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And if you want more photography stuff to read, there's a place on the interwebs where past emails I wrote are stored. You'll find 'em in the "Newsletter Hub."

Remember, I'd like to know what you want to know about photography. So, if you have any questions, email me at sam@samdamico.com. And for what it's worth. When you send me an email, unless someone's lookin' over my shoulder, I'm the only one that sees it.

Hello, .

I often talk with photographers who are considering getting a camera and want guidance on what to get.

Usually, they use cameras on their phones to take pictures.

I do my best to give them some guidance, so we talk about different cameras.

Specifically, Mirrorless vs. DSLR.

Lenses and camera functionality are at the top of the list of things we discuss.

We discuss camera functionality in terms of exposure modes, focusing modes and areas, metering patterns/modes, and sensor size variation.

That stuff's available on both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

If those things are available on both types of cameras, what's an essential consideration for a camera purchase?

When it comes to choosing a camera, one word stands out: ergonomics.

How the camera feels in our hands and how easy it is to navigate its menus and sub-menus can make or break our photography experience.

How does the camera feel in our hands when we use it?

How easy is it to navigate the menus and sub-menus? 

Camera functionality and camera ergonomics are both important considerations.

If a camera's ergonomics are clunky, it can quickly turn from a useful, comfortable tool to an annoyance and frustration.

Our annoyance and frustration can lead to a decrease in the number of pictures we make or even prompt us to look for a new camera.

If we find the camera annoying, we'll take fewer pictures or start looking for another camera. 

Either of those outcomes ain't a good thing.

So, my advice?

Do yourself a favor by going to a camera store, finding a patient salesperson, and "test driving" the camera or cameras.

This hands-on approach will help you find a camera that not only fulfills your functionality wish list but also feels good to hold and use.

Remember, if our goal is to learn photography, our phone camera is an excellent tool for our studies and practice.

By using it to practice photography and camera operation, we'll be better prepared to choose a new, more complex camera that best meets our needs regarding function and ergonomics. 

Whether you use a phone camera, a DSLR, or something in between, remember that I'm here to help you be a better photographer.

I've got Introduction to Photography classes scheduled and remember that any of my classes can be taken as a single private lessons or a series of private lessons, so don't hesitate to take advantage of them. 

I hope you've been studying and practicing your photography.

The ways to study and practice photography with me are below.

Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.

I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me. 

Currently scheduled classes are below.

Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.

But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon. 

And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person or online lessons suited to your schedule are always an option. 

And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.

That's all for now; thanks for reading! 

Sam