Camera?

Many parents/students ask if I can recommend a camera. This is a tough question to answer. All of the major brands (Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony) will have various cameras depending on your budget. I like to explain what to look for, instead of recommending an actual camera.

Here is what you need to look for:

SEE PHOTO ATTACHED: Any of these camera types (in any brand) will work for Photography 1

      • DSLR: Recommended, especially if you plan to take Photo 2 or pursue photography
      • Point & Shoot Hybrid: Will be an excellent camera for Photo 1. Great Starter camera.
      • Point and Shoot-Compact Camera: This camera will be acceptable for all photo 1 assignments.
      • NO PHONES/iPADS or DIGITAL DEVICES are permitted for taking photos in photography class

View Finder Recommended (vs. one with only a LCD screen) due to the glare on LCD screens.

BATTERY: A camera with RECHARABLE batteries, are recommended. Cameras with disposable batteries can become a hassel week after week.

VIEWFINDER

Rechargeable Battery

THESE ARE THE TYPES OF CAMERAS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

BASIC, MUST HAVES: (usually compact camera)

    1. Megapixels: Higher than 10
    2. Optical Zoom: Higher than 10x
      • Please do not confuse this with DIGITAL ZOOM which is "fake" optics
    3. Macro Mode

NICE TO HAVE: (usually DSLR hybrid)

    1. All of the above +
    2. Battery: Lithium (vs. AA or AAA)
    3. Viewfinder (vs. LCD screen only)
    4. Manual Mode

Examples of DSLR HYBRID with Manual (M) function:

● Canon PowerShot SX120 IS ● Canon PowerShot G11 ● Nikon Coolpix P90, L100 ● Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

    • There are many other models with: Aperture Priority AE - Shutter Priority AE - Manual

EXCELLENT TO HAVE: (DSLR)

  1. All of the above +
  2. DSLR
    • a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex). Any brand: Canon, Nikon, Sony etc even if it is not a new model.

PHOTO 2: (DSLR required)

  1. If you plan to take Photo 2, you will need to have a DSLR camera for that course.
  2. Cameras will need to be able to be set to:
    1. MANUAL mode
    2. Aperture Priority Mode
    3. Selective Focus Point
    4. Shutter Priority Mode
    5. ISO needs to be able to be adjusted
    6. Exposure Compensation