10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About: Buying a New Camera

So you want to purchase a shiny new camera but do you realise that it’s not just about picking one from the market? Chandni Gajria tells you more.

Buying a new camera can be daunting affair. Especially when there are many good cameras floating in the market. Even if you are in a hurry, you don’t want to be in a situation where you get disappointed with the camera after a week of purchasing it. To avoid all confusion, here’s what you must know before emptying your wallet for a new camera.

1 Your Photography Will Not Improve
A camera is merely a device to make photographs with. Buying the latest camera will not make you a good photographer. Sure the camera may come with great features, but these will only allow you to explore more techniques and not improve your vision. For that, you will need to regularly practise photography.

2 Your Vision Decides the Camera
What camera you need depends on the kind of photography you do. A cameraphone is great for making family pictures. Whereas a mirrorless compact is apt if you want a convenient-to-carry camera. The DSLR should be bought if you wish to take photography to a more serious level.

3 It’s a Long-term Investment
With an increasing improvement in digital technology, any camera you buy is going to be; if not a long-term investment then at least an investment for over a year. Therefore, instead of purchasing the latest camera right away, wait for a while and research on it. Besides this, you should make it a point to read user reviews on websites and magazines to know how the camera actually performs.

4 Know What You Are Missing
Some cameras offer great speed, others are really small and higher image resolution and other cameras will come with great quality in low light. If you already own a camera, first figure out what features and functionalities you have been missing all this while. This will narrow down your search for a new camera.

5 You Need Not Spend
Too Much Technology changes rapidly. For instance, the quality that you want to get may earlier may have been possible with only a compact camera, but today, a cellphone may suffice. Today, even an entrylevel DSLR is capable of handling the most challenging of professional assignments. Keep abreast of the latest goings on so that you make your decision wisely.

6 You Can Find a Workaround
If you need low light capability, you don’t necessarily need to buy an expensive camera that offers high ISO. You can simply opt for a cheaper camera and use a tripod. Sure, buying an expensive camera might make things convenient, but if you have a budget, you can look for a cheaper way to get what you want.

7 You Also Need Accessories!
Your investment will not stop at just buying a camera. You will need to take into account the budget for a UV filter, memory cards, a camera bag, an extra lens, extra batteries or a tripod if required. Not only this, you will also require a cleaning kit, a card reader, and most importantly a hard drive to store all your critical work.

8 Maintenance is a Must
A camera is a high maintenance device. Leave it rotting in the closet for a year and the lens of the camera is bound to catch fungus. Any camera you purchase, will need to be stored properly and regularly cleaned and checked for scratches, dust and fungus.

9 You Need to Try Before You Buy
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of buying a new camera is to actually use it beforehand. Visit the store everyday to see if you would really like to own that camera or not.

 10 Maybe You Don’t Need a New Camera
Unless you have exhausted your current camera to it fullest potential, you will not have rightfully earned a new camera. So sit back for the time being and continue using your current camera. Remember not to make an investment in haste. Know what you want and may the best camera be bought!

Find Out What Kind of a Camera Will Work For You Best

8 Ways to Redeem the Investment You Make in the Camera

1. On a daily basis, try to make at least two brilliant images.

2. Photograph your friends, family or the married couples you know.Gift them a set of images or a collage made by you on their anniversaries or birthdays.

3. Participate in at least one contest every month. For each contest that you enter, send in new and unique work.

4. Once a week, make a portrait of a random stranger everyday and try to give them a print or send them the picture through email.

5. Make a list of things that interest you and travel around your city to shoot them.

6. Travel, as new places will give you great opportunities to create great pictures

7. Attempt to do a project. Find a social issue, a person or a particular activity that you find interesting and photograph it everyday for 6 months.

8. Make prints even if it is a cellphone camera you are shooting with. Put them together in a nice album.