Buying a camera? Here are a few tips from the experts
ABS-CBN NewsAre you thinking of buying a camera? Brand new or second-hand? For work or play? Here are a few tips from the experts.
First, study which type of camera you need. Here are the most common types:
DSLR cameras are the choice of professionals. You can swap lenses on DLSRs, and pros love the viewfinder. But they can be heavy and bulky.
Photojournalists using DSLR during coverage. ABS-CBN NewsMirrorless cameras can also use interchangeable lenses, but they are smaller and more compact than DSLRs. Many pros have switched to mirrorless cameras.
A mirrorless camera. ABS-CBN NewsCompact cameras or digicams are generally even smaller than mirrorless cameras, but they are not meant for professional shooting. They generally have smaller sensors and don’t have interchangeable lenses.
A compact camera, also known as a digicam or point-and-shoot. ABS-CBN NewsAs the name suggests, these cameras use film, which means users have to be very selective about their shots. If you use film, you have to plan your shot. You also need to have the film developed at a photolab and tell them which photos you want printed.
A film camera. ABS-CBN NewsIf you are on a tight budget, you can buy second-hand gear. Online marketplaces are teeming with sellers of “pre-loved” cameras, which are much cheaper than brand new ones. You can get a good deal with a used camera, which comes at just a fraction of the price of a new one. You just need to be careful about what you’re buying.
– Make sure that the camera has no visible white spots and black spots on the screen and lens
– Check if all the buttons are working well
– Check if the ports are covered and working well
– Check if the battery still works and how long it keeps a charge
– Check the camera body for scratches, bumps, holes, or burns
– Check if the audio is clear and crisp
A shop selling second-hand cameras at Hidalgo St. in Quiapo, Manila. ABS-CBN NewsIf you are buying from Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, or other platforms, Mike Bernabe-Regaliza, or Mikeeest on TikTok, advises you to meet the seller face-to-face. This is very important, especially if the value of the camera is high.
“If you buy second-hand cameras, better if you do meetups para ma-check mo talaga yung camera. So the number one thing I do is take a photo using the camera itself and then ita-transfer it to a phone. Kasi kapag nalipat mo na siya sa phone, parang doon mo makikita kung may white or black spots, kung may vignette, kung mayroong spec, may fungus, all those things.”
Another option is to go to actual, physical shops that sell second-hand gear.
“Mayroon namang available din sa Quiapo, which is my favorite place din. Nagbebenta na sila ng mga DSLR, mirrorless, mga digicams, para ma-test mo rin agad.”
Jan Mayo, a professional portrait photographer, also advises buyers on online marketplaces to know more about the seller.
“You can at least have common friends to look up and to check. For example, if you see a common friend, maybe you can ask, Do you know this person? He’s selling a camera. Can you vouch for him?” says Jan.
This is to filter out scammers, and sellers who may be dishonest about the quality of the gear they are selling.
Memory cards and other digital camera gear. ABS-CBN News Aside from camera, you should buy things that are essential for your cameras like:– SD Card for storage
– Spare batteries to extend the shooting time of your camera
– Camera bag for protection
– Basic cleaning kit like microfiber cloth, air blower, and lens cleaning solution
– Camera storage and make sure that it is airtight so that moisture and fungus won’t affect your lenses.
“Very important na alam mo yung purpose mo, alam mo yung output na gusto mo. Para kapag nakuha mo yung camera, ma-enjoy mo talaga siya and magagamit mo siya talaga,” says Mikee.