First-time Camera Buying Guide Detailed Explanations

Every year I publish a camera buying guide to help first-time camera buyers. I try to keep it simple, but people who already have cameras often have questions like, "Why didn't you recommend (some other camera?)" or "Why would you recommend that camera for that purpose?" So, in this video, I explain the justifications for each of the cameras I recommended... strictly for the camera nerds out there.

[curtis.strange]

I have no need for any of the info in this video, but I'm watching because of Tony's soothing voice

[CooperLandingFishingGuide]

The first camera purchase can be so daunting! Thank you for a great resource!

[miyoko_]

The fact that you need to explain this -- after it was mentioned in the previous video & description -- must be exhausting for you. So sorry you needed to re-explain this to people that the video clearly wasn't meant for.

[ricktieman]

I'm on a very tight budget because I'm retired. I bought probably the cheapest Canon camera there is. It's the rebel t100. A lot of people say that it's such a bad camera but the experience I've had with it has been very good. I'm not anywhere near being a professional photographer and don't claim to be. I have a friend that does do pro shooting and I asked him to shoot some pics using the manual mode. He took some different shots of landscape and portrait. He was very impressed with the results he came up with. And is helping me learn manual shooting. I realize that more expensive cameras produce better quality photos but it shows me at least that you really don't have to have the best camera out there to have really nice results. Thank you for your channel I've been watching almost all of your videos and I am learning from them. Thanks again.

[ottersphotography]

Tony, I am one of those people who are "hyper" into cameras and photography but I am very happy you do reach out to this specific audience, especially on your camera buying guide. I think this is actually a great way to bring people in to photography. That first camera purchase is daunting and I think your information helps people make those decisions with far less stress. I would rather see people get the information and make a decision than be frustrated with hi tech specs they don't understand and frankly have no need for at entry level.

[skydiverx]

Tony, I thought your explanation was very clear and you suggestions we great.

[beththompson]

Well, you actually DID recommend my camera (Nikon d5500), so naturally I loved this.

[mossmanmedia]

Thank you for doing this video. I am pointing people that want to get into a DSLR or mirrorless camera to this video. The video quality and sound are excellent. Please keep doing what you are doing. Such a blessing!

[Parrott]

Tony, I’m outraged at you for not mentioning my camera (the Goobie 3000) and I am unable to accept that your opinion differs from mine. Therefore, I’m going to post here how mad it makes me with no facts to back up my anger.

[SelmanJulian]

I have several cameras but I found this valuable because it REMINDS me of the fundamentals and not to worry about having to get the latest stuff. Like digital equipment it's soon our of date anyway. Also us non-professionals do not know what the latest equipment is like e.g. I am now in a position to judge whether going for a mirrorless full frame camera is worth it - thanks to your advice.

[brandtl]

Best tip offered to me on my first camera buy.... buy the one that you enjoy holding. If it feels good, it gets into your hand more often. I have large hands and frankly felt most cameras were awkward to hold. I settled on a D700. Love it. Love holding it. Fits like a glove!

[Spartacus]

Just one thing about Sony APS-C cameras and not very good lenses: Try the Sigma 16mm F1.4, Sigma 30mm F1.4 and the most recent Sigma 56mm F1.4. All excellent, very sharp lenses. I´m curious if Sony let´s Fuji rule the APS-C world (I really like Fuji, but for me it´s cheaper and more practical to stay with the same mount (A6000/A7R III)).

[matthewwells]

I really loved my D5500. It took amazing images and you could beat the hell out of it. Small and light, perfect for travel. Also, much love for the D750. Just a great all around camera.

[Shambolicoholic]

Finally a buying guide for people like me: the Sally Housecoats and Joe Lunchpails of this world who wants to shoot FF raw photos at 20 FPS.

[danielperkins]

I bought a used nikon d5300 for $375 for astrophotography and I have no regrets. I was on a budget and bought a super cheap $120 sigma telephoto lens and have been able to take nice pictures of the larger deep sky objects. I need to invest in a nice telescope in the future for the smaller and fainter objects

[randydean]

I hadn't realized how much of a camera nerd I was until I caught myself watching this in its entirety, even though I haven't got a single quibble with any of your recommendations. I might ask how your tests with the z6's autofocus has gone in respect to the final category _ but the A73 has at this point proven its mettle. What I really enjoyed about this was your sincerity and willingness to share your own personal process insofar as your recommendations are concerned. So irrespective of the data it's always nice to hear someone be sincere - regardless the topic..

Cheers!

[nocturnus]

Thank you for starting the discussionTony. This Summer the Hard Drive on my Mac mini died & I was forced to wait for the fall announcement everyone knew was coming for the upgrade. This was a good time to test if living iPad only would work for me [nope, not even close]. The hard part in all of this is you are sharing is the value of making the jump into this world. My Mac mini was a workhorse that gave me some great years of use [it was the 2010 model]. Because of how my workflow has changed, I opted for the MacBook Air over the refreshed Mini. I might need to purchase the new mini or 4 later for grid computing work, but I'm now in a position where I'll need mobility above what any iPad can cover. As for cameras, I think you have provided some useful information about what my options have going into the next year. I honestly cannot tell you what the A feature on my control ring does. I rarely go outside M. But I'm also someone that purchased the D7000 new & find it serves my needs. IF I upgraded camera gear, anything would be an improvement. I make use of as much of the full package so It is helpful that you are covering as large a tent as is out there.

[Acadien]

Thanks for this video and addressing those in the market who simply want a smart phone . Pretty much unheard of. I was also really happy with your plug for the D750 as a workhorse, with great low-light capability. I am so happy to see you paired it with the Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 G2. I am currently saving for this lens as I do mostly portrait and event photography.

[lextek]

I get that the a6000/Sony menu system is difficult to use for most people who are already photographers and are already working with other systems, but I think there is something to be said about a refurbished a6000 + kit lens on amazon for ~$500 USD. The EVF is a ground breakingly useful tool for someone new who is still trying to learn the basics of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.

[sarahphillips]

Very good and helpful video Tony. I'm fairly new to photography. I've only had my camera for a year and a half. I'm learning every time it's in my hands. I can't get enough of my T7i and the Sigma 18-35 is an absolute MASTERPIECE. I went with Canon because of the lens selection and don't regret it at all.