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Question of the week: What five questions should you ask yourself when buying a new camera?

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Mathew Anderson said:
Week one: What five questions should you ask yourself when buying a new camera?
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[...]

1. Do I need a new camera?

2. Do I really need a new camera?

3. Seriously, in all honestly, do I really really need a new camera?

4. Why am I asking myself all these stupid questions?

5. Where's my credit card?
 
Okay, I think I have it dialed in to 5 questions now:
  1. What type(s) of photography do I plan to use this camera for?
  2. What lenses can I use?
  3. Will I like the “look” I can get with the image files?
  4. Do I like the interface?
  5. Can I justify the price?
 
LeicaEye said:
GarysInSoCal said:
So you want amazing low noise, high resolution images from your fingernail sized micro 4/3's sensor thats inside your shirt pocket sized compact cam?... sorry clueless one... IT AIN'T HAPPENIN!

Oh yeah... those little Micro 4/3s cams have compact lenses, and produce decent images in workable daylight and strong open shade light... BUT... that's pretty much the only environment you're gonna get (what I consider to be) acceptable images from that cam.

You want very low to no noise, strong resolution images? You're gonna have to step up to the plate and get yourself a full-frame camera. You wanna capture stunning images with great sharpness and strong subject isolation?... you're gonna have to step up to the plate and get yourself some fast prime lenses.

Me?... I shoot with full-frame Nikons (with Expeed 4 or higher processors)... some of the best low noise cameras on the market. Lenses?... I shoot with Nikon Nanocoat lenses... some of the sharpess and fastest lenses on the market. And why Expeed 4 (or higher) image processor? Those processors contain the best versions of Nikon's 'Active D-Lighting'... the very convenient application I use that renders magical results for me (no blown-out highlights and strong detail in the shadows). Proof is in the pudding!

Here's the pudding: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67887356
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Over here-Birds custard on my pudding please 😉…
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OUCH... I'd probably PASS on the birdie custard idea... definitely enough sugar in that pudding already... wouldn't wanna contribute to anyone becoming a diabetic... :-O
 
Which camera company offers the most capable and stylish range of cameras? Which camera company to bailout if the camera market takes a dive? What new imaging technology to change the entire camera industry? Idea: Security alarm chip in every camera to locate any stolen camera by mobile phone; like on cars?
 
Maxx787 said:
Which camera company offers the most capable and stylish range of cameras? Which camera company to bailout if the camera market takes a dive? What new imaging technology to change the entire camera industry? Idea: Security alarm chip in every camera to locate any stolen camera by mobile phone; like on cars?
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And who’s going to confront these criminals? maybe even in another country from the original theft… Better to get good insurance..
 
question 1 : is this better than the camera i own?
a] I dont own a camera , but i use whatever cellphone i currently carry to take photos when necessary
b] i own an older camera , its digital but i think it showing its age or is otherwise long in the tooth
c] its more lr less as good as the cameras ive been using but i want to try a new system a new ecosystem
D] im just becoming excited by photography in a serious way and im looking to get a practical camera that will serve me well and in the longer term give me value and product that is good to excellent
question 2 what kind of photography will i mostly do ?
A ] i have a specific and exotic need in one area to the exclusion of most others like macro , or extreme telephoto , or exclusive portraiture , or landscape and exotically wide, astrophotography , or microphotography
b] i am a generalist and want a camera that can serve in the widest variety of needs
c] i dont know but i want a camera to be a partner in creating art with me a tool like a paintbrush or carving tools that will serve when i create images as art it must express who i am while serving what i need
d] i love the idea of carrying a camera to help record moments , and care little for the technical , nostalgic , socially popular , or historical aspect of camera brands or what they sell , i just want something awesome that works superbly

question 3 what is my budget ? and do i care how much i even spend, or is price no object

a] im rich , and you are standing too close to me
b] i have an income and im willing to spend a sensible fraction of a tool as a hobbyist or enthusiast , not a professional
c] i just want a camera , and im thinking i want something old and venerable either film or digital and not a popular or internet promoted "must own "
d] im going pro ... can you lend me a large sum of money

question 4: what do i expect my camera to do ?

