19 Sep 08 The Must-Know Basics Of Digital Camera Repairing
Author: Roberto Sedycias
Possessing a high-end and sophisticated gadget like digital camera can be a pride in itself, but repairing it can be daunting. A digital camera is a 100% electronic device with many delicate circuits inside it. Adequate knowledge about the delicate device is essential for the technician for repairing who must handle the device with extra care. It needs specialized testing equipments to diagnosis the very problem. That is, perhaps, the reason why repairing digital camera is expensive.
There are some minor defects in your digital camera that you can fix yourself. Of course, that depends on the type or the model of camera that you are using. Here, another noteworthy thing is you should have precise idea about what exactly is wrong with it.
Things You Can Fix Yourself:
The common problem that can be detected and fixed without much hassle is the digital camera lens. Most of the time it is due to careless handling or improper setting that the lens ceases to function leaving you baffled over the matter. Most of the time, it is due to the improper alignment of the lens. You will encounter system error messages on the LCD. In such circumstances the camera is not able to focus and the result is worse pictures. You can simply realign the lens or reset the zoom barrel guide pins and you will find your digital camera working as usual.
There are some other minor and common problems such as broken battery cover, broken hinges on memory card doors, cracked LCDs, etc. But if you are not sure about the problem, it is wise not to handle it. Rather you can take your digital camera to an authorized repairing center.
However, before visiting any repairing center or technician you must take check certain common things. There may be some minor problems that you can identify yourself such as:
1 - Sometimes, it is very likely that you might have hit the wrong button or have changed the menu for which the device does not work properly.
2 - If the battery of your digital camera is running out of power, it is most likely that the digital cameras will not work. Ensure if thing improves when a fully charged cell is inserted into the digital camera.
3 - Sometimes, it is necessary to reset the camera through the menu or by removing the battery for 24 hours.
4 - The camera may not turn on if the memory card is full.
These common problems can not be really considered as a serious problem for the digital camera. But a novice user of the gadget may find it difficult them troubleshoot.
Selecting Repairing Service Station:
If the small efforts are not enough to fix your camera, visit an authorized service station in stead of asking any ordinary technician. The technician in the service station should have experience of fixing several brands and models of digital camera.
Moreover, both the user and the technician should have the ability to distinguish between marginal repair and quality repair. A little bit of confusion in this regard may cause damage to your precious digital camera.
Each model of digital cameras requires special tools to fix the errors and reliable service centers have these specialized tools and skilled technicians to properly service and safeguard the digital camera. Efficient diagnosis and repairing of digital camera depends largely upon specialized tests, appropriate equipments and expert technician.
The high-end and sophisticated device like digital camera requires a lot of concern and careful handling which is of paramount importance for longevity of the digital camera. However, the repair process of digital camera also needs the same amount of care and attention. You need to have adequate knowledge of handling digital camera to avoid any kind of trouble.
If possible gather information from the Internet about handling and repairing. A digital camera is a valuable possession and worth caring.
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Tags: Battery, camera lens, digital cam, Digital Camera, digital camera lens, Digital cameras, electronic device, gadget, memory, memory card, picture, pictures, zoom
19 Sep 08 Mini Digital Camera: a Buyer’s Guide
Author: Russ Snapper
A Mini digital camera can be a best travel companion if you love to travel and are constantly on the move. The mini digital camera is most preferred now for travelers and photographers because of its small and unique size and easy to use features. To use this ultra compact camera, you don’t need to be a professional photographer. But you can be a good photographer with the enhanced resolution offered by the small sized camera that improves the quality of ordinarily photographed items also.
The availability of the following features can be checked out before you buy a mini digital camera.
Megapixel rating: Giving attention to this rating helps you to estimate the volume of information stored with each photograph taken. Resolution of the photographs depends on the Megapixel rating. Mini digital cameras have higher Megapixel ratings for storing more information and for getting great quality enlargements. For most of the pictures that fall under 4 x 6, a minimum of 3 mega pixels will be good for your camera.
