*This post includes my affiliate links.
The world of digital photography and all its gear is mind boggling. If you’re looking to get started with a new camera or hoping to upgrade your kit, I’d like to help you with your research! Nothing is worse than not knowing what you need! So, having a helpful list is key! Check out the Camera Gear Guide below.
There are three basic types of digital cameras-Digital Single Lens Reflexes (DSLR), mirrorless cameras, and compact point and shoot cameras. DSLR’s offer the ability to change lenses, they are speedy and do not produce a lot of digital noise. Plus, a lot of brands allow you to change lenses easily for example, Canon EF lenses work on any of their SLR body’s.
Mirrorless cameras offer many of the advantages of a DSLR in a smaller body – Interchangeable lenses, low noise sensors, and a compact form size. These cameras have a full selection of compact lenses and can use many vintage lenses with a suitable adapter.
Compact point and shoot cameras are great for those looking to get away from relying on their smartphone cameras and have more control over how they shoot. There are two types of point and shoots- ones with electronic viewfinders and ones with optical viewfinders. Optical viewfinders usually do not provide any setting details such as f-stop numbers or shutter speed, however, you will be able to view the autofocus indicator.
If you want to shoot in areas where noise will be an issue, beware the shutter speed sound of a point and shoot. Finally, point and shoot cameras are generally slower than SLR’s, so if you’re looking to use the burst sequence or take RAW images, you may be waiting a while.
If you are looking for the capacity to use multiple lenses, shoot sports or fast action photographs, disregard a point and shoot and focus on DSLR’s or Mirrorless cameras. If you want a camera to fit in your pocket or a starter camera for a teenager or child, consider point and shoots.
Budget is always important when looking for new gear. If you’re a pro, and want to upgrade, consider the Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera With 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens or the Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR Camera with 18-135mm STM Lens Kit (coming soon!). These camera’s will generally stand up to the wear and tear of professional use. If you’re in the market to upgrade but price is still an issue, look into less expensive models such as the Canon EOS Rebel T6 with 18-55 and 75-300mm Lens + 14 Piece Kit or Nikon D3400 24.2MP DX DSLR With 18-55mm And 70-300mm Lenses.
Finally, speed is everything. If you want to upgrade your gear fast, buy your top picks from Ritz Camera. You can purchase up to 3-year gear warranties and receive free shipping!
Shelley P says
Great information! I need a camera that has more advanced features like this 🙂
Joy Venters says
Maybe I can take better pics if I pay real close attention
Richard Hicks says
Some super useful info for the novice. I need a new camera too.
kcgmorris says
Thanks for the great tips! We could have really used this a few months ago when we decided to get a new camera. We had the toughest time making a decision, but finally decided on a mirrorless and are super-happy with our purchase!
Alex says
Great post! If only I had the money.
Maryann D. says
The Camera Gear Guide is very helpful. I love photos but do not know a lot about cameras.
Beth Wiggins (@LilyNRomes_Mom) says
Would love to look into this camera!
Laura says
These look like great cameras. I’m going to be an honest person here and admit that I just always use my iphone for pictures. lol.
Lesley F says
Great guide. Will help a lot when looking for our next camera
Bryan Vice says
WOW camera is amazing!
Nancy says
This guide would be helpful to have while shopping for camera gear.
gracefulcoffee says
Such a helpful post!
vickie couturier says
what a nice looking camera,,i dont see people carrying them anymore since smart phones
Jana S says
This camera is amazing!!!!!
Ashley Dionne says
There are so many different types and sizes, choosing a camera is difficult…this is quite helpful!
Mia says
What a comprehensive guide with some good things to consider before making a camera purchase.
Jeanne Coulombe says
This is a nice camera I need to get one with grandchildren
monique s says
this is very helpful thanks! there are so many options and not easy to figure it all out.
Christina M says
I would love to try this camera!
Daisy Navarrete says
I’ll have to share this article with my cousin. She’s starting out as a photographer
Linda C, says
Thanks, so many options!
Lori Tobin says
I’d actually rather have a real camera in my hands than use my cellphone camera! The quality of the pictures is so much better!
susan byrne says
I would love a camera like this. I have a small canon and it’s great, but I would like to get something a little bit bigger. It’s time for an upgrade.
Andrew Stroup (@Godslayer333) says
I don’t own a camera… 🙁
Karen Webster Hunt says
Good info. Thank you!
texasinak says
I really need an actual camera. I love photography, and my iPhone doesn’t cut it.
According to Ashley Bree says
I will need to try this. (:
Darcy Koch says
I definitely need a guide because I know very little about cameras.