Camera deals

Buying advice

What matters in a camera depends a lot on what you shoot. Autofocus is one criterion you notice immediately in everyday use: subject detection for eyes, animals or vehicles makes moving scenes easier, while older contrast-based systems often lag in poor light. Second, ergonomics count: grip shape, the number of customisable dials and a viewfinder that stays usable in sunlight decide whether you actually take the camera with you. Third, the video feature set, if you film: look at recording time limits, overheating behaviour, microphone and headphone ports, and whether the camera records without a strong crop.

On price, compact and entry-level models for travel and family use are usually enough from around 400 to 700 euros. Solid APS-C system cameras with a kit lens often sit at roughly 800 to 1,400 euros and cover holidays, portraits and occasional sport. Entry-level full frame often starts at about 1,500 to 2,000 euros for the body; above that you mainly pay for faster burst rates, sturdier weather sealing and better video functions. Ambitious professional models are mostly beyond 3,000 euros.

You can spot a good deal when the price is clearly below the average of the past months, not just below a quoted list price. Previous-year models, for example from Canon, Sony, Nikon or Fujifilm, often drop noticeably once a successor is announced, although image quality rarely changes much. Typical promotional periods are the weeks before Christmas, late November and manufacturer cashback phases. Factor in follow-up costs: fast memory cards, a second battery, a bag and above all lenses.

What to look for

• With system cameras, the lens system matters more in the long run than the body, because good lenses usually outlast several camera generations.
• Full-frame gives you more headroom in low light, APS-C is more compact and usually much cheaper when it comes to lenses.
• With action cams, image stabilisation and battery life matter more than the highest resolution; sets with a spare battery are worth it.