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)
- Megapixels: Higher than 10
- Optical Zoom: Higher than 10x
- Please do not confuse this with DIGITAL ZOOM which is "fake" optics
- Macro Mode
NICE TO HAVE: (usually DSLR hybrid)
- All of the above +
- Battery: Lithium (vs. AA or AAA)
- Viewfinder (vs. LCD screen only)
- 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)
- All of the above +
- 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)
- If you plan to take Photo 2, you will need to have a DSLR camera for that course.
- Cameras will need to be able to be set to:
- MANUAL mode
- Aperture Priority Mode
- Selective Focus Point
- Shutter Priority Mode
- ISO needs to be able to be adjusted
- Exposure Compensation