The "Best" Camera

"What is the best camera, Nikon or Canon ahh? "Very often my customers will ask me this question and most of the time I will ask them back "In what sense?". Because each manufacturer will have what we call a high-end and low-end camera models, no matter it's a compact point-and-shoot or a DSLR. Even then I would also like to know what would be their budget, specifications they are looking for etc. There are too many things involved to decide which is the best camera or should I re-phrase it "Which is the best camera to suit your style or requirement?"

There is no doubt that each brands or manufacturers have their own set of models line-up which are wide enough to satisfy any type of customers. I am not going to discuss certain brands or manufacturers here but in general what you should be looking for when buying a camera. A camera can cost like RM300 for a decent one or up to ten of thousands of ringgit for a high-end model, so a wise investment is really necessary.

First of all let's see what are the things you should look out for when buying a digital camera:

1. Budget - The first thing come to mind is how much you are willing to spend for a camera. Of course the more you spend, the more the quality and functions available on a camera. You can't expect to spend RM300 and want all the functions which you normally find in a DSLR, right? Now almost all the digital camera has the usual functions like Face Detection, Image Stabilization (also known as Vibration Reduction) or Scene Selection. So for a low-end digital camera, these functions should at least be available. But if you are looking for other functions like High ISO, Higher Optical Zoom, Wide Angle, wider screen etc. expects to pay more.
2. Functionality - What I mean is for what purpose mainly you are going to use the camera for. Is it for project at worksite, capturing your kids, underwater or do you travel a lot with it etc. A high shutter speed range in a DSLR can freeze your kids movement which normally a point-and-shoot can't. However, a point-and-shoot is light and easy to carry, a plus point if you travel a lot. If you like snorkeling or scuba-diving a digital camera which is waterproof is your choice or find out if the normal camera has waterproof casing as accessory. If you work a site, you would want to choose something light, tough and has wide angle to cover the most of the site/project/object. If you want to print out large size photo then you should look at high megapixels digital camera. There are just too many variables involved here. In other words, just ask the salesman what is your main purpose in buying the camera and I think he is more than willing to explain to you which model is best for you.
3. Quality - The higher the megapixels the higher the quality of the photos, right? Well, NO. Higher megapixels only guarantee you to print larger size or enable you to crop a certain part of the image without any obvious pixelation in the final image. If you do a lot of image cropping or want to make large print out, you should get a high megapixels camera. Quality wise, you should look for their image sensors and lens build. Common brands like Canon, Nikon and Fujifilm are known for their high quality lens build and image sensors.
4. Special Functions - Nowadays, to attract more customers, some camera manufacturers will put in extra functions which normally others don't have the technology. For example, Sony has touch screen and drawing functions, Canon 5D MK2 has HD video capability, Nikon D5000 has flip screen, Olympus Miu Tough series has shockproof, crushproof and waterproof upto 10M depth, etc. Some of these functions are really very useful and some are just what I would like to say "side-functions" to complement the camera. And of course it all depends on what is your requirement.

These are just some of the pointers I would like to mention to any future buyers. Read it as a reference and do more research thru the internet, check-out the review of each camera and more importantly go to the shop to get your hands on the cameras to get the "feel" and throw questions to the salesman.

My advise is try not to compare between brands. Each brand has their own way of marketing their products with different funtionality. Just compare within the series of the certain brand, then it will make more sense. So if you like a particular brand then go for it and check out their models to suit your style. Well, this is just me...

Happy buying...