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

i disagree with the question, which seems much more useful if directed to all camera buyers rather than individual needs and preferences. so, in response to "What five questions should a person ask themselves when buying a new camera":

1. what's my intended outcome? (phone viewing, web, small prints, large prints, posters, etc.)

2. will i do post-processing or use images as is out of the camera?

3. how critical is managing weight and bulk?

4. to what extent will i be capturing elements in motion?

5. am i willing to take on learning a complex new system that may have unfamiliar modes, deep menu structures, and so forth?

and a bonus question:

6. is a camera with a fixed prime or zoom (and thus a simpler overall kit) appealing to me?

and a second bonus question:

7. to what extent—if at all—do i care about shooting video with the new camera?

rapideye said:

i disagree with the question, which seems much more useful if directed to all camera buyers rather than individual needs and preferences. so, in response to "What five questions should a person ask themselves when buying a new camera":

1. what's my intended outcome? (phone viewing, web, small prints, large prints, posters, etc.)

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I would like to think that I already know that, if I already have a camera

rapideye said:

2. will i do post-processing or use images as is out of the camera?

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Likewise, I would expect to continue as I do now

rapideye said:

3. how critical is managing weight and bulk?

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A very good and reasonable question.

rapideye said:

4. to what extent will i be capturing elements in motion?

5. am i willing to take on learning a complex new system that may have unfamiliar modes, deep menu structures, and so forth?

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This question is worthy of a top place. Even when staying with the same brand the menu system won't be the same. Not being willing to learn to use the options available might negate any benefits from a new camera.

rapideye said:

and a bonus question:

6. is a camera with a fixed prime or zoom (and thus a simpler overall kit) appealing to me?

and a second bonus question:

7. to what extent—if at all—do i care about shooting video with the new camera?

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I am impressed that you have approached the original question from an open minded position. Your questions could be as appropriate to someone buying a first camera as to someone contemplating the replacement of a previous flagship model. I rather wish I hadn't made the assumptions I did before posting my questions.

Let me expand a bit:

1. The reason I leave out medium format is that with legacy rangefinder lenses they end up being full-frame cameras anyway, and you pay for a large sensor that you do not use. See #2.

2. I shoot only with vintage glass. I have zero interest in software-corrected (=fake) autofocus modern lenses. More and more, I am moving towards vintage rangefinder lenses. I do a lot of work at focal lengths less than 50mm. The sensor must be able to work with wide angle lenses withoiut smearing or color casts on the edges. The Leica SL3 is the first camera to check this bok, except perhaps for the SL-2. See #3.

3. I meant a simple tilting LCD, not one that articulates to the side (I hate those). That is why I never considered an SL-2, and finally bought an SL-3 just before the tariff debacle hit. It is also why I am happy that last year I bought a Sony RX-1 Mk2 when the last ones were still available. I would never buy a Mk3, because of Sony's incomprehensible decision to drop the tilting LCD.

4. Really redundant, as the only full-frame fixed lens cameras are from Leica and Sony. But there it is. I have read a silly statement in this website's review of the RX1 Mk3 about its magnificent 35mm Sonnar not being "critically sharp". I think that they meant it not being software-corrected. A bit off-topic, but there are those who think that the lack of image stabilization in the RX-1 is an issue. It isn;t, given the sensor's capability of delivering visrtually noiseless ISO 5000 images.

5. One of the many unnecessary things that I hate to pay for. But the ione that I truly hate to pay for is video. If you want to shoot video, buy a video camera.

So there it is. Owning an SL-3 and an RX1 Mk2, I see no need to ever again buy another camera

Passing over those who answered what five questions other people should ask themselves, the answers seem to converge on:

1) Do I want it?

2) Do I need it?

3) Can I afford it?

4) Will anyone else be able to tell when I have it?

5) Are there any downsides?

Works for me!

