
You’re going on holiday and you want to come back with astonishing pictures to make your friends and family super jealous? What camera should you bring when that point and shoot just doesn’t do the trick anymore?
Before deciding which kick-ass camera you want to draw your wallet for, you first have to get your priorities straight.
What is the main goal of your holiday; to relax on the beach; a city trip where you’ll be doing plenty of walking; or a round trip through an exotic country?
I’ll sum up a few types of cameras that are currently on the market with their pros and cons.
Compact point-and-shoot
The name says it all; a camera that doesn’t need a lot of thought or know-how of photography. It’s lightweight and gives perfect pictures of you, your lover or kids in front of the Eiffel Tower. You can even play with perspective while you touch the point of this infamous landmark. This camera is perfect if you want an enjoyable memory of your holiday.
Digital SLR
Here is where it gets tricky. Buying a $400 DSLR with a kitlens without any know-how will NOT get you that award winning photo you might be yearning for. Sure the pros use a DSLR but what you forget is that they also bring their tripod, polarizing filter, ND filter, wide angle lens, zoom lens and a good prime. Catch my drift? Are you willing to carry over 3 kilos of photography gear, wanting to wait for that picture-perfect moment while your kids are screaming for ice cream? No? Don’t buy a DSLR.
Micro four-thirds camera
Although I was hesitant at first, I now am a huge fan of the micro 4/3 cameras. With its smaller size and DSLR capabilities it makes a good option to tag along. If you’re new into photography and you actually want to learn the basics without feeling to overwhelmed, this camera might help. If you have no understanding of shutterspeed, aperture or ISO and no interest in, stay with the compact.
An advanced photographer can use this camera to its full potential. Also here, bring along a polarizing filter, ND filter and a small tripod and people will think you took the shot with a DSLR.
Smartphone
Why people still use compact cameras while the latest smartphones have excellent cameras bedazzles me. The compact camera can zoom…, a lot and also will work better in bad light situations. Otherwise leave all that stuff at home and use this all-in-one device. The big advantage is that you can upload your pictures immediately on Facebook and show off to all your friends.