How Much to Spend On a Camera
A question myself and many other photographers get asked often is one that is hard to explain the answer to. In this blog I explore the common question of "How much should I spend on a Camera?".
Truth be told, purchasing your first camera maybe more complex than first thought. This is because of a variety of different factors and variable elements you need to take into consideration.
The biggest of them all being the costs involved and your budget. This will naturally change from person-to-person, and therefore there is no definitive answer on how much you should spend on a camera. You will need to match up your needs with your level of income to get a feel of what kind of ballpark you are able to spend within. Furthermore, after the purchase of the camera the spending doesn’t stop there, you will also need to consider memory cards, lenses, cleaning kits, and other accessories to have alongside.
The condition of the camera will also have a effect on the pricing, you need to consider if you want to purchase a brand new camera, or a used one which would significantly reduce the costs. Of course buying used comes with an added element of risk, however reputable companies such as MPB, WEX, or London Camera Exchange based in the UK which I have always used will fulfil all the necessary checks to guarantee everything is in good condition and in working order.
All being said, the more you spend the more you get for your money. From a £500 camera to a £1,500 one the difference in technology will be huge. Once again, this all circles back to your personal needs. For example, the first camera I bought was a Canon 90D with a zoom kit lens for roughly £1,500 new and it was perfect, a great combination. The equipment from there at my disposal allowed me to grow and learn the ways of photography. You can easily spend less and still get a great camera, though I feel that range offers the most value for money.
A great way to reduce costs is to try and get a camera with a kit lens. This is a lens that comes in a bundle alongside the camera. You always get the kit lens for a much better price rather than buying it separately, which is a win-win situation. Furthermore, the economic situations around the world can have a major impact on pricing. For example, when I visited Japan again for 3 months last year, I found I could have saved well into the £1,000s on lenses and camera equipment compared to purchasing in the UK, so that is something to keep in mind if you are traveling elsewhere.
At the end of the day, how much to spend on a camera is a question which will vary in all sorts of ways, and therefore be near impossible to answer. However each individual will have their own opinion, and it all comes down to personal choices and preferences.
To help with further guidance, I have previously wrote a blog explaining Camera Gear for Beginners here.