This image shows a Canon EOS 350D digital single-lens reflex camera with a Tamron 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD lens.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

PhotographyTalk has published an excellent, don’t-miss guide, especially for novices and hobbyists.  It bears the rather inapt and misleading title, “The #1 Best Method To Know You’ve Picked The Right Digital Camera For You.”  An apt title would be “The Best Method to Pick the Right Digital Camera for You,” because that’s just what this guide steps you through.

In brief, the trick is to rent a few DSLRs over a weekend and take them for a test drive before you make the big commitment and get hitched.

PhotgraphyTalk’s guide is loaded with sharp advice.  For example, they explain that, as you’ll be using a DSLR with interchangeable lenses and other gear, you would be well-advised to rent these too lest you encounter an unpleasant surprise later.  It also contains very sound advice: spending an hour or two with the instruction manual and acquainting yourself with the camera will pay off. 

‘The Comfort Test’ may be the most critical point.  “You don’t want to buy a camera that you couldn’t use and carry all day” is a key rule.  The camera should feel like an extension of your arm; your hand should be able to ‘learn’ it quickly.  If it feels alien an unwieldy to your hand then even if it’s the best-rated camera and even if you’ve been ‘sold’ by the reviews, it’s probably not for you.

The guide also keeps in mind all eventualities – it even draws your attention to whether or not you have insurance to cover theft or damage.

As good as this guide is, it can be fleshed out.  Here are a few additional points for the checklist:—
•  During your tryouts, do include ambient light, low light, and night shots, including long exposures.
•  Though as a budding pro you’ll be shooting in RAW, shoot some JPG with each camera.  If nothing else they may be a tie-breaker – or, if particularly poor, they may be a deal-breaker.
•  For all the manufacturers you are considering, look into the geographical locations of the authorized service centres and also check out that vendor’s track record with customer support.