This workshop should help you learn from some of my mistakes as well as introduce you to some of the terms and features to look for when purchasing photographic equipment. But you must keep in mind that most of what is here is my opinion and may not necessarily fit your needs, budget, skill level or brand preference. It’s up to you to do the research and find the correct camera or camera system that fits all of your needs.

I’m a Nikon person when it comes to small format cameras. I have a ‘point & shoot’ Nikon and three ‘top of the line’ Nikon camera bodies in my camera case. I have half a dozen Nikon lenses and dozens of other photographic accessories. Does that mean Nikon should be the system for you? No. Remember I make money with my cameras, and therefore look at my camera systems as just tools of my trade. When I research a new camera, lens or accessory the first question I ask myself is: "How much money will this new piece of equipment make me or save for me?" Your first questions should be a lot different than mine. So what should these first questions be?

1. How am I going to use the camera? It is just for candid pictures of family, friends and places? Then maybe just a good, inexpensive ‘point and shoot’ camera is your best choice. (Small budget)
2. How do I improve my pictures? If you're starting to get serious about photography and want your images to be sharper, bigger, and better, then maybe a fully automatic SLR camera with a good zoom lens is your best choice. (Modest budget)
3. How do I make my images look professional? If you want complete control of your image making, and have the skill levels needed, then maybe a high quality camera system with an assortment of lenses is the best choice. (Larger budget)
4. How do I start to make money with my photography? If you’re a serious amateur looking to turn professional then maybe it’s time to consider a medium format or large format camera system. (Substantial budget)

These are only the first of a long list of questions you will need to answer before you purchase any camera or camera system. And if your interest is in digital equipment, the same starting questions apply. Remember, the only difference between digital and traditional cameras is the media on which you record your images (although there can be a big difference between ‘cheap’ digital cameras and most traditional ‘35mm film’ cameras).

Simple Buying Matrix (any camera or system)

Included with this workshop is a ‘glossary of terms’ section. Here I have tried to explain and illustrate some of the most common terms used when considering the purchase of photographic equipment. Please refer to this glossary if any of the terms used are not fully understood.