Last week I learned
the basics of DSLR cameras. This week I'm looking at specific functions I'd
like to have in a camera. I'll research and compare a few cameras to see which
one best meets my requirements and make a purchase.
What am I looking
for in a camera?
- User-friendly
I've
had opportunities to use a professional quality Canon and Nikon. While I say
"use" that's really not true.
It might be more accurate to say I've 'held' a few nice cameras, and
utilized the automatic point and click functions to take photos. Really using a
camera is dependent on a solid understanding of the concepts I wrote about last
week, as well as the camera's settings, features and processes. Because of
this, I'm looking for an entry-level DSLR camera with a user-friendly
interface. This includes well-organized menu options that you can access in one
or two clicks.
- At least 18MP
- Video capabilities are at least 1080p video, 3fps, external microphone port
I'd
eventually like to use this camera to create training videos. The external mic
port is a necessity for this. 3 fps is ok, but I'd like to find a camera within
my price range that does a little better.
- Affordable
Models That Match My Criteria
While reading camera
reviews this week, I took note of three cameras that take great photos (at
least 18MP), video, and were recommended for entry-level photographers like me.
The Pentax K-S2 for $596, the Nikon D3300 for $439, and the Canon T5 is available
for about $385 (Prices differ depending on where you look, so I've shown the
Google shopping price).
Let's start with
that.
Compiling this chart gave me additional insight into the power of visual charts and tables. They cut right to the facts, enabling us to easily accumulate declarative knowledge, and add detail of our schema of a factual object.
After I read and processed a certain depth of info I felt comfortable choosing which features were most important to me and which I could do without. When I thought about what I knew about each camera, it seemed like I understood each camera's strengths and compromises. At that time, I think I had constructed a schema for "what I want in a camera." (hahaha This is interesting because it's not a real object, it's a concept that I created. Reminds me a bit of Plato's theory of pure forms and their manifestations.)
After I read and processed a certain depth of info I felt comfortable choosing which features were most important to me and which I could do without. When I thought about what I knew about each camera, it seemed like I understood each camera's strengths and compromises. At that time, I think I had constructed a schema for "what I want in a camera." (hahaha This is interesting because it's not a real object, it's a concept that I created. Reminds me a bit of Plato's theory of pure forms and their manifestations.)
Here are some other
resources that helped me accumulate a sufficient depth of fact and opinion into
my schema for each camera.
- Fun and informative YouTube video review
- Side by side iconic comparison winner, runner-up
- Compare D33oo to the Pentax
- Pentax details
Stay tuned to find out which camera I choose.
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