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Choosing a Camera, What's Your Kodak Moment?Aug 09 '00 Write an essay on this topic.Buying a camera can be a daunting task. Should you buy a 35mm SLR, or a point-and-shoot APS or a digital camera that requires no film at all? What type of lens should you get? Do I need a zoom? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each camera ? With so many different cameras, film formats, and prices available, choosing the right camera requires a little homework. First and foremost-What do you want to take pictures of ? What "Kodak moment" made you decide you needed a new camera? Do you want to take better snap shots of the kids? Will you be trying to catch that touchdown pass at the goal line? If so, will you be in the stands or on the sideline? Do you want to take close-ups of your favorite flower in your garden or of the bugs eating your flowers? Do you want to capture sunsets while on vacation or birds in flight? What are you primarily going to be shooting pictures of ? Snapshots-You don't need an elephant gun to hunt rabbits, but it will work. Any camera can be used for quick shots at birthday parties or vacation photos of "here I am at the Lincoln Monument." But if snapshots will be your primary focus, think small. Consider a small, lightweight camera that's easy to carry, has lot's of automation and maybe a zoom and doesn’t cost a whole lot. Disposable cameras may fit the bill for the occasional photographer. They are readily available and inexpensive, between $4 and $10. Get one with a flash for indoor shots or one that take panoramic photos. Some are waterproof, up to about 10 feet, great for those cool pool photos. Want to experiment with the new APS (Advanced Photo System) format? Get a disposable APS camera before spending the money on a new camera system. Disposables are great for the kids to play around with too and learn photography. If you want better picture quality and shoot more than a few rolls a year, a point-and-shoot camera may be the best option. They are easy to use, just point and shoot and the camera does the rest. These are great for casual shooting and snap shots but can also capture sunsets, close-ups and some creative shooting. Fixed focus cameras are good for most "snap shot" situations. * Lens-Objects around 4 feet to infinity are in focus. Usually limited to a wide angle (28mm) shots and moderate telephotos, (between 70mm and 120mm), ok for many situations, but you will miss some good pictures due to the lens limitations. * Cost-usually less expensive than auto-focus cameras, $10-$40 or so. * Quicker shots-these cameras can "snap" pictures quicker since they don’t need to focus. Great for shooting candid shots of camera shy people. Auto-focus cameras usually produce sharper images since it does focus directly on the subject. They also come with a variety of options: * Zoom lenses-lenses that have variable focal ranges, from wide angle (28mm) to mid-range (80mm) to telephoto (90-200mm) ranges. This helps you better compose your picture, wide angles for landscapes and groups or zoom in to crop out unwanted objects in the photograph. * Data backs- imprints the date, time and sometimes captions on the FRONT of the photo, (very popular, but can mess up a great photo and data backs cost extra). * Red eye reduction-the flash puts out a quick flash or beam to eliminate those annoying red vampire eyes seen in many snap shots. * Self timers-after pressing the shutter button to take the picture, delays the shot so you can run around and be in the photograph. * Automation-auto focus, auto film advance, auto film rewind, auto flash, auto exposure, and come in any and all of these combinations. *Variety-comes in 35mm, APS, digital and even 110. Prices range from $10 up to several hundred, but the beginner should be able to match the camera that you want at the price you want to pay. *Control-Some point and shoots let you control turn the flash on, off or fill flash (for eliminating shadows in bright light, exposure and focus control, night photography and other options that allow you to control the image and capture your vision on film. Single Lens Reflex Cameras The 35mm SLR (single lens reflex) is the standard tool for today's hobbyists, advanced amateurs and professionals alike. The new auto-focus cameras offer complete automation of the technical components of the photograph allowing you to concentrate on the image or complete control of the light that hits the film, thus creating a great photograph. These cameras come in a wide range of prices $150 to over a thousand dollars, but you should be able to get a good camera-lens package for under $350. Most SLR cameras have removable lenses that allow you to switch between a large variety of zoom lenses, wide and ultra wide angle lenses, close up, telephotos and super telephotos. Stick with a major brand such as Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Pentax and Olympus. They make good cameras and have solid histories. If you are new to photography, check out each companies offering in the price that you want to pay. They all have camera body, moderate zoom lens packages (35mm-80mm) at decent prices. Handle the camera. What feels best in your hands? Most come with standard features: * Auto-focus * Built in flash * Auto film advance and rewind * Built in self-timer You don't need fancy. You don't need ALL the options, especially starting out. Buy new, a single camera repair can cost more than a new camera in some cases. You want the warranty, especially with today's electronic intensive cameras. I still prefer 35mm over other formats. I trust it. I do have a digital and APS and medium format equipment, but 35mm is inexpensive, versatile, forgiving and permanent. APS and digital both have advantages, but 35mm, to me, still rules. Shoot lots of pictures and have FUN! Photography is a great hobby. Save money on processing and send your photos out, you don't need your masterpieces back in an hour every time. If photography develops into a main hobby, your first camera will make a good back up camera or a trade-in on a new one. After you have learned and read about photography and shot lots of pictures, you might find that you need that super telephoto lens or that macro (close focus) lens or that ultra-wide angle. Experiment with filters, tripods, medium and large format systems. Take a class on photography from the local camera store or the community college. Photography is a hobby that can last a lifetime, and you will have a record of your progress and the events in your life. You will be able to recall when and where and who your were with when you shot this sunset or that old barn. Get shooting!  |
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