Batteries: Battery usage is to be determined before you buy a mini digital camera. With a set of batteries, most bad cameras produce around 50 shots. However ensure that your enhanced mini digital camera produces around 500 shots with a set of batteries. Rechargeable AA batteries can be used for a longer duration of time and is beneficial and economical in the long run.
Other Features:It is advisable to choose a mini digital camera that is fast. When the shutter is pressed, time is taken for processing an image and this time gap varies for different cameras. Some cameras have a time gap of 5 seconds and for taking a second snap, you have to wait for that time. Due to shutter lag also, time can be consumed. Shutter lag is the time taken for the auto focus feature to terminate and then trip the shutter to start. Therefore ensure that your mini digital camera is really fast. Also ensure that your mini digital camera is having an optical zoom rate of 5X to 10X for getting better zoom for having close-up shots.
The mini digital cameras have an Inbuilt LCD screen, which helps you to frame the shot before clicking. You can immediately view the picture after clicking. Most mini digital cameras have autofocus feature and you have to ensure that this feature is fast. For a mini digital camera having a zoom factor of 10X and above, ensure that it has image stabilization to remove the shaking effect caused while taking pictures. Mini Digital cameras beautifully capture your moments of joy with least effort.
As an example, we will now look at the features of a Key chain Mini Digital Camera, MiniDIG. Some key features are Flash; Auto Formats; JPEG; White balance; Auto Shutter; Auto Resolution; 640×480, 320×240; Pop-up viewfinder; EV compensation; Auto System compatibility and Windows 98/SE/2000/XP.
The key chain mini digital camera is tiny and small enough to fit onto a keychain and however has an internal memory of 16MB SDRAM and 300K CMOS sensor. This inexpensive, cute looking Digital Camera is a great little device to take along for spot photos for insurance claims or during vacation holidays and serves as an exciting addition to your keychain. This can also be a wonderful gift for children looking to have their first camera.
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19 Sep 08 Buying Tips for Used Digital Camera
Author: Russ Snapper
Used digital camera is a good option for purchase if you have budget limits. Digital cameras are high-tech photographic equipments that are becoming more affordable. Most cameras that are technically superior are expensive equipment and cannot be affordable for average consumers. It is digital photography everywhere today and is in more demand by common people also.
Cheap digital camera is available at large merchandising store at a price of $50. Most of us buy digital cameras because of simplicity in use and to get high quality pictures. With greater technology, even novice photographers can get fantastic shots. Everybody can become good photographers because of its ease of use with greater image quality. With the increase in resulting quality of the images, your interest of the product also gets increased and so initially many buy cheap digital cameras for learning purposes and then upgrade their equipment with latest models.
A restored digital camera, also referred to as rebuilt photographic equipment offers all the services that a new model can do. It allows the photographer for viewing the photograph instantly and also to retake the shot within few seconds. Since you are able to see the pictures before developing, it gives you the option to delete unwanted photographs.
A restored digital camera does not require film purchase and picture development, as all the work can be done when connected with a printer and a computer. It gives you the advantage of printing pictures of your choice at anytime. Photographs taken with used digital camera can also be edited before printing. You can experience lot of exciting options when you buy a used digital camera.
Used digital cameras are available in camera shops situated at larger communities. Refurbished cameras and their accessories are offered in these shops at a cheaper price with all recently introduced models. The biggest source for buying used digital camera is the online sources. Auction sites in the Internet have exciting offers with extreme discounted pricing.
The only drawback is the quality control that may be lesser than the refurbished camera. The best method of buying good and cheap digital camera is to buy from the manufacturer. The manufacturer often gets returned products from the buyers due to various reasons. All these digital cameras are checked out for minor adjustments and are again sold to buyers with the manufacturer’s guarantee. This method is safe because the standard and quality of the product will be good and you also get guarantee for the refurbished digital camera.
While buying used digital camera, the most important factor to be considered is the reliability of the product and the seller. Reliability depends on aspects like whether the digital camera is cleaned, tested and upgraded before coming for sales again. Find out from the seller regarding warranties and testing done. Other than the manufacturer’s offer, some retailers go beyond offering extended warranty. If you have decided to purchase a digital camera that is already used through an unknown source online, like an auction site, try to get referrals and feedbacks from past customers before making payment.
