Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Pentax, Sony and Olympus are just a few of the camera brands widely available today. Each of these companies has multiple models from which to choose.

With so many brands and models to choose from, with so much information and misinformation available, just how do I know what camera to buy? Should I go digital or stick with film? What kind of accessories and lenses will I need?

While you are contemplating a new camera purchase, it is a good idea to remember that each camera company has a marketing department, and it is their job to convince you, the consumer, of your dire need for the latest and greatest that they have to offer. I have found recommendations from friends and family are not always that helpful either. Of course, the brand they use is the best (no one wants to admit to a purchasing error)! Well then, what about the pros? Should I consider what they are using? Many pros have "deals" with manufactures, so the financial benefits rather then equipment benefits may motivate them in their brand preferences.

As you begin the search for your new camera, temper your excitement about who has the "latest and greatest". Frequently camera manufactures leap frog each other technologically. The most important aspect of making the correct decision is figuring out what you want to do photographically and getting the right tool to accomplish your goals.

Once you have a good idea of what you want to accomplish with your photography, and you have a camera in mind, go try it out! The camera may have the specifications you want, but does it feel right in your hand? Are the ergonomics right for you?

Here are some questions you should ponder as you begin the camera selection process.

1. What do I wish to accomplish with my photography?

• Personal Satisfaction
• Relaxation/Stress Relief
• Hobbyist
• Teaching (About your subject)
• Love of Nature
• To Share Photos With Friends
• Show Off
• Personal Challenge
• Professional Aspirations

2. What style of photography do I want to concentrate on?

• Landscape
• Macro
• Natural History
• Animal Behavior
• Ecological
• Wild Animal Portraits
• Artistic
• General Nature

3. What do I want the final product to be?

• Transparency / Slide
• Print From Negative
• Print from Digital File
• Large Prints / 11X14 and Larger

4. What are some budgetary concerns?

• Initial System Cost
• Accessory Cost
• Annual Frame Count (High or Low Volume Shooter)

5. Film or Digital?

Once you have answered for yourself the aforementioned questions, the search has just begun for your perfect camera. To at least point you in the right direction, the following chart takes into consideration your motivation, style, budget and equipment speed.

Before considering the equipment chart, I would like to suggest that if you plan to shoot frequently (High Annual Frame Count) and do not need a transparency / slide as your final product, a digital system is your best value. If you are shooting infrequently, the initial cost of a film system is still much lower, although the gap between Digital and Film Cameras is getting narrower. If you need a transparency / slide as your final product or you are an infrequent shooter, IMO, a film camera will be your best value.

Do your homework. Figure out what you want to accomplish with your photography. Find out what cameras are available that will most closely match your budget with the features and specifications you need. Narrow your search down to 2-4 cameras, head out to your local camera store and try them out.

The camera you choose will almost never be what separates poor and average photographs from above average and great photographs. You are!

My camera recommendation is to just use whatever camera you decide on. Take lots of pictures, practice makes perfect. If you do that, you will be happy with the camera you choose.

Editor's Comment: Let us know what you think! Please email the Editor to let us know your thoughts.

James Shadle is a Florida native.  He grew up in rural Hillsborough County, playing in woods and fields where homes and businesses now stand. He has always loved being out in the wild, which he attributes to his father. You see, his father was an alligator poacher. He and his siblings would wake up to one-footers in the bathtub, a three-footer in their pool, and an eight-footer's hide being cured in the shed. He too loves to stalk wildlife but, unlike his father, he hunts with only a camera and shoots only film. He has been married 26 years to his lovely wife Donna who shares his love for nature. She accompanies him on most of his expeditions, but he can't seem to get her to go wading with him in the Everglades. They have two boys, Aaron 23, and Blake 19, who is his constant companion in the field. As a father and husband, he highly recommends exploring Wild Florida as a family.

Recent accomplishments

• Florida Freshwater Wetlands Master Naturalist
• Member American Birding Association
• Member North American Nature Photography Association
• Published Popular Photography
• Published Las Olas Magazine
• Published Disquieting Muses
• Published Duncraft Birding Catalog
• Published Cover Photo PhotoMigrations Online Magazine
• Published Cover Visions Magazine
• Published National Wildlife Federation EnviroAction
• Winner Field and Forest Nature Photography Contest
• Winner G.O.P.S. Photography Contest
• Winner Nikonians Photography Contest
• BirdersWorld.com Picture of the week
• Featured in ShutterBug Magazine
• Winner International Photo Arts Exhibition
• Picture of the Week Shutter City
• Picture of the Week NaturePhotographer.net
• Picture of the Month PhotoMigrations

James is an active member of PhotoMigrations and invites you to visit his website located at: Wild Florida Photography.