What is the Best Camera Brand?

Probably one of the most common question asked by someone new to this hobby is “What is the best camera brand?” In reality there is no clear cut answer to this question- everything actually boils down to individual’s needs and preference. However there are a few things to know which can help you out of this dilemma.

Many companies make consumer cameras. Some are rarely heard of since they focus mainly to a selected group of users. For example, the company Horseman and Sinar concentrate only in making view cameras and other high end cameras which are used by a handful of very specialized photographers.

Some brands are more recognized as makers of certain kind of cameras. Leica, for example, is more popular for its line of rangefinder (although they actually do produce DSLRs and compacts). Another example is Hassleblad which is renowned for making medium format cameras. These two brands are synonimous with exceptional quality and their prices far exceed that of the common DSLRs.

From the aspect of quality, Hasselblad can be said to be among the world’s best. Still it cannot be said to be the most suitable to most people due to its exorbitant price and size (and weight, of course). Although the quality is unquestionable, this camera is not necessarily the best choice for the average photographer.

Hasselblad medium format camera (photo from Hasselblad)

For DSLR cameras, the more well-known brands are Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus and Pentax. Other than sheer quality, the popularity of these brands is highly influenced by its local marketing strategy. For example, a camera might be very popular in Japan but hardly has significant presence in Malaysia. It is not necessary that the most popular brand produces the best camera but as a general rule of thumb, it is a safe choice to pick your first camera from a brand which is well known and has a larga user base.

Each manufacturer has its own pricing strategy. Usually the more expansive an equipment, the better it is. Apart from that, a brand brings along a certain prestige which is included in the pricing package.

Other than the quality of a camera, you should as well understand the reliability of the brand’s after sales service. Is the product difficult to be repairs? Is the process lengthy and reasonably charged?

Every company has their own mission and vision. Some are more advanced in technology, others may put more emphasis on quality while there are those who are more inclined to miniaturization.

Another important thing you should know is that each camera brand belongs to a unique proprietary system which is incompatible with the others. Equipment such as camera, lens and flash from one brand can only be fully utilized when used within the same brand. For example a Canon camera cannot use a lens made by Nikon (except by using an adapter, even then it is not fully compatible). In fact some equipment within the same brand cannot be used on a different model. Henceforth is it paramount that you understand each photography equipment that you plan to acquire will be compatible with what you already have.

Apart from being compatible within its own brand, cameras can utilize equipment made by a third party but based on the same system. Companies such as Tokina, Tamron and Sigma produce lenses for various camera systems. These are usually cheaper than comparable lenses made by the original manufacturer. Keep in mind to ensure the third party lens you are planning to purchase is of the same mount as your camera.

There are also third party manufacturers of flash such as Metz and Nissin which make models compatible with many camera systems such as Nikon and Canon.

Before deciding on which brand you are buying into, you should deeply consider how you are going to use it in the long run. Obviously once you buy into a system, you are bound into it. Every lens, flash and accessory you will eventually obtain must be compatible with the system.

In the span of a few years you will acquire an array of lenses and accessories for that system. Should you then decide to switch to another system, you may need to dispose your entire drybox content. You shall bear a loss and have to restart from scratch- purchasing each lens and accessory for your new camera all over again. It is usually not advisable to use more that one camera system at a time due to the high cost.

Another important matter which needs to be considered before purchasing a camera- it is advisable to get a camera from the same brand which most of your friends are using. This makes knowledge sharing easier especially on matters pertaining on the usage of the system. You can even exchange and test lenses and accessories with them when in need.

After comparing several cameras, you might face a situation where you need to choose between two cameras from different brand. After comparing the specifications, you probably decide that they are more or less similar. A way to release the deadlock is to just go with the camera that you like base on, perhaps, aesthetical or ergonomical reason. Here the final decision will be more prone towards the image carried by the exterior design of the camera. Ultimately this is the one factor which makes you love and be proud of the camera.

The question on what is the best camera brand has always been raised by those who just recently become interested in this field. The fact is each brand has its own strength and weakness. The choice is in your hand- make the decision based on your needs, budget and personal taste. Whatever brand you use, it is your skills that will reflect how good you are as a photographer.

Original article from fototeacher.com/blog by Hasnuddin Abu Samah. Translated by Amir Ridhwan

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