The extraordinary creation of God can be enjoyed though photography in a wonderful way which makes you relaxed from your busy lifestyle. So try to learn all the aspects of digital photography and get ready for taking incredible snap shots.
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19 Sep 08 Guide to Buying a Digital Camera
Author: Andrew Gates
The digital camera market today offers buyers a large number of choices, with products in widely differing price ranges, sizes and degree of operational complexity. From miniatures the size of a credit card, to fully functional professional SLR (Single Lens reflex) systems, you can buy a digital camera from manufacturers including traditional camera brands such as Canon, Olympus, Nikon, film companies such as Kodak and Fuji, and consumer electronic companies like Sony. Then there are other options that include the mobile phone manufacturers, and webcam suppliers.
The advantages of digital photography are numerous. Topmost is the fact that there is no film processing: expensive both in cost and time. But there is also the advantage of smaller sized equipment, portable media and instant picture viewing. And if you don’t like what you see, you simply delete it and shoot again: no wastage.
If you like to take pictures, being a digital photographer makes a lot of sense. But which camera is the best one for you? In a field of excess abundance, how do you narrow down what you need? How much to pay? How many megapixels? (What are they anyway?) Which brand? How much memory?
Digital CamerasEvery shopper is different.
At MyShopping.com.au we recognise this fact, and so we list practically all brands and models from hundreds of suppliers. These listings include the cold hard digital data facts about each camera and a range of comparative pricings offered by different suppliers. But just as every shopper is different, every photographer is different too. And just having the facts may not make you feel any more knowledgeable about which camera is right for you.
You could begin with the question: What sort of pictures will you take with your new digital camera? This is a valid starting point because from here you can begin to qualify your requirements in terms of technical capability and price. What sort of pictures will you take with your new digital camera?
Is it simply for happy snaps whenever you get together with friends and family at weekends and holidays? Or are you a serious bird watcher and you want to capture nature at its finest? Perhaps you want a camera for work to record your inventory, or recording information from a client. Maybe you’re a PI on a mission. The point is, you need to begin by recognising that your reason for buying a digital camera may not be the same as that of your best friend who is recommending the model she bought.
Once you’ve figured out the sort of pictures you are going to take, you can then set about deciding on the type of camera that will meet your needs. If you need something highly portable that fits in your shirt pocket or your handbag and lets you take it anywhere you go, make size a big consideration. If you want to take seriously good photographs, and you want to pursue an artistic endeavour, make image flexibility your main concern.
It might also be worthwhile considering your own position in the digital photography experience. Are you a novice about to buy your first camera, do you have some intermediate experience, or are you an advanced user?
Someone new to the market will likely not want to spend a lot of money, nor have a lot of mind-boggling features that leave you confused. There are cameras ideal for beginning users that have basic ‘point and shoot’ features including optical and digital zoom lens, flexible storage media and built in flash. There is a huge range of cameras available with simple features at low cost.
If you consider yourself an intermediate user with some operational knowledge of digital camera technology, you may want to consider more advanced features that give you more control over the pictures you take. These features usually come in a range of automatic settings and manual settings for capturing the image and different storage options in terms of resolution and picture type (raw data, jpeg, tiff). Naturally there is some cost attached to additional features when compared to more basic cameras.
For advanced users, there are a lot of professional options you can consider; such as SLR view finding and lens interchange ability. Cameras in this range provide much greater control over the image, both before and once it is captured. These options include shutter speed and aperture adjustment, and many cameras offer the ability to manipulate images ‘in camera’, such as cropping, and brightness and contrast adjustments.
After the picture is taken
A further main consideration is what are you going to do with your images once you have them? The great beauty of digital photography is the simple fact that you can store them on digital media such as CDs and media cards, and view them on computer screens and in many cases, your television. You need print only when and those you want to see, or show to others. Digital photography also gives fantastic opportunities to manipulate your images using popular image manipulation programs, resizing them, altering brightness and contrast characteristics, and correcting problems such as red eye, or removing skin blemishes.
