The Best Time To Buy A Camera Before Your Next Great Adventure

If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation you'll want to have a great camera to capture the magic. Therefore, here is a guide to help you understand the best time to buy a camera before your trip. As much as going someplace special is exciting it can also cause some anxiety. This is especially true if you're worried about how you're going to capture all of the awesomeness with a brand new camera.

The Best Time To Buy A Camera

The best time to buy a camera is as far in advance as possible. After all, you absolutely want to have time to learn how to use the camera before going on your big adventure. As such, buying a camera well before your trip is imperative.

How Long In Advance Should I Buy A New Camera

So, you might be asking yourself, how long in advance do I need to buy a camera? However, a better question is how much time will it take you to learn. Also, how much free time do you have to devote to learning before your vacation?

If you're leaving in the next week or two, then buy a camera for your trip asap. However, if you've got a few months, then think about how much free time you'll have. As a result, you can take some of the pressure off and focus on buying the camera that will work best.

How long will it take you to learn how to use your new camera

It might seem hard to answer but think about how much time you'll need to learn how to use your new camera. First, it helps to understand that the more expensive a camera is the more complicated the controls will be.

Additionally, more expensive cameras don't do things on their own any better than less expensive cameras. In fact, what you're paying more for is usually easier access to controls via more buttons, dials, and switches. As such, don't expect that you can spend a few thousand more in order to get a camera that will do everything for you. Otherwise, you might find yourself really disappointed while on your vacation and that's no good!

What to consider when buying a new camera

Here is a list of things you'll want to consider when it comes to buying a new camera before going on vacation.

1. What you're going to be photographing on your trip and after
2. How much control you want over your photos
3. The amount of weight you're comfortable carrying while traveling
4. Do you want to do video or just still photos
5. What the largest size print you might want
6. Your budget

What you're going to be photographing

Think about what you're going to be taking photos of during your trip. Of course, you're likely buying this camera not only for your vacation but to use after. Therefore, think about what you'll be taking photos of during and after your big adventure.

If you're photographing wildlife, then you not only need a camera. In fact, you'll also need to consider a powerful telephoto lens. Something to consider is that you can rent lenses for your vacation.

On the other hand, if you're photographing architecture or landscapes on your trip then a large sensor and really sharp lens is the most important.

How much control do you want over your photos

This question is incredibly important. This is for several reasons. First, as stated above, the more money you spend when buying your new camera, the easier access to all of the settings will be. However, if you're not very concerned and don't want to think about those things then you might be able to save some money and possibly weight while traveling.

Additionally, most modern DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras do allow you to have a great deal of control over your settings. In fact, they typically give you the same level of control. However, the lower the price, the more likely you are to have to use multiple buttons or to search for a setting in the menu. As such, you might miss some of the action. If this is really a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that's no fun!

How much weight do you want to carry around

If weight or the amount of space your camera is going to take up on your vacation may be a concern then you really need to think about this up front. For example, I've always used Nikon cameras. Nikon are maybe the heaviest cameras on the market compared to similar cameras (by cost and function). As such, when I'm hiking in some remote vacation spot I find myself wishing I chose a lighter camera system.

Canon are far more lightweight. Additionally, Fujifilm cameras are also very light. One other factor is Mirrorless vs. DSLR. Mirrorless cameras are generally more compact and weigh less. This makes them more idea for travel photography.

Do you want to do video with your new camera

If you want to shoot video as well as still photos then a Mirrorless camera is a must. DSLR cameras are less expensive and still offer video. However, you can't use the viewfinder to shoot video with a DSLR as the mirror is in the way. Therefore, if you want to shoot video I highly recommend that you buy a Mirrorless camera. In fact, this is especially true if you're traveling anywhere that will be very bright and sunny.

How large of a print are you likely to make

Again, here is a question that should have you thinking not just about your upcoming travel but about future uses. After all, you might capture an incredible photo on this trip and want a massive print made of it. Too, you might take a vacation in the near future that, due to continued learning, will be better than any other photo you've ever made. As such, you want to think about the likelihood of creating a large print from your vacation photos.

Today, we can usually get a great looking print at or above 11x14 from a cropped sensor camera. As such, if you want say a great looking 30x40 print then a full frame sensor might be necessary.

How much money have you got to spend on buying a new camera

This is the question that I've asked last because it's likely the easiest one for you to answer. Generally speaking, we already know what our budget is. Therefore, knowing what we're going to spend when it comes times to buy a camera is not a mystery.

One thing we might want to consider is buying a used or refurbished camera. After all, any camera that has been made in the last 10 years or so will produce good results in nearly all situations. Additionally, if we're already spending a good deal on our vacation then we might not have a lot less when it comes time to buy a camera.

Of course, one exception to older cameras is low light. However, there's also no guarantee that you'll get much better results in low light with a lot of brand new cameras either. Therefore, if that's a concern then read the reviews on the low light capabilities of every camera you're considering before you buy.

The Best Time To Buy A Camera

In conclusion, the best time to buy a camera is likely right now. However, consider the above before doing so. Also, if you're looking for more information on buying a new camera be sure to check out my camera buying guide. Have a safe and wonderful vacation! Also, if you found this article helpful consider sharing it with others who you know are about to take trips or go on grand adventures and who might need to buy a camera.