Digital Cameras Buying Guide

With technology ruling almost every aspect of modern-day life, it is no surprise that digital cameras are becoming more and more popular. Modern compact digital cameras are generally multifunctional, with some devices capable of recording sound and/or video as well as photographs. The majority of digital cameras are highly automated, with features such as automatic exposure control (which manages the shutter speed and aperture) and auto focus. That's one of the reasons compact digital cameras are so popular. Another reason is because images taken with a digital camera can be downloaded to a computer. It’s easier to use these images on the internet, and to manipulate the raw image using a computer. The vast majority of digital cameras are "point-and-shoot" models with a single, non-interchangeable lens.

Zoom

Some cameras boast of their digital zoom, but digital zoom is restricted by the camera sensor’s resolution. When comparing digital cameras, you can basically ignore the digital zoom measurement, and focus your attention on the more important optical zoom. Higher digitally zoomed images may appear blurry or pixilated. Nearly all digital cameras contain a zoom lens, which allows you to magnify -- or "zoom" closer to -- the subject without moving the camera closer. Zoom capabilities are wonderful for distant pictures, in situations where you aren't close to your subjects. Compact digital cameras (non-SLR) have a fixed lens which will zoom from medium wide-angle to medium telephoto, omitting only fish-eye and extreme telephoto. Their zoom lenses can frequently have a much slower (smaller) effective wide-open aperture (f-number) than DSLR or compact cameras, especially at the telephoto end, which further limits their utility in situations involving low light levels and moving subjects. For the highest quality digital photographs, get a camera that has at least 4X optical zoom.

Memory

Most digital cameras use a removable memory card to store the images just as a conventional camera makes use of film. There are two kinds of memory: internal memory and removable storage memory. A big advantage of digital cameras is their ability to store a lot of pictures on small, reusable storage devices, or flash memory cards. With a large flash memory card to store pictures, you can shoot and shoot, and never have to worry about changing a roll of film. You can make prints at home on a color inkjet or snapshot printer (some printers work without a computer!), drop off the memory card at one of a growing number of photofinishers, use a self-service kiosk at your local drugstore to select, edit, and print pictures instantly, or upload images to an online photofinisher. Most cameras are sold with a starter memory card that is usually a low capacity card that's enough to take a few sample photos on, but not sufficient for every day use. Simple to use, easy to transfer to a computer, as well as light and easy to carry a field, removable flash memory is a great feature. Make sure you have plenty of extra memory cards in the 1-2 GB range for your digital camera.

Resolution

Digital cameras are distinguished by their resolution—how many pixels, or picture elements, the image sensor contains. First of all, count your pixels! The most important number to be considered when buying a digital camera is the number of pixels or megapixels it captures. Pixels translate into resolution, and a high resolution results in clear, crisp, detailed photographs. Deciding how many megapixels you need is the first important step in finding the best digital camera for you. Due to ever increasing sizes of sensors, the pixel count is into the millions, and using the SI prefix of mega- (which means 1 million) the pixel counts are given in megapixels. The number of pixels or megapixels that a camera creates when it converts light into an image is one of the important criteria to be considered when selecting a digital camera (the higher the megapixels, the better the image quality). Obviously, go up with the number of megapixels.

Batteries

Digital cameras depend on batteries for power. They can use regular alkaline batteries, rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH), or proprietary rechargeable batteries (the least desirable option). Batteries are also important when it comes to taking pictures. It’s more convenient to own a camera that accepts AA batteries. If the model you like uses these, buy fast recharging NiMH batteries and a charger, with an extra set or two for spares. During an emergency, you can always buy AA batteries off the shelf, no matter where you are!

Shoot Modes

Most compact digital cameras have different modes. Most of the point-and-shoots come with variable presets, allowing the user to adapt to whatever environment they are photographing. Great for quick point-and-shoot photo-taking, make sure your camera offers plenty of scene modes.

Focus

Focus is another major factor. Whether a macro focus in the >10cm range, telephoto or wide-angle, be sure you understand the camera’s capabilities before you buy. Does it have only one lens? At what ranges will that give you clear shots? Does it use changeable lenses? If so, what size and how many? Think also of the kind of pictures you will take most often. Are you taking close up shots of your family, hobby or garden, or large events and sweeping landscapes? Manual focus allows the user to adjust the lens to more precise settings, offering more creative influence over image composition. Macro focus is a setting that allows you to take extreme close-ups, from a few inches to only 1 or 2 feet away from the subject.

Conclusion

Digital cameras are available in a wide range of prices and features. Ultra-Compact digital cameras are pocket-sized and weigh only a few ounces, making them the perfect go-anywhere camera. You should also consider the type of memory card the camera uses, the type of batteries and how long they last, and whether or not you want the increasingly common digital video recording option (a great feature). Many of the newer cameras also support automated shooting modes which adjust the settings for you based on common circumstances. Those plus other features like automatic image stabilization, camera/computer connectivity and A/V out can help you get the most satisfaction for your dollar. Here's a nice selection of digital cameras at great prices online