Searching for the perfect camera in 2020 has never been easier with the ULTIMATE Camera Buying Guide! Whether you’re treating yourself or hunting for the ideal gift, this guide has got you covered. From Full Frame and APS-C to DSLRs, Mirrorless, Bridge, and Compact Cameras, you’ll discover a variety of top deals on brands like Canon, Sony, Fuji, and Nikon. The guide highlights special shopping times like Cyber Monday and Black Friday, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
You’ll find specific model recommendations for every budget and use-case, making it simpler to choose the right camera. Whether you’re a budding photographer, a travel vlogger, or looking to upgrade your gear, this guide offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to join the Tech Gear Talk community for even more tips and content, and feel free to ask any questions in the comments for personalized advice.
The Ultimate Camera Buying Guide for 2020
This image is property of i.ytimg.com.
Understanding Your Needs
Determining Your Photography Goals
When you set out to buy a camera, the first step is to understand your specific needs and goals. Are you an aspiring photographer looking to explore your creative side, or do you need a reliable camera for your upcoming travel adventures? Perhaps you’re planning to start a YouTube channel or need to capture important family moments. By clearly defining your photography goals, you can better focus on the features that matter most to you, ensuring you invest in a camera that perfectly aligns with your vision.
Assessing Your Skill Level
Your experience and proficiency with cameras play a pivotal role in your buying decision. If you’re new to photography, you might want a camera that’s easy to use and doesn’t overwhelm with too many options. On the other hand, if you’re more experienced, you might seek advanced features and greater control over your settings. Assess your skill level honestly to choose a camera that matches your abilities and can grow with you as you enhance your skills.
Deciding Between Photography and Videography
Not all cameras excel equally in both photography and videography. If your primary goal is to capture stunning photos, certain features will be more critical, such as sensor quality and lens options. However, if you’re more inclined toward creating videos, including vlogs or cinematic productions, you should pay close attention to video quality, autofocus performance, and available frame rates. Evaluating whether your primary focus is on still images or video will guide you toward the right type of camera.
Camera Types Overview
Full Frame Cameras
Full frame cameras are known for their superior image quality due to their larger sensors, which capture more light and detail. These cameras are ideal for professionals and serious hobbyists who demand exceptional performance and versatility. Full frame sensors provide better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range, making them perfect for diverse shooting conditions.
APS-C Cameras
APS-C cameras are a great blend of quality and affordability. They feature smaller sensors than full frame cameras but still offer excellent image quality. APS-C cameras are popular among enthusiasts and semi-professionals who want high performance without the hefty price tag of full frame models. These cameras often excel in wildlife and sports photography due to the crop factor, which provides extra reach with telephoto lenses.
DSLRs
DSLRs (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras have been the gold standard for many years. They come with an optical viewfinder that provides a direct optical view through the lens, a robust build, and a wide range of lenses and accessories. While mirrorless cameras are becoming increasingly popular, DSLRs still offer superb image quality and are favored by many photographers for their reliability and ergonomics.
Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are known for being compact and lightweight without sacrificing image quality. These cameras use electronic viewfinders instead of optical ones, allowing them to be more lightweight. Mirrorless systems are rapidly advancing, offering fast autofocus, excellent video capabilities, and a growing selection of lenses. They are an excellent choice for both professional photographers and vloggers seeking high-quality video.
Bridge Cameras
Bridge cameras are versatile models that bridge the gap between compact cameras and DSLRs. They come with fixed lenses that have a wide zoom range, making them ideal for users who want an all-in-one solution without the hassle of changing lenses. While not as powerful as DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, they offer good image quality and ease of use, suitable for hobbyists and travelers.
Compact Cameras
Compact cameras, also known as point-and-shoot cameras, are small, lightweight, and easy to carry. They are perfect for casual use, travel, and everyday photography. Despite their small size, many modern compact cameras come equipped with advanced features, such as high-resolution sensors, zoom capabilities, and even 4K video recording. They are a convenient choice for those who want a simple yet capable camera.
Best Times to Buy a Camera
Black Friday
Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to buy a camera. Retailers offer significant discounts, and you can often find bundled deals that include camera bodies and lenses at a fraction of their usual price. Keep an eye out for early Black Friday deals as many stores start their sales well before the official date.
Cyber Monday
Following closely after Black Friday, Cyber Monday offers another wave of excellent deals, especially for online shoppers. Many retailers extend their discounts through the weekend and into the following Monday, making it a prime time to snag a great deal on a variety of camera models and accessories.
Holiday Season Sales
The holiday season brings more opportunities for discounts, with many retailers offering sales throughout December. This period is perfect for last-minute gift shopping or treating yourself to a new camera. Look for holiday bundles and limited-time offers that can provide substantial savings on the latest camera gear.
Entry-Level Budget Mirrorless Cameras
Canon M50 & M50 Mark II
The Canon M50 and its successor, the M50 Mark II, are fantastic entry-level mirrorless cameras. They are compact, making them perfect for travel and vlogging. Both models feature a 24MP APS-C sensor, 4K video capability, and Canon’s renowned dual pixel autofocus. With a fully articulating touchscreen, these cameras are user-friendly, versatile, and perfect for beginners. Priced at around $529 for the M50 and $599 for the M50 Mark II, they offer exceptional value.