a ] be the constant companion my emotional support dog once was , but capable of recording photographs instantly
b] be a tool of exploration at the crossroads of art and science , im interested in the magic of the natural world in between waterbears and multicolored nebula and steam condensing on a mirror depending on what day it is
c] just work ... i want crazy dependable cause im doing zero maintenance , im im tossing this in any duffel or valise with the same thoughtlessness and casual attitude as a pair of gym socks
d] first time I've considered this , ill thing long on why i want this .... its about time

question 5 what king of shooter am i or do i want to be?
a] i want to be taken seriously what ever my level of interest or commitment
b] i care deeply about things, how they look , how they feel , how they work , how i connect with them
c] ive seen people happy in their photographic skin , and i want to live among them
d] im just this guy you see , and ive justy got here , and i need a camera that works

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

instructions , for each question rate your feeling about each question from 1 to 5
i feel strongly positive toward is a "5" , not moved ....does not apply a "1"
pick the one that applies to you add them up and divide by 7 and add 22 if your score is between 1 and 50 ignore it,,, it has no meaning mathematically or otherwise and review this list instead with a photography friend or teacher and get whatever suits you , learn it love it and prosper ... later you will know more in time for camera 2.0
 
  • Is something really wrong with my current camera, or am I just having gear acquisition syndrome?
  • If I get the new camera, what is it actually going to do that's so significantly better than my current one, that justifies the investment?
  • Wouldn't that money serve me better if invested in lenses?
I had this issue last year, when I upgraded from Sony A7II to A7RV. I wanted to buy a telephoto lens, and the autofocus on A7II is just not good enough, and I knew that. Still, I resisted buying the new camera for months, but eventually bought it. The differences in autofocus are incredible, but also the viewfinder is much improved, and I normally use one stop higher ISO. Also, the grip is better, which is important when I carry it around for hours. Does it "take better pictures"? Yes when I'm trying to focus on bees in flight. No when I'm taking pictures of sunsets. It allows me to actually use that telephoto properly, and does so many things better it was worth buying.

As for the lenses, I took a very long hard look and decided that I've been working with too minimalistic gear - adapted Canon EF lenses, a 90mm macro and the 28-70mm kit lens, basically. So, I decided that the "body or the lenses" conundrum is best resolved by "I actually need to renew my gear after 9 years of non-investment", and so I made a list and gradually got all the lenses I wanted, and I also got my wife new equipment because she was shooting with my ancient Canon 5d (yes, the original) which basically croaked, metering and AF failing. Yes, this was expensive but also yes, it was worth it because it meant treating my photography with respect instead of neglect.

I noticed that I have very long gear acquisition cycles, around 9-10 years, where I'm basically happy with what I've got and just take pictures, but when I start really thinking about equipment, I tend to stop myself from buying it because it's so easy to fall into a consumerist trap, but I go too far and eventually don't get what I actually need and would really improve my photography. For instance, the wife "adopted" my 17-40mm as her standard lens, so I didn't have an ultrawide for years, until I finally got a 16-35mm for myself, and it was a great decision, since I was finally able to shoot wide again.

So, yes, resist consumerist impulses, but not to the point where you go so far as to actually resist getting what you need.
 
(BTW writing this before reading any of the current posts, so (i) it's really my opinion and (ii) I might miss something notable...)

(1) Which types of photographs are you currently taking that you are unhappy with and want to improve?
Remember to consider whether a book of Photographic Composition Tips and Ideas would be a better option than a new camera.

(2) What aren't you currently able to photograph and would like to be able to? (Note that could include video.)
Do note that photographing stuff at a distance, e.g. Wildlife, does work somewhat against other things for what is the best solution, so prune the answers to #1 and #2, perhaps into "must have" and "nice to have/tiebreaker" lists... Don't do them all at one sitting, as more things will occur to you.

(3) Budget, and is that just for a camera plus one (two?) lenses if it takes interchangeable ones, or does it also include memory card, bag, spare battery, everything. Specifically how much are you are willing to spend to cover #1 and #2 above.

(4) How much weight you are prepared to carry regularly?
Remember the old adage "the best camera is the one you have with you". It's no good buying a big heavy camera and 6Kg of lenses if you won't have it along when something great happens in front of you. For some people changing to a cell-phone with a better camera than their current one might be the best option.
(Specifically note there is no perfect camera, even with an unlimited budget there would be trade-offs...)

(5) What brands/camera systems do you have an emotional connection for or against, use currently, or have helpful friend(s) that use?
At the end of the day you might be better off with a camera that does 90% of what you want well and you just love everything about than one that does 95% well and doesn't inspire you at all. (That could be Fuji's Motto...)
Plus if you already have some lenses/brand knowledge for the system that could be a plus.
Oh and often changing brand isn't the step up you might expect it to be, the Grass not being as much Greener as you might have hoped.
Also if new to photography having a photo-knowledgeable friend with a similar camera can be helpful.
...and in conclusion note that almost all current cameras from big players do an excellent job of taking photos, it isn't that important to try and work out which camera is 1.2% better than another, as whatever you consider there will be other factors you didn't think of.
 
