Camera buying guide
A digital camera allows you to take photos of a much higher quality than most mobile phones whilst a compact camera is good for on the go pics. This Camera Buying Guide gives you a helpful overview of cameras and accessories so you can choose the best camera for your needs.
Which Camera is right for you?
There is a camera for every kind of photographer, whether you’re someone who reserves their snapping for life’s big moments, or you’re an artist wanting to capture the subtle beauty of the world with a high-spec DSLR or mirrorless camera. Of course, the latest smartphones take great photos, too; but for images that wow, you need to have the proper equipment. And that means doing your research. This camera buying guide will help you buy the best digital camera and accessories for your needs, so you can capture memories and show the world how you see it.
DSLR Cameras
If you’re getting into photography and want more control over your photos, a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera will help you tap into your creativity and take your photography to the next level with a faster click and capture speed and better image quality. Whilst a point and shoot camera is compact and easy to use, a DSLR digital camera starts up instantly with no shutter lag so you can always get the shot and captures exactly what you see when you press the shutter button. You can take multiple frames in rapid succession and choose the best shot later. They have a larger internal sensor and capture much better shots than a compact camera, storing images on a removable memory card for computer editing and TV sharing. They are designed for use in multiple weather conditions and across various terrains, built to withstand a certain amount of shock so is a rugged piece of equipment and is manufactured using more metal and less plastic than a typical digital camera but is often bulkier, heavier and harder to travel with than a compact camera
Compact Digital Cameras
If you’ll mainly be using it for happy snaps on holidays or nights out a compact camera is probably your best bet. They’re lightweight and really easy to use, with automatic settings that make taking photos as simple as point and shoot. Keep in mind that some compact digital cameras can take a few seconds to start up and take a picture so you might miss the moment sometimes. These are your traditional point-and-shoot cameras. This is the kind of digital camera that’s easy to pack into a nappy bag so you always have a good camera handy for your child or grandchild’s big milestones. Also perfect for capturing holidays and family events, though these models might lack the features for someone aiming to be a master photographer.
Camera drones
A camera drone refers to the camera system mounted on a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV). These cameras are specifically designed to be lightweight, compact, and capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos from the air. Drone cameras can vary widely in specifications depending on the type and purpose of the drone. They often feature stabilization technology to counteract the movements of the drone in flight, ensuring smooth and steady footage. Drone cameras are used in various applications such as aerial photography, filmmaking, surveillance, mapping, agriculture, and more.
Action Cameras
An action camera is a compact and rugged camera designed primarily for capturing action-packed activities and extreme sports. These cameras are typically small, lightweight, and waterproof, making them suitable for use in challenging environments where traditional cameras might not be practical.
Camera accessories
Camera accessories are essential tools that enhance photographic capabilities and versatility. Tripods stabilize shots, lenses capture details, filters adjust light and color, and flashes illuminate subjects. Remote shutter releases prevent shake, and camera bags protect gear during travel. Together, these accessories empower photographers to realize creative visions effectively and reliably.
“A smartphone is great for life’s unexpected moments, but for full control over a photo, and to get the best possible shot, you need a device that specialises in being a camera, able to get that depth you can only get from a proper lens.” - Christos Boukogiannis, The Good Guys Buyer – Cameras
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More tips for choosing a Camera
Features to consider
When weighing up different DSLR camera models consider and compare these key features:
High-definition movie – does it capture movie footage as well as still images?
Megapixels – the more it has, the more the sensor stores, the better the photos.
Frames per second – how many photos can the camera snap per second?
Live view – does it have an LCD screen that helps you frame your photos?
