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Picture Perfect: Choosing the right camera is the first step to capturing amazing images.
Getty Images
Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task. There so many different types, models, and brands from which to choose—and every so-called store expert is trying to up-sell you. Forget that.
To help limit your frustration, here are some standouts, for different types of photographer, from this year’s Prime Day sale at Amazon.
Which is right for you?
FOR THE BUDDING ENTHUSIAST
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR
Lightweight Champ: Don’t be fooled by the size of EOS SL2, it packs a heavy weight punch in the performance department.
Canon
This 24-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera is the smallest and lightest of Canon’s DSLR lineup. But what this entry-level shooter lacks in stature, it makes up for in performance and features. It has a fully articulated touch-screen LCD, a higher ISO and faster autofocus than its predecessor, and delivers image quality comparable to its much pricier siblings. It is also WiFi-enabled so you can live stream on your next adventure.
FOR SPORTS FANS
AKASO EK7000 4K WiFi Sports Action Camera Ultra HD Waterproof DV Camcorder
Go Anywhere, Do Anything: This Akaso adventure camera is almost a carbon copy of a GoPro–almost–and costs a lot less.
Akaso
The EK7000 looks like a GoPro. It works a lot like one, too. And the videos and photos are comparable. It even uses the same GoPro mount connection system. But it’s not a GoPro; the EK7000 lacks some of the high-end bells and whistles (there’s no voice control or built-in stabilization) of a GoPro. However, it costs a fraction of the price. That price difference also puts the Akaso’s drawbacks into perspective. But when you add the 64 percent markdown thanks to Prime Day, this camera is a steal. You can get almost the same performance as a GoPro from a shooter priced like a disposable.
FOR NEWBIES
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
Kid Approved: It’s cute, easy-to-use, and provides you with instant gratification. What’s not to like?
Polaroid
The Snap isn’t your dad’s bulky Polaroid . It’s the instant gratification of a Polaroid reimagined. The Snap is a 10-megapixel shooter with a built-in printer that produces a 3×2-inch hard copy of your image right after it’s taken. Plus, it also saves a digital file of those images to a memory card, so they can be transferred to a computer and shared among friends. That said, the image quality, though passable, won’t blow you away. But children will love it.
FOR PIECE OF MIND
Relohas Mini Spy Hidden Camera
I See You: This tiny spy camera is the size of a quarter and can be hidden any where.
Relohas
Reholas has upgraded its Mini Hidden Spy camera. Most notably they gave it a wider lens angle, better battery capacity, upgraded night vision, and motion detection notifications. Still no audio, though.
FOR ANIMAL LOVERS
Celestron 52248 65mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope
Affordable Optics: This scope is for those sportsman who are interested in getting the best possible performance on a budget.
Celestron
If you’re a hunter, bird watcher, or target shooter, a spotting scope is a fantastic investment. They are designed to be used with a tripod and are less portable than a pair of binoculars. However, they offer the best magnification and clarity of any type of sporting optic, making them ideal for spotting animals from long distances away. Some like the Celestron 52248 are even camera adaptable.
UPDATES…
Older Cane Be Better: Sometimes buying the previous generation of a camera can be better than buying the latest.
GoPro
GoPro Hero5 Black
If having the latest bells and whistles is your main concern, the new GoPro HERO7 is the obvious choice. But if you’re looking for a bargain, this GoPro HERO5 is a steal at $150. It’ll do everything the HERO7 Black, just not quite as well. Most notably, the HERO7 has better image stabilization and a handful of interesting new features. But it costs more than double at $350. There’s no comparison; price certainly tips the balance in the HERO5’s favor.
