Q&A Monday: Camera

All questions will remain anonymous in Q&A section.

Q: Hey Travis, I'm looking to buy my first digital SLR camera. What should I buy?

A: There are a lot of cameras out there, aren't there? As far as brand, both Canon and Nikon are safe bets. Each makes quality cameras. Each stands behind their products. Each has a wide selection of lenses that work with its cameras. I know there are professional photographers who go with other brands and love their cameras, but there is more risk involved. Canon and Nikon are committed to be at the top of the industry for at least the next few years.

As far as individual models, don't spend $3000 on a camera if your entire photography budget is only $4000 for the next year. The great majority of enthusiasts would be best off spending under $1500 on a D-SLR. Good used D-SLRs can be had for $500 or less. For instance, Canon has two "enthusiast" lines of D-SLRs: the Rebel series and the 20/30/40/50 D series. The resulting images from these cameras (especially 20/30/40/50D series) in good lighting situations will be similar to images taken with more expensive cameras. Instead of buying a $3000 camera, it is much better to buy a $1000 camera when starting out and have an extra $2000 to spend on lenses. Lenses affect image quality more than the camera in good lighting situations. Lenses retain their value at least 3x better than cameras. The knowledge of the photographer affects image quality more than camera or lenses and it retains its value better than either. $2000 extra is a lot of money to spend on the (distant) 3rd factor of what affects image quality. Invest in the other two and there will be more return.