What is the Best Camera to take Photos with?

On the surface this may seem like the type of question that would ignite endless debates in Camera forums, among friends, family and fanboys (and fangirls). Canon vs Nikon, Sony vs Pentax, Olympus vs Panasonic, and on and on. In reality the question can be rather easily answered. The best camera to take pictures with is the one you have with you!

While the inner photographer in each of us yearns—even if only a little—for a big expensive ($2500+) camera, most of us don't have the money for one. Do not despair if you only have a pocket-sized camera available to you, chances are it is an excellent camera (even if you don't know it yet).

This palm tree photo was taken with
a 3mp pocket-sized digital camera

The downsides of owning a big camera is first and foremost, its bulk. Big cameras are heavy, and most people don't want to carry it around everywhere they go. What good is a camera if you don't have it with you? Also, buying a big expensive camera also means that you need to buy big expensive lenses. In fact, "good" lenses (those that have acceptable sharpness and color accuracy) start at $500+! That's not to say that there aren't significant benefits of using a big DSLR, but cameras are tools. And like tools they only work as well as the person wielding them.

Also, most people nowadays have a cellphone with a built-in camera and if your cellphone is a smartphone (like an iPhone or Android phone) its camera is excellent for most peoples needs. The photo on the left was taken with a 3mp pocket camera that is over 7 years old! Most smartphones cameras have better sensors with more megapixels and better photo processing than the ancient brick that took this photo.

So don't worry about not having a fancy camera with interchangeable lenses. Learn the camera you have. Learn to use all its functions. If you are only using the automatic or “easy” mode on your camera you are only scratching the surface of what your amazing little camera can do.  Here is a list of ways that can help you become a better photographer. Most of those techniques can be accomplished with any camera, including your camera phone! 

What's your favorite camera to use? Post in the comments below and let us know. Don't forget to share this article with your friends by clicking on the sharing links below!