Most digital cameras are computer ready, able to plug directly into your PC or Mac using USB connectors. They usually include proprietary software allowing you to easily and instantly manage your image files in photo albums or slide shows. Many digital cameras also include a video capture facility enabling you to take short motion pictures.
What you want to do with your images after you have them can have an impact on your choice of camera. If you want to make enlarged prints for example, you will want a high megapixel capacity (also talked about as ‘resolution’). If you want images for website use, you will want to get the best quality images that can be reduced in resolution without severe degradation.
Beauty is in the “I”
Great pictures usually come from great conditions. You capture a great moment, the light is just right, the subject is at the perfect distance, the image is perfectly framed. But not every digital camera offers the flexibility to make the best of existing light conditions, or position. Most digital cameras (certainly at the budget end) come with a built in automatic flash, which is terrific for happy snaps in darkened environments. And the automatic flash automatically does not ‘go off’ in bright sunny conditions. But in those times when you want to use the existing light, you need a camera that gives you manual control over the operation or not, of the flash.
Moreover, most digital cameras in the lower and medium price ranges are highly automated. If you are moving from a traditional SLR film camera where you have maximum control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO speeds, it may be frustrating to not have easy access to the same range of tools to take advantage of existing light conditions.
In the more advanced (and therefore more expensive) range of digital cameras, most lens and aperture functions are available in exactly the same way as other SLR systems. What differs is how the colours and light of the image is translated through pixel capture compared to the chemical processing systems.
You may want a wide range of focus options. Most digital cameras have two different types of image magnification, lens magnification (zoom) that may be equivalent of a 35mm to 150 mm lens, and a digital magnification that may be to ten-fold (expressed as x10). This provides you with zoom lens capability, which may be limited in its depth of field control and is subject to soft focus and movement if the conditions aren’t just right, and a digital magnification of the pixel image. If being able to capture magnified distant images is important to you, you need more megapixels, and a lens system that gives you some control over its focus and aperture management.
A final word on accessory
Digital cameras are electronic equipment. That means they run on batteries, and if you use your camera a lot, you will find that you will be frequently replacing batteries. Some cameras have rechargeable batteries; others simply use dry cells (AA), which you can of course load with rechargeable ones. It pays to have spare batteries so that you always have a charged power source. Some cameras have docking stations to help manage the connection with computers. Many digital SLR cameras have interchangeable lens systems, some of which may be compatible with traditional film SLRs.
You can also print your own pictures at home with special printers that handle standard photograph paper, and connect directly to your camera. Although it may be less expensive to simply take your camera’s card, or a CD to your local camera store, and now many supermarkets and department stores, and use the automatic printing machines to print the images you want.
There is a lot you can do with a digital camera, and you can pay les than $200, or more than $10,000. It all depends on how you see yourself as a photographer, what you’re shooting, and what you want to do with your pictures. At Myshopping.com.au you can very quickly compare specifications and prices.
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19 Sep 08 A Handy Digital Camera Review For Those Considering Buying One
Author: Brooke Hayles
In today’s society, A digital camera is a must have item if you want to keep up with the latest trends. They are convenient to have and unlike a conventional camera, you can delete any picture you do not want right away because as soon as you take the picture, you can view it. For those of us who are not familiar with what to look for in a camera, a digital camera review is very helpful.
Shopping Tips
When you first start shopping for a digital camera it can be very confusing. A digital camera review can assist you in many ways. It can explain to you the difference in cameras features such as mega pixels and how many pixels you may need, zoom features digital or optical. If you have little knowledge of digital cameras, a digital camera review may help you save a lot of money by not purchasing a camera that has features you do not need.
Digital Camera Comparison
You will find several models of digital cameras within the same price ranges.
The Canon PowerShot A530 is an economical camera that is compact and has features such as 5 megapixels, a 4X optical zoom, auto focus with red eye reduction, audio recording and date and time stamp.
Another Choice for a digital camera that has become popular is the Kodak 5MP EasyShare C533.
This camera also has 5 megapixels is audio and video capable, but it also has 3X optical and 5X digital zoom. The features of this camera also include black and white and sepia pictures as well as a 4 second shutter speed.
