In this article I would like to talk about the importance of trying out the camera you would like to buy before you make the purchase. I would even say that it is absolutely imperative you do this before you part with your money.
Not all cameras are made the same way and whilst it is possible to read and absorb the technical specifications of the digital SLR you are interested in to get a good idea of what it does and how it performs, you will never know how it actually feels unless you can hold it in your hands.
Hands
People have different types of hands; some people have big hands, other people have small hands. Some people have little stubby fingers, others have long, slender fingers. Camera manufacturers can try their best to make a “one size fits all” camera, but they are unlikely to ever reach the 100% satisfaction mark.
It is up to you to find the camera which, as well as suiting your budget and photographic requirements, also fits best into your hands and feels right when you are taking photographs.
If you decide to opt for a digital SLR from the lower end of the market you will probably spend about £300 – £400, quite a considerable sum for a lot of people. This on an item you may use daily, or at least, weekly. If the camera doesn’t feel right in your hands, even if it comes with all the bells and whistles you could wish for, you may be disappointed with your purchase and resign it to the wardrobe before you can say “say cheese”.
Try it in the shop, buy it online
Just because you try the camera in a shop doesn’t mean you have to buy it from a shop. Salespeople expect customers to try before they buy and will not give you a hard time if you finish your handling session with a friendly “Thank you very much for your advice, I am very tempted but I will have to think about it for a while.”
If the camera feels right you could make a note of the price and try searching the internet to see if you can pick it up for less. The chances are you will be able to.
One other piece of advice about going to a shop to try a camera before you buy – don’t take any cash or cards with you unless you really do want to make the purchase. If you have no physical way of paying for the camera the salesperson won’t be able to talk you into doing so. Works for me every time I go out on a recce.
If you do decide to buy from a shop don’t be afraid to ask if there is anything that can be thrown into the deal. Every time I spend a few hundred pounds on an item I will always say “is there anything you can throw in?”. I have never been refused and generally get an additional item (or items) worth up to £30.
Finally, I would just like to once again say how important it is for you to try before you buy. Holding a few different cameras in your hand and trying them out for size will help you to make a much more informed decision.