If you ask average people what the number one feature is when buying a digital, most will answer “megapixels, and the more the better.” While this is true, to a certain extent, it is by no means the only item you should think about. Here are few things to help with a very important decision.
How do you intend to use the camera? If your pictures are mainly for the web or to make prints from the digital file, then a very low resolution camera will suffice. If you want to make gorgeous 8x10 prints, then a 2.2 to 3mp camera will do the trick. Unless you have a great need to make prints 11x14 and higher then most cameras with 3.1mp will satisfy you. When you hang a framed 8x10 on the wall, few people will be able to tell if it was done with a 2 or 3 mp camera or even film, for that matter.
For most of us, price is a major concern. We usually have a budget, an amount that we feel comfortable spending for our “toys.” With that in mind, there are a good number of two and three mp cameras that will fit the bill nicely.
There are many types of cards, or the media that the picture is recorded on. Smartmedia, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, Multimedia Cards. Will it make a difference? Generaly they will all work ok. CompactFlash cards are very rugged and are supposed to last twenty-five years or more. Half of the cameras sold today, use this media. They also have one of the largest memory available.
Like a good 35mm, it should fit your hand comfortably. There are a lot of different styles on the market and some of them are just plain uncomfortable to hold. Small cameras will probably have small LCD screens, the area that you view the picture on, and it makes sense to have as large a screen as possible, just so that we can see what the heck we are trying to shoot.
Lens quality is important. You can’t take sharp photos with inferior glass. That goes for all cameras on the market today. If you choose a brand name such as Canon, Nikon or any of the others, then you can rest assured that the lens will be of high quality. What about flash? They all have built in pop-up flash units, but what it you add a telephoto lens. Then the pop-up won’t work, so, can it take an add-on flash unit?
What about controls? Will a simple point and shoot do the trick, or do you absolutely need to be able to control the shutter speed, aperture or even use it fully manual? Granted some good pictures have been taken with fully automatic cameras, but not when the lighting is complicated or when there is little light to begin with. Can you auto bracket with it? This function can often mean the difference between an average shot or a perfect shot. Can you change the ISO rating? This feature will enable you to shoot in dimmer lighting conditions. The difference between 400 ISO and 100 ISO is two full stops. Trust me, this can be very useful.
What are you using it for? Will this be used to do weddings or business functions? Or will it be used for occasional snapshots? These are all important considerations and should be given careful thought before making your purchase. Is the camera hard to use? Some of them are, especially if you are not familiar with the basic function and techniques of cameras and photography.
Finally, where to buy your camera. Do you order it on line at some of those cheaper discount photo shops in the US? Beware, because they are not all as honest as they might seem. The warranties are useless and will end up costing you extra money for repairs that should have been free. If at all possible, go to the camera shop yourself and ask the salesperson for a demonstration. If the salesperson is unable to do so, then go somewhere else. It is your right to have the camera explained to you and properly explained. Ask about accessories such as bigger flashcards, rechargeable batteries and a quick charger, add on lenses, cases. Remember, it is your money and you should get good service as well as a good camera.
It is interesting to note that this year nine million digital cameras are expected to be sold by Christmas. Also, recent advances in commercial film processing are pushing this number up as I write. Check out the newer labs and you will be surprised to see that they can take any of the different cards or burned CD’s and develop prints from these types of media. The big difference is that you pay for only the pictures that are your best and not the ones that might well be considered as scrap. So here we have digital cameras with all the best of the digital world and all the best from the world of commercial developing. Need any more convincing?
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday filled with peace, love and happiness. Oh yes, a new camera as well.