Fujifilm XT200
The Fujifilm XT200 is another excellent option in the budget mirrorless category. This compact camera boasts a 24.2MP sensor, hybrid autofocus, and a fully articulating touchscreen. It also offers clean HDMI output, making it suitable for live streaming or external recording. Priced at around $499 with the kit lens, the XT200 provides a lot of features for the money.
Canon SL3 (200D/200D Mark II)
The Canon SL3, also known as the 200D or 200D Mark II in some regions, is a DSLR with mirrorless-like characteristics. It features a 24MP APS-C sensor and offers great photo and video capabilities. The SL3 supports EF and EF-S mount lenses, giving you a wide range of lens choices. With a price around $499, it’s an excellent budget-friendly option for both photography and video enthusiasts.
Sony A6100
The Sony A6100 is a powerful entry-level mirrorless camera. It features a 24MP APS-C sensor, exceptional autofocus performance, and excellent high ISO performance. It also supports unlimited recording times, making it a great choice for vloggers and videographers. Priced at around $750, it’s a bit more expensive but offers robust features well worth the investment.
Mid-Range Mirrorless Cameras
Canon M6 Mark II
The Canon M6 Mark II is a step up in the mid-range mirrorless category. It features an impressive 32MP sensor, excellent for high-resolution photography and detailed video content. Its compact size and usability make it perfect for travel. Priced around $799, the M6 Mark II offers advanced features at a relatively affordable price.
Fujifilm XT30
The Fujifilm XT30 is another splendid mid-range option. Sporting a 26.1MP sensor, it excels in both photo and video quality. The XT30 combines classic design with modern capabilities, making it a favorite among photography enthusiasts. Priced at around $799, it offers excellent value for money.
Sony A6400
The Sony A6400 is known for its exceptional autofocus and weather-sealing, making it suitable for diverse shooting conditions. With a 24MP sensor and strong performance in low light, it’s highly valued by photographers and videographers alike. Priced around $900, it provides robust features and durability.
Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50, with its 21MP APS-C sensor, is another great mid-range mirrorless camera. It offers reliable autofocus, weather-sealing, and a compact design. Priced at around $850, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking quality and portability.
Full-Frame Cameras
Canon EOS RP
The Canon EOS RP is an entry-level full-frame camera with a 26.2MP sensor and dual pixel autofocus. It’s an affordable option for those looking to step into full-frame photography, priced at under $1000. The EOS RP offers impressive image quality and is perfect for both stills and videos.
Canon 90D
The Canon 90D is a powerful DSLR with a high-resolution 32MP sensor. It provides excellent image quality and is built for long shoots with weather resistance. During sales, it’s priced around $1150, making it a robust option for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Sony a7 III
The Sony a7 III is a compelling mirrorless camera with a 24MP full-frame sensor. It features in-body image stabilization, excellent autofocus, and high-quality 4K video recording. Priced around $2000, with sales sometimes dropping it to $1700, the a7 III offers exceptional performance and versatility.
Higher-End APS-C Cameras
Sony A6600
The Sony A6600 is an advanced APS-C camera with excellent autofocus, in-body stabilization, and great low-light performance. Priced around $1400, it’s a bit on the higher end but offers advanced features suitable for both professional photographers and videographers.
Fujifilm XT4
The Fujifilm XT4 is another high-end APS-C camera, featuring a 26MP sensor, in-body stabilization, and the ability to shoot 4K at 60fps. Priced at $1699, it’s a top-tier APS-C camera with professional-grade features.
Bridge Cameras
Sony RX10 Mark IV
The Sony RX10 Mark IV is a powerful bridge camera with a 1-inch sensor and a built-in lens with a range of 24 to 600mm. It offers up to 24fps shooting, making it perfect for a variety of photography needs. Priced at around $1700, it’s an excellent all-in-one camera for versatile shooting situations.
Top Canon Full-Frame Cameras
Canon EOS R
The Canon EOS R features a 30MP full-frame sensor and excellent image quality. With recent price drops, it’s available for under $1600, making it a great choice for those seeking high performance in a Canon mirrorless system.
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is a high-end full-frame camera with advanced features for professionals. It’s priced at around $3900 and offers incredible image and video quality, including 8K video recording.
Canon EOS R6
The Canon EOS R6 is also designed for serious professionals, featuring a 20MP sensor and outstanding low-light performance. Priced at around $2500, it offers top-tier features without the R5’s higher price tag.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
Finding the perfect camera depends on understanding your specific needs, skill level, and whether your focus is on photography or videography. From budget-friendly mirrorless options like the Canon M50 and Fujifilm XT200 to advanced full-frame models such as the Sony a7 III and Canon EOS R6, there’s a camera for every purpose and budget.
Encouraging Feedback
We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you navigate the myriad of camera options available in 2020. If you have any questions about the models discussed or need personalized advice, please leave a comment. Your feedback is valuable and helps us improve our content.
Future Content and Updates
Stay tuned for more detailed reviews and updates on the latest camera deals. Follow us on social media for additional tips, tricks, and reviews to help you make informed decisions on your photography journey.
Thank you for reading, and happy shooting!