The Nikon 5.1MP CoolPix L3 is indeed a cool sleek camera to own. It runs on AA batteries and the features include 3X optical and 4X digital zoom. There are four different effects that this camera offers and also comes with audio recording, a blurred picture warning, and red eye reduction.
As you can see, a digital camera review can be very helpful in describing the features of different cameras and can assist you in making an informed choice.
Digital Camera Reviews
Many of the websites that design and sell digital cameras will have a section for comments and reviews.
The website owners will often provide a digital camera to employees and independent contractors to so they can write a digital camera review. There is also a section where consumers can leave their comments about the cameras they purchased.
There are a few companies that will hire professionals to conduct a digital camera review. These are usually more complete because they list all of the features of every camera they test. The digital camera review will cover how many megapixels that the camera has as well as the zooms and shutter speeds, video and audio. It is a very thorough review that even includes the weight of the camera.
The one drawback there is to a have a professional review written is that it is done in a very short time. The reviewer is not able to accurately write about the everyday use of the camera over a long period of time.
When the consumer writes a digital camera review, they tend to focus on how satisfied they are with the camera. They usually do not list the all of the features; it is more of a personal opinion.
Each of these review types is very useful when a person does not know what to look for in a digital camera. They give both the professional and personal view of the product. It is recommended that you read all the reviews before making a decision.
Summary:
Digital cameras have revolutionized the world of photography, however it can be difficult to choose the camera that is right for you. Digital camera reviews are designed to give the consumer an overall view of each camera before you make a purchase.
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19 Sep 08 Look Through a Digital Camera Review Before You Buy That Camera!
Author: Brooke Hayles
When deciding on a digital camera, looking through a digital camera review first can help tell you about each camera. Each camera has different options and a digital camera review will help you decide which fits your needs best. As we all know, the digital camera is much different than previous camera models. Before the digital boom began, cameras operated purely on mechanical and chemical processes.
If you’re new to the world of digicams, then you will need to remember that unlike their predecessors, they work through a built-in computer. This allows pictures to be captured electronically. With the popularity of these amazing gadgets, prices have dropped and what was once far too expensive for the average person, has now become just as affordable as film cameras.
Different Digital Camera Styles
Digicams, a common phrase for digital cameras, come in many shapes, sizes and features. As you look a digital camera review keep in mind if you are interested in a small, pocket sized camera or a larger model that has more features than the pocket sized. Point and shoot digicams are the most popular, but the larger camera with its additional features can be a good investment for your money.
Due to its convenience, the pocket sized cameras are wanted most often. A digital camera review will reveal that the small camera can be quite expensive due to the necessary technology needed to operate such a tiny camera. As you get further into your digital camera review you will see the phrase digital SLR. The SLR style is for the serious photographer. The professional SLR style of camera will produce the highest quality of photograph.
The SLR has quite a few enhanced features. One of its features includes the ability to switch lenses on the need of the situation. Of course, the SLR is also the most expensive of digicams. As you read through a digital camera review it will become obvious that most people’s photography needs are met with either a standard or pocket sized digital camera. However, if photography is a hobby of yours the SLR models may interest you greatly.
Digital Camera Tips
One term that you will find often in a digital camera review is “pixel.” Pixels refer to the individual dots that make up the picture. You may be more aware of the term “megapixels.” This term is the same as pixels, but measured by the thousand.
You may notice in the digital camera review that the more megapixels a camera has, the more expensive it seems to be. The reason behind this is that the more pixels a camera has, the high-quality picture your camera will take. Most digicams have either 3-4 megapixels. Earlier models have less, but it’s easy to find a reasonable priced camera with either 3 or 4 megapixels. If you plan to use your camera for family photos and to print 4X6 photos, this will suit you just fine. If you want to print pictures at the size of 8×10 or more, a digicam with more megapixels will keep your pictures sharp.
If you own a PC and then purchase a digital camera, you can upload your pictures to your computer. With special paper you can then print your own photos at home!
Summary:
A digital camera review will help you decide which camera will suit your needs best. Do keep in mind that digicams operate differently than film cameras. Since digital cameras record images electronically you can upload them to your computer and share them easily via email!
