Which camera to buy

I get asked this question all the time…"What kind of camera should I buy?"  My answer: One you know how to use.

I don’t say that to evade the question. A good photographer can get great photos with a simple camera, but a rookie won’t be helped much with a fancier camera.

What’s more important is to know the elements of a good photograph and how a camera works. To learn, take a class, or teach yourself by doing an online search for “photography tips” or study books at the library. A great one to start is the “National Geographic Photography Field Guide.”

Another way I answer the question of which camera to buy is to tell the story of National Geographic photographer Sam Abell. Many of the world’s top photographers have lots of cameras and lenses for different situations. Sam Abell used a simple camera with a 28 mm prime lens. No zoom. When he teaches workshops, he hardly mentions equipment. He instead talks about light, or emotions and anticipation. Check out his great book, “Stay This Moment.”

OK, having said all that, if you want a recommendation, a great little camera is the Nikon CoolPix S9300 or the Canon Powershot SX260. Both are small-point-and-shoot cameras, but they have a decent size lens.

If you have a larger budget and want a single lens reflex camera, try the Nikon d90 or the Canon 60d.

Even nicer cameras are the Nikon d7000 or the Canon 7d.

Big budget? The Nikon d800 with f/2.8 lenses. But don't buy this if you don't understand what "full frame" or "aperture" is. You're not ready, and I don't want you to overspend.

Then again, you might already have a good enough camera in your pocket: your smartphone. Some of my published photos were shot with a smartphone.

Remember, the talent you develop matters more than the type of camera you have. 

I wish you great success behind the lens.  Happy shooting.