Camera accessories
There are several common camera accessories available, designed for specific purposes and locations:
Lenses
Filters
Flashguns
Memory Cards
Cases
Carry Bags
Different Grips
Cleaning Kits
Tripods
External Filter
Extra Batteries
Charger
Lens options in DSLR Cameras
If you buy a DSLR, there’s a good chance you’ll need to buy an additional lens for the style of photography that you’re interested in. There are seven main types:
Fish eye, with a focal length of 4-14mm
Wide angle 15-34mm
Standard 35-85mm
Short telephoto 86-134mm
Medium telephoto 135mm+
Super-telephoto 300mm+
Macro 35-200mm
How to make your Camera last longer
Protect your camera and lenses from damage by always using a camera bag or case.
Follow the camera strap instructions and make sure it’s always attached properly.
Always follow all of the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions.
Only wipe your lenses with a soft, Microfibre cloth – never tissues or paper towels.
Buy and use a camera cleaning kit so dirt doesn’t make your photos blurry.
Always use the lens cap and use the camera body end caps after removing lenses.
Point the camera at the ground when changing lenses so dust doesn’t get inside.
Keep your camera dry with a rain cover and don’t expose it to extreme weather.
Never leave your camera in extremely cool or extremely hot places (like the car).
Store camera and lenses in sealed plastic bags during extreme temperature changes to prevent condensation, and let them adjust to the new temperature before removing.
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Camera glossary
We’ll break down all the tech talk and acronyms that you need to know.
Macro lens
A camera macro lens is a specialized type of lens designed for close-up photography, typically used to capture small subjects with great detail and magnification. For up close, crisp, clear photos of little things.
Wide-angle lens
A wide-angle camera lens is a type of lens that has a shorter focal length than a standard lens for a given camera format, allowing it to capture a broader field of view such as beautiful, sweeping landscapes and sunsets.
Telephoto lens
A telephoto lens is a type of camera lens with a long focal length that allows photographers to magnify distant subjects, bringing them closer optically without physically moving closer. For photos of fast-moving sport and wildlife.
Tilt and shift Lens
A tilt-shift lens, often referred to as a "Tilt and Shift" lens, is a specialized type of lens primarily used in architectural and landscape photography. It allows photographers to control perspective distortion and depth of field in ways that are not possible with standard lenses.For buildings and correcting perspective.
Shutter speed
How fast a photo is taken. Faster is better for things that are moving; slow is better for taking photos of the night sky.
Aperture
Aperture refers to the opening within a lens through which light passes to reach the camera's sensor or film. One of the key pillars of photography and another way to control how light is let into the camera.
White balance
A setting that allows you to set the white balance in a digital image so whites don’t look yellow or blue.
Image stabiliser
A camera image stabilizer refers to technology designed to reduce or eliminate the effects of camera shake or movement during photography or videography. This technology is crucial for obtaining sharp, clear images and smooth videos, especially in situations where handheld shooting is necessary or desired. Just because your hands are shaking doesn’t mean your photo has to be blurry!
Contrast
Camera contrast refers to the difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of an image captured by a camera. It is a critical aspect of image quality and affects how details are perceived in different parts of the photograph or video. In photography and cinematography, contrast is often manipulated to achieve specific artistic effects or to enhance the visibility of details.
Flash synchronization
Camera flash synchronization (often abbreviated as "flash sync") refers to the coordination between a camera and an external flash unit to ensure proper exposure when capturing a photograph using artificial lighting.
FAQs
To clean a camera lens, start by using a lens blower to remove loose dust and a lens brush for any remaining particles. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with lens cleaning solution and gently wipe the lens in a circular motion from the center outwards. Dry any remaining moisture with a clean part of the cloth, ensuring no smudges or streaks are left. Avoid using paper products or applying solution directly to the lens, and regularly clean to prevent buildup of grime.
Shutter speed refers to the amount of time a camera’s shutter is open to allow light to hit the sensor or film. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second, such as 1/500 or 1/60. A fast shutter speed (like 1/1000) freezes motion and captures sharp images of fast-moving subjects, while a slow shutter speed (like 1/30) can create motion blur, which is useful for capturing movement or low-light scenes.
You can buy film for your camera at The Good Guys here.