

What is the Best Professional Camera?

If you need maximum details in an image, then the Nikon D850 is the obvious option for you. Its weather-sealed and magnesium alloy body gives the camera much-needed robustness. It has a powerful 45.7-megapixel sensor, 0.75x optical viewfinder, and speed of 30fps. You can shoot 4K UHD videos with this camera. It also allows photography professionals to take advantage of a wide range of available lenses.

With a weight of 1005 grams, it offers a good grip for the users. There are two card slots in this camera in which you can use SDHC or SDXC cards and XQD format cards. The most impressive feature of D580 is its 153 Autofocus points through which you can target your shooting point firmly. It has all the features in it that a professional requires in a DLSR camera.

 

Which is the Best DSLR for Beginners?

The Canon EOS 200D is the best all-around camera for the beginners. The most attractive feature of this camera is its Vari-angle touchscreen. With this, you can capture your images and shoot the much-needed videos from any angle. This camera is equipped with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. The beginners can also experience the 5fps burst speed for capturing the images along with the DIGIC 7 processor. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system allows you to maintain the autofocus swift in live view and smooth while taking the videos. The included 18-55 mm IS STM kit lens offers excellent performance. With this lens, you won’t experience the fringing of your images for sure.

The compactness of this camera makes it the best DLSR camera for the beginners. It is one of the most preferable and powerful cameras for first-time users. This user-friendly camera comes with inbuilt Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity. The starters can also take advantage of guided shooting mode to enhance their photo capturing ability.

 

Bottom Line:

While choosing the Best Camera, you have to consider many useful and important aspects. First of all, check the camera type you do need, and then only go for the other features and specifications. If you want to come out of your smartphone and like to go for an exclusive camera with a minimal budget, then the point-and-shoot is the best choice for you.

On the other hand, if you are looking for top-quality functions, then watch out for mirrorless and DSLR cameras. One thing to remember is, first of all, consider the main features like lens quality, image stability and much more other than the megapixel.

You can consider that, but combine them with all the other indispensable features that we have discussed above. Those are the basic requirements in a digital camera that offers you a high-quality picture, stability, and good functions.

Therefore go through this guide carefully and check all the features of a camera while acquiring the one for yourself. And by considering all the features analyzed here we are dammed sure that you will find the best one undoubtedly. We would be happy to hear from you, and share your views on this guide in the comment box below.

Parth Thakur
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