Buying a new digital camera can feel like an overwhelming task. With SO many features and specifications to consider, it’s easy to get lost down a long rabbit hole of complicated information. After all, these things are expensive, and you don’t want to regret your purchase later on. Getting it right the first time is important for saving you money, time and aggravation.
While I certainly can’t tell you which camera you should buy, in the video below I talk about the most overlooked feature of digital cameras. While shutter speeds, ISOs, f-stops and megapixels are fun to compare, check out the video below to see what I think is the one consideration that is most often neglected and leads to more cameras winding up on eBay than any other factor!
The Bottom Line: Get Hands-On With Your New Digital Camera
My process for camera shopping is as follows:
- First, I write down the features that I need for my use-case (in studio or in the field, photography first or video first, etc.),
- Second, I decide what my maximum price range is and generate a list of cameras in the price range that have the features I need,
- Third, I get hands-on to determine which camera is most comfortable for me,
- Lastly, I take the ones I’m happiest with at this point, and purchase the one that has the best specifications for the price.
Making sure I don’t neglect that third point is the one that has probably saved me from regret the most. While it’s tempting to just look at features and specifications, find the best value, then make an online purchase…don’t do that! Here’s why:
If a camera isn’t comfortable in your hands, you aren’t going to be using it. Trust me on this. Make sure you are going to enjoy carrying your new purchase. Is the size and weight right? Do the controls and menus make sense to you? Are you confident that you’ll look forward to having it on you?
The reality is, I’d rather have a camera that is missing a feature or two, than one I don’t like carrying. If I don’t like carrying my digital camera, it’s going to stay at home, or in my hotel room, and I’m going to fall back on using my cellphone. That’s a decision I know I’l regret later when I get home and start reviewing my photos and video.
How To Try Before You Buy
Of course, trying out a new digital camera before buying can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some options:
- Shop at a reputable camera store that will allow you to test out a camera in-store,
- Try renting the models you are most interested in before buying,
- Purchase online from a retailer with flexible return policies (such as Amazon), then try out your digital camera thoroughly before the return window expires,
- Lastly, consider buying used. That way, if your purchase is less than ideal, at least you may be able to get most or all of your money back by reselling the item.
For more information, check out the video below…and happy shooting!
