Camera Buying Tips

Photographic Innoventions by Scott Thomas

Cameras of all types were used on an All Ears Photo Walk around Cresent Lake, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Cameras of all types were used on an All Ears Photo Walk around Cresent Lake.

Are you looking for a camera to give this Christmas? Maybe even to yourself? Here are a few websites I use when researching a photographic purchase of any kind.

The first has been around for as long as I can remember: Digital Photography Review or DPReview for short. Not only do they review the lastest and greatest cameras, lenses and other equipment, they have a database that goes back years with thousands of models from all the camera manufacturers available with full specs, first looks, full reviews and photo samples to go with them. This is the place where I go to help other people who ask me about a particular cameras or lenses first. It is owned by Amazon.com now but I do not see a biased in their reporting. Links to Amazon do come up first.

Speaking of Amazon, you can find solid photography books and equipment at the All Ears Photography Listings.

Besides Amazon, the online (and if you are lucky enough to live near or can visit New York City) and brick and mortar superstore for photographers is B&H Photo. I have heard stories of people getting lost inside their store for days. The online store is excellent for both browsing and quick searches. Much safer, too.

Remember I talked about getting information about older cameras, lenses and equipment. I highly recommend people looking to get into photography beyond pointing and clicking to find a good used camera and some lenses to start with. You can find such well maintained and bargain priced photography equipment at KEH.com. KEH specializes in buying and selling quality products and back it up with a 6 month warranty.

Online photography rental websites always have an inventory of used equipment for sale.

For the more adventurous, eBay is an excellent source of used equipment. You must be cautious and research, not only what you are buying, but who you are buying it from. Same goes for any For Sale forums found on the thousands of online photography message boards. I have gotten some good deals this way.

Do not forget your local photography store if you are lucky enough to have one in your area. They also deal in used equipment as well as new and can give you personal service. Something a website can not do.

If you have a favorite photography website or store, let us know about it in the Comments below.

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Scott's "Photographic Innoventions" blog focuses on intermediate to advanced photography concepts and techniques relevant for Point and Shoot and Digital SLR cameras.

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One Reply to “Camera Buying Tips”

  1. Scott,

    First off – thanks! Love your pictures and tips every week. I have gone to http://www.kenrockwell.com for my reviews, as he goes really in-depth but explains it in plain english. If you haven’t already been there, take a look. He does ask for donations, but does not require them to read any reviews.

    Regards,
    Kevin

    Scott replies: Thanks, Kevin! Yes, Ken is a good source and tells it like he sees it, too. Scott Kelby is another good photographer and photo editing guru to look up.