Choosing a Digital Camera

Choosing a Digital Camera

Because of the inherent stability of OS X and the popularity of iOS devices (iPhone, iPod, iPad), the Mac user base continues to grow. Macs have long been a favorite of graphics professionals so it is no surprise that “Switchers” first priority is often photography. We see many questions like, “I just got my new Mac and I love it . . . What software do I need for photos?” or “How do I get my pictures from my camera into iPhoto?”, or even “I need a new camera; what should I buy?”

My goal is to address the last of these questions: “What camera should I buy?”  The answer is, of course, “That depends . . . ..”

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Everyone is different, an oft repeated truism, but the truth regardless. A digital camera is not the end, but part of the path toward solving a problem, the problem of capturing and recording images for immediate use and/or posterity. Since we all have different situations, resources and needs regarding those images (photos), it shouldn’t be surprising that the best solution will be unique to each of us.

What I am saying is that most of us really don’t care about the camera. If we could look at a scene and directly transfer it from our mind to our Mac for storage and sharing we would be delighted. The camera is a vehicle, not the destination. Ultimately it comes down to getting the pictures we desire, where we want them, when we want them, and with the least cost, aggravation and effort.

Before I continue to the next section, I will say, for many people a smartphone is the best camera and the best solution. For example, the iPhone 4s produces more than acceptable images for the majority of people, is easy to use and is almost always available for use. And, it painlessly uploads those same images for later use (for those who are using iCloud and Photostreaming). But, for those wanting or needing a little more, read on.