Which camera is the right one to shoot? That of course depends on what you’re shooting. The T2 you’re shooting is probably the right camera for what you’re shooting or you wouldn’t have it. Which camera should you choose if you don’t already know the right one to get? It boils down to how many pictures you make, where the pictures are going, and what will be the typical reproduction size. We often recommend a 4 step qualifier for choosing a digital camera. You need to have in place at least 2 of the 4 steps to make a purchase, but you’d like all 4. They are:

1. Picture quality. Don’t buy a camera whose picture quality is not saleable to your clients.
2. Can you afford the camera? Not much sense in trying to get a camera you really cannot afford. A camera does not necessarily cost the price of the camera in a lump sum. Look into what it costs to get the camera now, at the lowest cost per month. Leasing is worth investigating. Although the cost of the money might be higher than some other choices, you can deduct the entire lease payment, per month, rather than deducting only the depreciation schedule the government allows for capital purchases annually. Look at the after-tax monies in your pocket when deciding how to purchase.
3. How long will it take to learn the operation of the camera you choose? If the learning curve is too long, you might want to look into another product, especially if more than one camera exists in the type of camera you’re interested in. This is especially true if you’d like to have total control rather than letting other professionals finish your images.
4. Technical support is very important. Who will support you and how easy is it to talk to that person? Does he have an intimate knowledge of photography, digital photography, and pre-press? Is his solution to your problems to send you to the local separation house or service bureau? Will the technical support structure of the camera you’re considering allow you to reach your digital imaging goals? That depends somewhat on Where You’re Going.

How many pictures you make has everything to do with the digital camera you choose. If the bulk of your work can be shot digitally, choose the camera that is best suited for that type of work. We do not usually recommend, for example’s sake, a line scan camera for those shooters where large reproductions make up only 5% of the images made. Especially given the price of the camera and the new lighting that might have to be purchased. A camera should be chosen for the largest percentage of a shooter’s workflow. Several professional digital cameras can be used successfully if used properly, but try to choose in a manner that makes it as easy as possible.

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