This year I've had a number of people ask me to recommend what the best camera for them to purchase is. There are a number of factors to consider so I thought I'd pop up a post with a few options that might assist you.. I highly recommend that you still do your own research into what else is out there are as there are LOADS on the market.
I have also mainly recommended Canon - only because it's the brand I shoot with. There will be a Nikon equivalent to what I have suggested if that's the brand you would prefer.
Firstly, The best way to select a camera is to first ask yourself the following:
What sort of camera am I after?
• A compact, point and shoot camera
• Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR)
• Just one that fits the budget
What's my price range?
Set it and stick with it. There are so many options out there with todays technology from the big brand leaders, Nikon, Sony & Canon so there is bound to be something that will suit - Talk to a sales person or camera guru at a camera shop about what you have in mind.
HOW & WHAT do I want to to use my camera for?
Pretty self explanatory. Is it for you to take pictures of the kids sporting events, general home use, is it for your child? Do you like landscape photography? Are you wanting something more action orientated, perhaps you're just after a GoPro?
For Fun
Fuji Instax mini 8 or 9 - Polaroid Camera
This camera is a great gift for most ages. I even got one as a gift a couple of years ago and love taking it to special occasions to grab some snaps. I think this is a fun way to get kids interested in photography too. Given that you only get 10 polaroid films to a pack can make it a little challenging not to be wasteful though. Setting up a theme is a great idea - only shooting things of a certain colour, things that make you smile ect.
$99 from most large retailers, or jump on eBay to nab a bargain & order a few extra film packs
http://www.fujifilm.com.au/products/instant_photo
Younger children
Nikon Coolpix W100 Family Kit
I haven’t read too many reviews on this one but to me it looks like the ideal little gift for a youngster - You may not get amazing shots with it being a very basic compact camera with only 13.2 megapixels, but it ticks other boxes.
• Waterproof to a depth of 10m*1
• Shockproof to a drop of 1.8m*2
• Cold-resistant down to -10°*3
• Comes in Blue, Pink or White
Your child can take this anywhere and capture of all the family’s moments with a simple click of a button. It also comes with Snapbridge which means you can stay constantly connected to the camera from your phone. Snapbridge automatically downloads the images to your device via a constant Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection.
$199 from Camera Warehouse
There are quite a few tough, waterproof cameras on the market with better specs if that is what you are after. Another one of my favourites for the same price is the Panasonic Lumix FT30 Tough Camera which would be great for teens!
Best for the whole family at a great Price
Canon EOS 1300D DSLR
This camera is designed for first time DSLR owners who just want to get started and want great images straight up without the settings being too daunting. It is one of the most affordable digital SLRS around and I have heard so many good things about this little beauty. It is a camera you can use in all situations which is great for a family camera. 3” LCD screen, 18 megapixels and a camera which will give you great photos straight up at an afforadble price.
$499 with a 18-55mm Lens
Powerful zoom for the avid travel photographer who wants to point and shoot away!
Canon Powershot SX730HS Black Digital Compact Camera
This is what I call a compact ‘point and shoot’ camera and for its compact size it has a impressive 40 x optical zoom & shoots at 20 megapixels which would be great for travel photography. It also comes with bluetooth making it seamlessly easy to transfer your photos over to your phone.
Price $549
https://www.camerahouse.com.au/canon-powershot-sx730hs-black-digital-compact-camera
Taking photography to the next level
Canon EOS 750D DSLR
This camera is the latest model of what I started with, and one I always highly recommend. It is great for the hobby photographer who wants more detail in their photos, and all the tech side of things with the Canon Connect App. This allows you to connect your phone to the camera and to change the settings, take the shot from your mobile phone (selfies anyone?) and records the GPS data on your phone. 3” Flip out touch screen to get creative angles. 24 megapixels
From $899 or $1,199 with a 18-135mm IS Lens which gives you great range!
Sony Alpha 6000 with 16-50mm lens
Being a mirrorless camera, this beauty is much smaller in size then your normal DSLR's. It will give you superb images with 24megapixels and again is another perfect option to take traveling as its small size makes it easy and convenient to carry. There is also claims that this has the fastest auto focus out.
$849
As I said before there are loads of cameras on the market and this really is only a tiny insight to what's available - check out a camera store online. And if you're looking for something more advanced than you will likely need to step up your price range and can take a look at the Canon EOS 77D for another $500 on top of the 750D, enter into full frame cameras like the Canon EOS 6D which will really begin to transform your photos, Delve into the world of mirrorless cameras or go full pro with the Canon EOS 5D MK IV starting at $4,799 or the heavenly Sony Alpha A7R II for $3,799 (yes thank you!)
For Action cameras - you can't go past the GoPro's obviously the latest model will have the best specs - but just remember some great footage has been shot with the earlier models too.
My biggest tip to those who have a budding photographer in the family is to get them off auto mode ASAP! Try AV mode or TV Mode (Canon Settings) to start getting a grasp on the settings & understanding how the camera works.
Most pricing was found through Camera Warehouse and was correct at the time of posting, I recommend shopping around for the best deal & seeing what else may suit your needs by talking to a reputable sales person.
If you have any questions - Feel free to message me over on the Facebook page or comment below!