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19 Sep 08 Consumer Reports - Digital Cameras
Digital cameras, which employ reusable memory cards instead of film, give you far more creative control than film cameras can. With a digital camera, you can transfer shots to your computer, then crop, adjust color and contrast, and add textures and other special effects. Final results can be made into cards or T-shirts, or sent via e-mail, all using the software that usually comes with the camera. You can make prints on a color inkjet printer, or by dropping off the memory card at one of a growing number of photofinishers. You can upload the file to a photo-sharing Web site for storage, viewing, and sharing with others.
Like camcorders, digital cameras have LCD viewers. Some camcorders can be used to take still pictures, but a typical camcorder’s resolution is no match for a good still camera’s.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
The leading brands are Canon, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Olympus, and Sony; other brands come from consumer-electronics, computer, and traditional camera and film companies.
Digital cameras are categorized by how many pixels, or picture elements, the image sensor contains. One megapixel equals 1 million picture elements. A 3-megapixel camera can make excellent 8×10s and pleasing 11×14s. There are also 4- to 8-megapixel models, including point-and-shoot ones; these are well suited for making larger prints or for maintaining sharpness if you want to use only a portion of the original image. Professional Digital cameras use as many as 14 megapixels.
Price range: $200 to $400 for 3 megapixels; $250 to $400 for 4 and 5 megapixels; $300 to $1,000 for 6 to 8 megapixels.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Most Digital cameras are highly automated, with features such as automatic exposure control (which manages the shutter speed, aperture, or both according to available light) and autofocus.
Instead of film, digital cameras typically record their shots onto flash-memory cards. CompactFlash and SecureDigital (SD) are the most widely used. Once quite expensive, such cards have tumbled in price–a 128-megabyte card can now cost less than $50. Other types of memory cards used by cameras include Memory Stick, Smart Media and xD-picture card. A few cameras, mainly some Sony models, use 3 1/4-inch CD-R or CD-RW discs.
To save images, you transfer them to a computer, typically by connecting the camera to the computer’s USB or FireWire port or inserting the memory card into a special reader. Some printers can take memory cards and make prints without putting the images on a computer first. Image-handling software, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Jasc Paint Shop, Microsoft Picture It, and ACDSee, lets you size, touch up, and crop digital images using your computer. Most digital cameras work with both Windows and Macintosh machines.
The file format commonly used for photos is JPEG, which is a compressed format. Some cameras can save photos in uncompressed TIFF format, but this setting yields enormous files. Other high-end cameras have a RAW file format, which yields the image data with no processing from the camera.
Digital cameras typically have both an optical viewfinder and a small color LCD viewer. LCD viewers are very accurate in framing the actual image you get–better than most of the optical viewfinders–but they use more battery power and may be hard to see in bright sunlight. You can also view shots you’ve already taken on the LCD viewer. Many digital cameras provide a video output, so you can view your pictures on a TV set.
Certain cameras let you record an audio clip with a picture. But these clips use additional storage space. Some allow you to record limited video, but the frame rate is slow and the resolution poor.
A zoom lens provides flexibility in framing shots and closes the distance between you and your subject–ideal if you want to quickly switch to a close shot. The typical 3x zoom on mainstream cameras goes from a moderately wide-angle view (35mm) to moderate telephoto (105mm). You can find cameras with extended zoom ranges between 8x and 12x, giving added versatility for outdoor photography. Other new cameras go down to 24 or 28 mm at the wide-angle end, making it easier to take in an entire scene in close quarters, such as a crowded party.
Optical zooms are superior to digital zooms, which magnify the center of the frame without actually increasing picture detail, resulting in a somewhat coarser view.
Sensors in digital cameras are typically about as light-sensitive as ISO 100 film, though some let you increase that setting. (At ISO 100, you’ll likely need to use a flash indoors and in low outdoor light.) A camera’s flash range tells you how far from the camera the flash will provide proper exposure: If the subject is out of range, you’ll know to close the distance. But digital cameras can tolerate some underexposure before the image suffers noticeably.