A

--
Infinite are the arguments of mages. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Ursula K LeGuin
Please feel free to edit any images that I post

One camera to rule them all. That approach works for some people, but as someone who has accumulated several this decade, I seem to choose one according to primary purpose: form factor, special strength or function it provides, for example. While away from home on holiday it seems natural never to venture out cameraless. In the habits of life back at home, though, it takes some effort to establish a camera carrying routine. If not the cellphone app that does most things, then some other small camera might be most suitable. For an event or a photowalk, maybe a bigger device, though. Superpowers of "action cameras" include submersible, timelapse, wide-wide angle, and so on. When audio is primary, a device like ZoomCorp gear for live events might be the right pick. By having several options, the best one for the occasion will vary.

For me it's:

• Does this camera have better AF than my current one?
• Does the camera have better IBIS than my current one?
• Is the sensor as good or even better than my current one?

I have to respond yes to those 3 questions for me to continue with the following 2 questions.

• Did they remove/compromise other features in the camera compared to my current one?
• Is the cost of the same system camera upgrade or complete system switch altogether really worth it?

Hmmmmmmmmm...............

For me there is currently only one question.

1. Does my current camera do what I need?

So far for the last ten years it does, so no need to waste time proceeding to questions 2, 3, 4 , 5.

So I save on bodies but can't resist spending on lenses occasionally.

The Squirrel Mafia said:

• Is the cost of the same system camera upgrade or complete system switch altogether really worth it?

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That's the million dollar question you have to ask yourself. With the number of lenses I have, switching systems and duplicating my optics could easily cost me $10,000 or more. That's NOT a lose I'm willing to accept right now...

Thanks to all for the fantastic questions! We're blown away by how many of you contributed some rather interesting ideas about what's important to you when purchasing a new camera.

Here is our "DPReview readers answer our question of the week" article recognizing several of your contributions:


Stay tuned this Wednesday for a similar and new Question of the Week!

1) Do I need a new camera?

2) What will a new camera do that I can't do with my present camera?

3) What do I plan to primarily use the new camera for, such as portrait work, hiking, vacation snapshots, all around use?

4) Will I feel like taking the new camera with me, or will I be more inclined to leave it at home (too bulky, too heavy)?

5) Might a new lens provide a different, more creative solution?

Horshack said:

1. How did it work out with the last new camera I bought and why will it be different this time?
2. Should I consider buying a used camera instead, esp for models which sell at a significant discount to new?
3. Am I buying because I'm bored with my photography and think a new camera will somehow make taking pictures interesting again?
4. What could I buy instead that might give me more enjoyment?
5. Do I have any kidneys left to sell?

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4) good question
5) I prefer to keep vital organs

Hi all,

I read today's article and I was surprised to not see what is becoming, year after year, my #1 question:

• How is this brand's customer service?

I've had a lot of cameras and lenses over the last decades. Many of those went to the repair shop once in a while.

I've had a customer service signing off the delivery, then "forgetting" my gear until four weeks and three e-mails had passed – so it literally took them a month to open a box, check the parts that needed changing, and mail an estimate.

I've had a customer service sending back a camera with a hair trapped between the glass and the sensor.

I've had two customer services not putting enough glue on a rubber patch, so those got partially off and I had to glue them again.

I've had a customer service saying something like "What, you went out in the rain with your camera? Warranty declined then." when all-weather sealing was a big part of their sales speech (and there was a wonderful picture of that camera covered in droplets on their front page).

I've had a customer service sending back the gear without the box.

I also had a customer service that sent me a (reasonable) estimate the same day the parcel was delivered, changed the faulty part, also changed some rubber patches that were getting old, cleaned everything inside and out, and sent the gear back better than new, all within one week. That worked wonders for my trust in this brand.

So nowadays I either take the least expansive gear, on the principle that I will change it if it fails, or look customer advice about after-sales service. As camera and lenses performance are getting closer and closer (and actually much better that we need), service should become your first priority.

Now, I know it's a tough question to answer, especially since customer service can vary greatly depending on country/area, period (summer usually means lots of gear to repair and less staff to do it), and gear itself (typically, high-end gear get better or less awful customer service).

But it's really worth investigating before your camera gets forgotten for a month in a shop then comes back with a default that needs servicing again…

GarysInSoCal said:

The Squirrel Mafia said:

• Is the cost of the same system camera upgrade or complete system switch altogether really worth it?

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That's the million dollar question you have to ask yourself. With the number of lenses I have, switching systems and duplicating my optics could easily cost me $10,000 or more. That's NOT a lose I'm willing to accept right now...