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My Aunt Molly wearing Joan Collins mask? Or simply call the police?
 
BobsYourUncle said:
Does this camera look almost the same as my 25 others so my wife won't notice!
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:))

As funny as this is, I would never hide things from my wife, because it would be too stressful; also, she's a fellow amateur photographer and we shoot together, and having her struggle with defunct gear while I get the new and shiny stuff for myself would feel terrible, so when I reach that upgrade cycle I do it for both of us.
 
1. How much can I spend?

2. What are my size and weight preferences?

3. One-off purchase or buying into eco-system?

4. Have I considered software requirements?

5. Can I tolerate EVF?
 
AstigmaticOwl said:
dmanthree said:
1. Can I afford it?

2. What does it give me that I don't have now?

3. Do I really need those upgraded capabilities?

4. Is this just GAS?

5. How do I conceal this purchase from my significant other? ;-)
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Thank you for not assuming that "significant other" is a wife.
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Yeah, it's a big world out there with many options.

;-)
 
  1. Can I afford it comfortably?
  2. Does this really offer anything that my current camera can't do.
  3. Would the money be better spent on better glass?
  4. Will it complement or make my current gear redundant?
  5. Will my wife notice?
 
1. Is the autofocus significantly better than what I have?

2. Is its ergonomics as good or better than what I have?

3. Does it offer a screen that tilts?

4. Is the viewfinder higher resolution than what I have?

5. Is the price one that I am willing to pay?

Current cameras: Fuji X-T4; Fuji X-S20
 
Haven't read others' answers. Mine below

1. What is the deficiency in your current camera (to stress: in the camera not in you) that's holding back your photography?

2. Is the proposed new one going to remedy that?

3. And if so are you sure it won't cause other issues?

4. Are you sure the cost of the new camera wouldn't be better put elsewhere?

5. If switching systems, have you accounted for the fact that 'cost' also includes selling old lenses and flashes and buying what you need for the new camera?

Paul
 
There are some great questions coming in! A reminder that we'll be selecting some of your questions this coming Monday to mention on the front page article where we announced this series.

Also, if you have an idea for future Questions of the week, let us know!
 
Mathew Anderson said:
Our community here at DPReview truly is a wealth of information. We see all of the helpful knowledge shared in the forums on a daily basis, along with the passionate opinions on gear, trends, techniques and more. To help spark those conversations and give you all another place to share your thoughts, we're kicking off a 'Question of the week' series right here in the forums where we select community responses from this thread to showcase!

Question of the week

As the name suggests, the forum's 'Question of the week' will highlight a new question every Wednesday in the Open Talk forum. We'll throw out one thought-provoking question each week, and you all get to comment with your own take.

These questions may come from the DPReview team, or could come from you in the community as well. If you have an idea for a question, please also share it here as a forum post response. We'll be sure to recognize those whose queries we use.

Week one: What five questions should you ask yourself when buying a new camera?

For this kick-off question, we'll be highlighting five distinct answers. We'll make those selections on Monday and update this post with the results, so be sure to get your thoughts in before then!
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I have three areas on my top list that I use when I choose gear:

1. How good is the autofocus for my needs? It doesn't matter how sharp images one can get on a brick wall if the camera can't focus on the subjects one intends to take in real life. This also couples to available lenses if it is a system camera, since the body and lens needs to work together.

2. How good is the sensor? DR, Noise and tonality. If one can't work with the images after the shot in post editing for the use cases one plans to do then it is a no go.

3. How light are the components? Bulk is also interesting, but it is especially the weight that makes if one does take the body/lens(es) along, or if they stay at home. And at home they won't make any images.
 
I spend a lot of time with beginner photographers or fielding camera recommendation questions from friends and family who are looking to purchase their first (or second) dedicated camera. As a result, my take on this question may be a little different from most people's. That said, here are the five questions that have been circling in my head for this prompt:
  1. How serious are you about getting into or learning photography (i.e., is this a casual thing, or do you want to have room to grow into the camera)?
  2. How much flexibility do you want with your camera/camera system in the future?
  3. What types of situations do you think you'll most want to use your camera for (indoor versus outdoor, action, etc.)?
  4. How important is size and portability?
  5. What's your budget?
 
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