It is a big step when you first decide to buy your own camera. Maybe you want to take photography more seriously, or maybe you just want to explore the world of photography a little bit more. The first camera always brings in a lot of emotions with it. While searching online, you probably find that there is no perfect first camera. That is true, but I know you would still love to have some sort of framework at hand when choosing your first camera. I was in your shoes, and I did not find proper guidance online. And my photographer friend? He was nowhere to be found while I was going through the decision making process. So, here I will share the steps I wish I had known before purchasing my first camera.
First Comes the Budget:
Yes, the money comes first. I am not saying you have to have a fixed budget, like 500$ or 1000$. You at least need to think of a range you can not afford to cross. Like 700$-1000$ but not crossing 1050$. The 3rd number is important for flexibility. Because you will not just buy a camera. You will buy other accessories like – SD card, lens filter, camera bag and so on with it. That is where the “can not cross” amount comes in handy.
Then Comes the Camera:
After deciding on your budget, if you’re wondering about what type of camera you want to buy, then don’t. I know it will raise some eyebrows when I say it, but here it is – buy a Mirrorless Camera. You should not even consider buying a Compact Camera, I don’t even understand why they exist to this day! And for DSLR cameras, if your argument is the Optical Viewfinder & longer battery life, then give me a break! I am talking to someone who wants to buy the very first Camera. So yes, buy a Mirrorless, do not overthink.
Choose the Brand:
This one is pretty simple as well. You are buying a Mirrorless Camera, right? Choose between Sony or Fuji. Yes, Fuji is back in the picture again. I myself am a Fuji user. Sony has more options and equipment to offer, but Fuji’s sensor has a better color range (in my opinion). Try to pick the latest model that is within your budget. Everything else doesn’t really matter that much at the beginning. But use most of your budget to choose the camera body itself.
Decide on the Accessories:
The most important part here is the Lens. All the cameras come with a kit lens, and they are pretty good! But whether you purchase the camera with a kit lens or not, your first lens should be a zoom lens. Forget about prime lenses at the beginning. The learning curve will be much easier if you can learn to handle a zoom lens first and later buy a prime lens. After buying the lens, you must buy an SD card and a camera bag. Try buying the SD card with the most storage within your budget. Finally, buy a Tripod. This one may seem like a luxury buy at the beginning, but trust me, they are more important than you think. You must accommodate a tripod in your budget, which is a must! You are good to go at this point. But if you have some money at hand, then I would suggest buying an extra pair of batteries and an ND filter.
There you go! That is all you need to consider when buying your first camera. May your love of photography last longer than most people’s!