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That also depends what we're talking about.

You're using mostly Nikon F mount lenses, which can be adapted to pretty much any mirrorless system at this point.

I have used my F mount lenses with great effect on my Nikon Z6, I have used them on my Fujifilm cameras as well, both with autofocus and image stabilization compatibility. (In fact, I moved to Nikon from Fuji exactly because I could get a smart adapter that would give me the AF and IS performance that I needed, but would also keep weather sealing unbroken).

If you're shooting on mirrorless systems, it's a harder reality. If you are shooting micro four thirds, well there isn't much you can do as only micro four thirds cameras can take micro four thirds lenses. Same for Canon RF, L-Mount alliance lenses, etc (though there are exceptions to this rule : you can adapt Sony E mount lenses to Nikon Z, with full AF and image stabilization too. You can also adapt Fuji X to Nikon Z for DX Z cameras)

1. Am I already immersed and have been investing in some ILC system, or am I starting the system selection from scratch?

2. Is it for personal use or paid work? Any chance that this purchase will justify itself financially? Do I need to pay for it from my own personal or family budget?

3. We are speaking about the camera body only. Do I already have lenses and accessories for it that satisfy my creative and/or work needs? If I don't, what should I purchase next?

4. Is the (future) gear kit portable and lightweight enough for my usage habits?

5. Does it fit my immediately available budget?

Perfect, I'm starting my investigation!

Can you give us your reliability list by brand from most competent to most incompetent?

Thank you in advance

Franck Mee said:

Hi all,

I read today's article and I was surprised to not see what is becoming, year after year, my #1 question:

• How is this brand's customer service?

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In 60 years of using cameras I have never had a camera or lens break so it's not something I think about.

--
Tom

tbcass said:

Franck Mee said:

Hi all,

I read today's article and I was surprised to not see what is becoming, year after year, my #1 question:

• How is this brand's customer service?

Click to expand...

In 60 years of using cameras I have never had a camera or lens break so it's not something I think about.

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Well, that may be just you then. I've had to deal with customer service (Nikon) a few times and for the most part, haven't had issues (only major issue is their Status system lags behind but this does mean that things are actually ahead of schedule most times and I get my gear back sooner than they say, which I won't complain about necessarily).

However I do agree that this question is probably not very high on most people's list. What if you have a company that has great customer service but their cameras underperform and cannot meet your needs... then what do you do? I'd probably rank Customer Service like priority #4 / 5 on my list of importance personally. Most people probably won't have to deal with customer service I imagine (perhaps pro's may be different but most larger companies like Sony, Nikon and Canon have professional services for those pros so they deal with another group that is likely better than your typical customer service for your everyday Joe).

--
* PLEASE NOTE: I generally unsubscribe from forums/comments after a period of time has passed, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. *

1 - Why do I really need a new camera?

2 - Will the camera I want help me take better photos?

3 - Can I use the lenses I have with the new camera?

4 - How does the camera I want feel in my hands?

5 - Can I afford the camera I want?

Jefenator said:

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?

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Obviously it's a little hard to boil everything down to just 5 questions. Really, they're more just headings for groups of smaller questions.

If I could add one runner-up / bonus question it would probably be:

6. How future-proof will this camera be?

Some camera bodies I've bought have seen the lens system flourish and the IQ remains more than sufficient, going on 13 years with no end in sight!

Others seemed like I outgrew them, and apparently the manufacturer felt the same way because the lens selection stayed quite limited. In once instance the whole system got discontinued.

I thought my list of more specific metrics might run up to 30, maybe higher. But FWIW off the top of my head, I max off at around 20 metrics (in no particular order):

1. Price
2. Lenses
3. Frame Rate
4. Looks Cool
5. Color Science
6. Dynamic Range
7. Size
8. Ergonomics
9. Viewfinder / Screen
10. Backward Compatibility
11. Forward Compatibility
12. AF
13. MF
14. Battery
15. Accessories
16. Workflow
17. Resolution
18. Menus
19. Control Layout
20. Build Quality

Eventually!

How many hours of happiness will this new camera bring me?