How to Choose the Best Digital Camera
10 Dec 2008
Even though the camera field is evolving all the time, the basic really don’t change. Below we cover the most important element to consider when shopping for a digital camera.
Resolution
First and foremost, find out how much resolution you need. This should be the very first decision you should make, since it determines what cameras you will be evaluating. Decide on how large your finished images need to be, and look for cameras that can take pictures in the appropriate “megapixel” range. If you want to make 4×6 inch prints of your image, 2 megapixel cameras will do the job fine. Three megapixels is great for 8×10 inch prints. Remember higher resolution images will take up more space in your memory card. So always set your resolution to the appropriate level for great result.
Zoom
The zoom lets you change the focal length of the camera. The bigger the zoom level in the cameras, the more you can enlarge the image. But pay attention to the lowest number of the zoom range (ex: 1x and 2x), which indicate the wide angle rating. The bigger number of the zoom range (ex: 4x and 5x) indicate the telephoto setting. There is no need to pay attention to the digital zoom rating, which is more of marketing gimmicks than a useful photo features.
Memory
The more memory your camera holds the more pictures you can take. It may sound simple but do not forget that cameras come with all different kind of solutions. Pay careful attention to how large is the memory card that comes with the camera? Does the memory card have any special internal memory so that you can take a few pictures even if you forget your memory card at home?
Flash
Almost all cameras come with a built in flash but the issue is how well the flash work. Check if the flash works when the camera is in macro, or close focus, mode. Otherwise you will be unable to use the flash when taking macro photos. Consider cameras that have flash with special feature such as, red eye reduction, force or fill flash and rear curtain flash. For serious flash photography, look for cameras that accept external flash unit.
Special Effect
Digital cameras can be programmed to do some neat tricks that were inconceivable with traditional film cameras. Examples of special effect in digital cameras are move mode and tint mode.
Picture Transfers
One last issue to consider is how the camera transfer image to the PC, this is a conveniences issue. Dose it use standard USB cable? A docking cradle? Dose the camera come with a removable memory card reader?
These are the factors to consider when choosing your digital camera. So make a checklist of the features and capabilities you want based on this element before you shop for the cameras.
