Choosing the right camera is a hard task as there are so many options to choose from. I prepared a presentation, which can be downloaded here, to help you in your quest with two things in mind:
- Don’t overspend for a body which you don’t actually need.
- Based on what you primarily shoot, get the right body, not a different one.
In June 2024, right now, Nikon D500, for example, is a wonderful piece of engineering – as is Pentax K-3iii. Yet, unless you shoot action like birds or sports, you’ll pay hundreds of US$ more for almost nothing. Nikon D780 is an “entry-level” full-frame dSLR according to some, yet if you want the best all-rounder for the least price, it surely is the way to go. Maybe not the best in any particular area, if you’re looking for reliability in almost every single condition you’ll find yourself in, it’ll do the job perfectly for the least spending. Would I, a penny pincher, do that otherwise?
Before telling what you should expect, I need to clarify what you should not expect from the presentation:
What Not to Expect
- Of course I expect you to at least know what you want to shoot. If you don’t know, then better first find out what you want to do.
- I do photography and not videography, for which I don’t have the slightest idea about that side. If you’re into doing videos, partly or wholly, this presentation won’t speak much to you.
- A traditionalist, I use and still recommend using dSLR cameras for a number of reasons. Most if not all of the presentation will be helpful to you if you’re willing to use a mirrorless, but when I’m giving examples of bodies that were or are in the market, you either won’t get much or won’t find them relevant.
- I used Canon, Nikon, and Pentax in the past. Had I the financial muscle, I’d go for Pentax K-1 to be able to use my Takumar 35/3.5 and Helios 2/58, yet I didn’t and had to get a D750 in the end. Yet I don’t recommend you to get any of them – I only tell what you should consider before buying your first/next camera. My choices are mine, I don’t make any brand or model recommendation but only tell you what to take into consideration.
And then, what should you expect?
And What to Expect
- The list of sensor and body related determinants in choosing your camera.
- The three determinants that you should take into consideration after the sensor and body related ones.
- The six main photography “genres”.
- (Mirrorless cameras flooded the market but) why I still think you’ll be better-off with a dSLR, at least for time being. This is the only part that I make an argument but I try to be as fair as I can – hoping I really am.
A Case Study: Me
How did I end up with my D750?
A very long story I can tell and am jumping to the conclusion: I’ve been to places where I never again will be and needed a setup to be able to take home the most of what I saw. I had three criteria:
- Full-frame and good ISO performance. I shouldn’t hesitate when I need to use ISO 12.800.
- Wide dynamic range and moving back screen. I love portraits but the primary aim of the camera is land/city scape.
- Ability to use my legacy lenses, especially Takumar 3.5/35 and Helios 2/58.
My options were mirrorless cameras, Canons, and Pentax K-1. I couldn’t afford the Pentax and didn’t want mirrorless. I simply and plainly don’t like them. Then I was left with Canons and the one that I could afford was 6Dii. It has many positives over D750, which I opted for later, as you can see here: More resolution, built-in GPS, video stabilization, higher maximum ISO… But those weren’t what I was looking for. Wide dynamic range isn’t what Canon is famous for and is what I desperately need: I was to use Tokina 2.8/16-28 at the widest end and needed the flexibility to play with highlights and shadows all the time. Old glass means bad to no coating, I have to make up for the flaws in the post process. Besides, Canon is famous with its lack of quality in pushing for the extremes. Recovering shadows is what I was to do half the time, Canon may not allow me the much and the good I needed.
Then I had to drop Canon bodies totally and left with Nikons only. The choice was between a 800 US$ D610 and 1000 US$ D750, and it was a straightforward decision. There was no need to take the risk with D610 for only 200$ – I mean, if 800 is paid already, why not pay 1000. Right? Hence I went with the Korean version of D750, no Wi-Fi model.
Have I been happy? I definitely am. Could I be more happy? Sadly, yes. If K-1 was 1300 US$, I’d go for it. For 1400? Am not sure but I definitely would have a hard time to decide. But 1800 US$ for body and 2250 US$ for the kit was impossible. I’m happy with what I have but I always look for a cheap used K-1, which doesn’t exist. Well, cheap used 5Dii also doesn’t exist. Seems cheap full frame bodies don’t exist even in the used market and my two favorite lenses are just lying around, waiting for a miracle.
So, it’s for you to decide now. What will you shoot? What do you prioritize? Hope the guide will help you out. If it will, I’d be happy to hear from you at pennilesspenner@gmail.com.