Red-eye reduction shines a light toward your subject just before the main flash. (A camera whose flash unit is farther from the lens reduces the risk of red eye. Computer editing of the image may also correct red eye.) With automatic flash mode, the camera fires the flash whenever the light entering the camera registers as insufficient. A few new cameras have built-in red-eye correction capability.
Some cameras that have powerful telephoto lenses now come with image stabilizers. These compensate for camera shake, letting you use a slower shutter speed than you otherwise could for following movement. But an image stabilizer won’t compensate for the motion of subjects.
Most new 6- to 8-megapixel cameras come with full manual controls, including independent controls for shutter and aperture. That gives serious shutterbugs control over depth of field, shooting action, or shooting scene with tricky lighting.
HOW TO CHOOSE
The first step is to determine how you will use the camera most of the time. Consider these two questions:
How much flexibility to enlarge images do you need? If you mainly want to make 4×6 snapshots, a camera with a 3- or 4-megapixel resolution will be fine. Such a camera will also make an 8×10 print of an entire image without alteration that looks as sharp as one from a 6- or 8-megapixel model. But to enlarge the image more or enlarge only part of it, you’ll want a 6- to 8-megapixel camera.
How much control do you want over exposure and composition? Cameras meant for automatic point-and-shoot photos, with a 3x-zoom lens, will serve snap shooters as well as dedicate hobbyists much of the time. The full-featured cameras in the 6- to 8-megapixel range offer capabilities that more-dedicated photographers will want to have. Two of the more important capabilities are a zoom range of 5x to 10x or more, which lets you bring distant outdoor subjects close and also lets you shoot candid portraits without getting right in your subject’s face, and a full complement of manual controls that you determine the shutter speed and lens opening. ‘
Once you’ve established the performance priorities that you need from a camera, you can narrow your choices further by considering these convenience factors:
Size and weight. The smallest, lightest models aren’t necessarily inexpensive 3-megapixel cameras. And the biggest and heaviest aren’t necessarily found at the high end. If possible, try cameras at the store before you buy. That way, you’ll know which one fits you hand best and which can be securely gripped. In our tests, we have found that some of the smallest don’t leave much room even for small fingers.
Battery type and life. All digital cameras can run on rechargeable batteries of one of two types: an expensive battery pack or a set of AA batteries. In our tests of the cameras, neither battery type had a clear performance advantage. The best-performing cameras offer upward of 300 shots on a charge, while the worst manage only about 50. We think it’s more convenient to own a camera that accepts AA batteries. You can buy economical, rechargeable cells (plus a charger) and drop in a set of disposable lithium or alkaline batteries if the rechargeable run down in the middle of the day’s shooting.
Camera speed. With point-and-shoot cameras like the ones we tested, you must wait after each shot as the camera processes the image. Most models let you shoot an image every few seconds, but a few make you wait 5 seconds or more. They may frustrate you when you’re taking photos in sequence.
Your other cameras. If you’re adding a camera to your lineup or trading up to a more versatile model, look first for one that’s compatible with the other cameras. If it is, you can share memory cards and batteries. Designs within a camera brand line are often similar. So staying wit the brand you have lowers the learning curve on the new camera for family members who switch between cameras.
Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
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19 Sep 08 Canon Rebel Digital Camera is a Digital Camera Well Worth Looking Into
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
Canon cameras are well known in the world for their quality cameras. The Canon Rebel Digital camera was released on August 20th 2003. At this time there were other types of digital cameras on the market. The new features of the Canon Rebel Digital camera make this digital camera well worth looking into.
The various camera experts who have reviewed this Canon camera state that this is a moderately priced digital camera. The $900 and upwards price tag will not be a deterrent for the digital camera enthusiast.
You can also buy the Canon Rebel Digital camera in various other countries. You should be aware of what to ask for when you are asking for the Canon Rebel Digital camera, as there are a few different names that it goes by.
For instance in the United States it goes under the name of the Canon Rebel Digital camera, in Europe under the name of Canon EOS 300D and in Japan you will hear it being referred to as the Kiss Digital.
