Cameras are a staple gadget for content creators, artists, and marketers. Building a great brand also anchors on the quality of images and videos you upload on your website or portfolio. Investing in a quality camera helps you further your site to a larger audience and better recognition.

So what features to look for in a camera? Are good images and videos dependent on a brand or megapixel count alone? Consider these six essential features to look for when buying a camera.

Image Quality

Whether you aim for a DSLR or mirrorless camera, select one with a crisper and better quality than your phone’s camera. Since these professional cameras have larger lenses than your smartphones, they will surely give you better and clearer images. With an optimal image quality, you’ll have beautiful shots of landscapes, artwork, and people.

Size

Cameras vary in size and shape. Smaller cameras, such as point-and-shoot and mirrorless HD ones, are more portable and easy to store away. On the other hand, DSLRs are much larger but sought for due to their array of settings and more extensive uses.

However, size matters when you need to bring your camera everywhere with you. If you want something easier to carry around during your travels, then point-and-shoot or smaller mirrorless cameras might be the best for you. But if you’re going to switch to something with more whistles and bells and professional settings, then get a DSLR. Even if you plan to buy a pre-selling condo in Makati and move there in the future, your home will still provide ample space for you to safely store your DSLR cameras and their lenses without occupying too much square footage.

The bottom line is no matter the size of your camera, having quality images is key to better shots that will attract many to your portfolio and social media feeds.

Megapixel Resolution

You might think that the higher the megapixels, the crisper and more high-definition your photos will be. While many brands market their cameras in a way that you should focus on megapixel resolution, you can still achieve great results with a 5- or 6-megapixel DSLR.

You may get an 8-megapixel camera; however, its sensor only has 30% more than a 6-megapixel camera. In other words, you can still have beautiful and crisp A3 prints with a 5- or 6-megapixel camera. You will also have high-quality images that will capture your audience and followers.

Various Lens Types

The best part about modern cameras nowadays is that they have different lens types that you can use for various purposes. Sure, having a camera with a fixed lens such as a point-and-shoot camera seems like the best option when it comes to portability, but a camera with interchangeable lenses is an excellent investment, especially if you want to upgrade your photography skills.

DSLRs and mirrorless HD cameras are often offered with basic lens kits upon purchase. You’ll have a short zoom lens that is perfect for raw photography; however, you may invest in other lenses such as wide-angle and telephoto types. Having a handful of lenses to use allows you to efficiently shoot different angles and distances.

Image Stabilization

For DSLR cameras with long lenses, look for image stabilization features such as in-body image stabilization (IBIS) or sensor-shift stabilization. This feature eliminates blur from your photographs physically changing elements in your camera lenses. You may also use a tripod to further stabilize your shots and reduce any blur or shaking.

Video Quality

Cameras aren’t just great for photography. Nowadays, you’ll find cameras in the market that can shoot 4K Ultra HD clips. Some high-end mirrorless HD and DSLR cameras can be used for more sophisticated cinematography due to their lenses designed for professional filmmaking.

If you are just starting with vlogging or filmmaking, pay attention to the frame rate. Usually, 24 to 30 fps is good. But you might want to get a camera that shoots at 60 fps for smoother playbacks and slow-motion scenes. Be sure to check for the actual frame rate of the camera you are eyeing, as they might be marketed as 4K-quality but only shoots 15 fps.

Whether you want a point-and-shoot or DSLR camera, the bottom line is choosing one that produces a great and stable image or video quality. It also depends on your budget and your purpose. Take note of these six essential features the next time you go camera shopping.