Buying a new camera may not seem like the biggest of deals, but recently students have taken to buying Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras.
DSLR cameras today can start at under $500 and move up all the way to tens of thousands of dollars. In the range of $1000, Canon and Nikon are the most popular brands around. Both manufacturers produce cameras that can serve different purposes, from being everyday cameras to taking fast-shutter action shots.
Having a DSLR is great, but being able to keep a compact point and shoot camera with you all the time is a great advantage because of its smaller size.
In my experience, many parents and students are inclined to pick the cheapest thing out there. Another idea I’ve heard is that DSLR cameras are better than any point and shoot camera. As a photographer, DSLR cameras are a standard and whenever I am on an assignment, it’s the first thing I reach for. For a student who wants good quality pictures, a Canon Rebel T3i or a Nikon D5200 are great starter cameras. As a photographer, a DSLR with manual controls is the best choice, but as a student, I have come to appreciate point and shoot cameras. Having a DSLR is great, but being able to keep a compact point and shoot camera with you all the time is a great advantage because of its smaller size.
Deciding which type of camera to buy depends on the user. At school, whether I’m with friends or just around campus, a point and shoot is sometimes the only convenient device that can always be with you and still take great pictures.
On a side note, whether or not you’re a DSLR or point and shoot camera user, learning how to get the best exposure on your camera will greatly improve the quality of your pictures and the options that you have when composing shots. Canon has a great learning tool here that explores exposure and depth of field.
