Which Camera Should I Buy?

I get tons of emails and Facebook messages asking me about a variety of photography related things.  It's flattering, and I try to answer each one individually.  But I also know that I was way too shy to approach most people with questions like these when I was starting out, so I thought I'd just share some on here.

Do you shoot with Canon or Nikon?  I shoot with a Nikon.  I'd like to say there were a ton of reasons why, but really, it was because my dad had a Nikon D40.  And well, why not?  I have played around with a Canon for a bit while teaching a friend how to use hers.  I think it really all depends on what you start on.  I started with a Nikon, so that's what I felt comfortable with.  But I bet my friend prefers Canon-- because she's used to it!

So... what should I choose?  When going to buy a new camera, as yourself a few questions:

     

     1) What am I using it for?

     2) How does it feel when I hold it?

     3) How accesible are the buttons I want to use the most?

-If you're wanting to learn the art of photography (things like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed to start with), then you'll want a DSLR (the big camera with an interchangeable lens).  These are also good if you have money to throw around & want really good pictures of your kids without knowing anything.  :)

Taken with my Nikon.  I'm not much into nature photography, but I almost stepped on this flower walking into my apartment after a session one day.  Couldn't help but stop to take a picture!

-If you're wanting good pictures of your kids but don't really care to learn all the ins and outs of photography, then a good point & shoot will do.  I have one of these myself, as well.  I use it for almost everything other than my business.  If I'm going to the zoo, I take my Kodak Easyshare.  The beach?  Hanging out with friends?  My Easyshare fits snugly in my purse and has a wrist bracelet to hang on to all day easily.  It's all I need!

Taken with my dear ol' point & shoot Kodak Easyshare.  It's ALL I used on our cruise to the Bahamas.  Sure, I took my Nikon with me, but who wants to lug around an expensive & bulky camera on vacation?  I still have the memories!  And no, this wasn't my bottle cap-- it was laying on the ground in Nassau.

-If your teenager is really into photography & wants to learn more about it, by all means, get them an entry level DSLR.  You can pick them up for less than $1000, including a lens & a battery, get them a memory card or two, and also a photography class.  Or a book, or there are plenty of websites that teach the basics of photography.  I mention this specifically because there were several moms emailing me last year at Christmas.  If you think your kid will truly enjoy it, go ahead and get that killer deal-- if it's Canon or Nikon, it's a good camera.  If it's others, I can't vouch, but it's probably at least decent.

Feel free to leave any questions you have in the comments!  I'll try to answer them in future posts!