Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash
Considering a camera in the New Year? If so, here are some tips on purchasing one.
1. Price
Most online (and local) shops will have a price tag on every device in their merchandise. It is, however, worth noting that some of these prices aren’t fixed and will vary from one shop to another.
Although you might have a rough idea of how much it would cost, comparing prices between different shops can help you find a bargain.
If you however prefer shopping from a specific platform, say eBay or Amazon, you might want to expand your options to get a better value for your money, take a look at Surplus Network. Some suppliers may not offer a discount but may sell you a whole kit together with the camera and probably an extra kit lens for the same price.
These are some of the factors to consider before making the final decision.
You, however, should stick to reputable and trustworthy suppliers when shopping for such expensive equipment to avoid knockoffs.
Confirm the supplier’s trustworthiness and reputation before making the final order.
2. Read About The Camera (Especially Reviews)
It is always a good habit to research an item before making a purchase. This should, of course, be besides what the manufacturer of the product (camera in this case) says.
Online camera review articles and review videos will give you detailed information about the camera, its pros and cons, and where they think it will shine; great resources to start with.
As expected, you might be interested in a specific camera make and model. Reading more about it and its competition will give you a better chance of making an informed decision and buying.
If looking for DSLR cameras, for example, you can sift through comprehensive video reviews on YouTube and other review sites for information from individuals that already own them. Don’t forget to check out the company website and read through customer reviews and testimonials about the same.
There’s a wealth of information on what past customers of the same have to say about that specific camera.
3. Hand-On Experience (Trial And Testing)
Once convinced about the specific camera you’d like to buy, you might want some hands-on experience with it. Consider visiting a supplier or stores selling the specific product for testing.
Most camera shops will allow you to test the camera within the premise or rent it out to you for extensive testing. It is best to visit the camera shop for extensive device testing. This is your only best chance to get a hands-on experience and explore the various features it might have, weight, ease of use, and other specific functions you might be looking for. So, take it out for a trial and strike a pose like this.
One-on-one experience with the device can greatly influence your final decision to buy. This is one step/factor you don’t want to overlook, especially if a local camera shop is nearby.
4. Purpose
Why do you need the camera? What will you be using it for? These are some of the questions to ask yourself before starting your search. If looking for a basic camera, commonly referred to as point and shoot, or a mirrorless camera for simple photography, you should steer away from professional cameras. For example, a Canon 1DX Mark II is an excellent camera but only for professional photography.
Although the camera can take great subject photos, buying it to take a few shorts of yourself, tools, and other objects will be overkill. As long as you can answer the original questions, finding the best camera for the specific purpose or job will be easier. A professional camera might, however, be what you need if photography and videography are what you specialize in.
So if you are looking for a 360º camera and need some pointers, why not check out our Camera Review section to help you make the right choice.