You will also find that at the time that the Canon Rebel Digital camera was first released it was considered to being less expensive than its predecessor.
For the digital camera enthusiast you will find a Canon Rebel Digital camera kit that can be bought separately from the Rebel Digital camera. This kit contains an EF-S 18-55 mm 3x lens. The price of the entire digital camera kit is only $100 more than the single camera alone.
Inside of the Canon Rebel Digital camera you will find various specifications like a 6 megapixel CMOS sensor and image processor. These are housed in the inexpensive plastic body of the Canon Rebel Digital camera.
There are a host of new features that you can find in the Canon Rebel Digital camera. These features include a contrast, saturation and sharpness settings. The contrast and saturation settings can be adjusted for your various needs. The sharpness setting will clearly define your pictures.
There is also a new default parameter setting on the Canon Rebel Digital camera. This setting is called Parameter 1. The Canon Rebel Digital camera was the first digital camera to support and use a new lens called EF-S. The S in the EF-S stands for short back focus.
This lens however can only be used with the Canon Rebel Digital camera as the other Canon Rebel series cameras were not designed to support this lens. These are just a few of the modifications and changes that you will find when you buy this digital camera.
For the photographer – whether they are experienced or a novice – there are many interesting photographs you can take with a Canon Rebel Digital camera in your possession, and that’s the entire point of owning a camera, to take visually interesting pictures that tells a great story.
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18 Sep 08 6 Important Features to Consider While Selecting the Best Digital Camera
Author: Neelima Reddy
There are various types of digital cameras made by different manufacturers with different features. Among all, selecting the right digital camera which is suitable for you is not a typical task if you follow these techniques.
1. Resolution
2. Optical zoom
3. Digital zoom
4. memory
5. Usability
6. Investigate
These techniques are explained as follows:
Resolution
Each and every digital camera has certain resolution factor. Most advanced cameras will have high resolution where as the normal digital cameras will have low resolution.
Basically the picture resolution will be dependent on pixel rating. The resolution of the camera will vary for different cameras with different pixel count.
The cameras which have high resolution power produce larger images and the rate of these cameras will also be high. Normal and average photographer need not require these cameras with high resolution.
Most probably these high resolution cameras are preferred by professional or expert photographers. They also don’t use these cameras all the times (except for taking special pictures).
Optical zoom
Optical zoom is necessary to view the object in large size. Almost all digital cameras will have this optical zoom facility. Before buying the camera, you must check the optical zoom present in it and you must not afford it if it has the optical zoom less than 2.
Digital zoom
Digital zoom is used to increase the size of the picture. Most of the digital cameras offer this digital zoom facility. Check out the clarity levels of the picture clearly when you increase the size of it because some of the pictures will loose their clarity if you apply digital zoom to them.
Memory
Before getting the new digital camera know how much memory is present in it. Most of the digital cameras will have less memory to store more number of snaps in it. So, better along with your digital camera get the extra memory card which has enough space to store more snaps in it.
Usability
You have to select the camera depending on your usability. If you have high usage of it, go for advanced cameras which provide more techniques and high resolution or else if you have less usage of it better get the digital cameras which don’t have high resolution and more advanced techniques. So, depending upon the usage you have to select the right camera suitable for you.
Investigate
After getting your new digital camera, investigate it on various aspects by knowing what are the different modes and new techniques present in it. Try to learn all the techniques regarding how to handle it properly without causing any damage to it before using your new digital camera for the first time.
Do you like to know the reason behind this? Some cameras will be damaged easily if you don’t handle them in the right way. So, to avoid this situation try to know how to handle it in the right way.
Other than these things, you should also get all the necessary accessories required for your camera when you get the new digital camera. These accessories will be helpful to you in more number of ways and they also prevent the damage of your digital camera.
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18 Sep 08 Digital Camera Buying Tips For Novice Photographers
Author: Roberto Sedycias
Life is a stream that lets memories flow away as we leaving them behind. Although, it`s difficult to find time to look back and reminisce your past memories in this fast-paced world, sometimes we feel really special to muse over the pleasant moments of those bygone days that take us into a sweet nostalgia. Hence, people make it a point to capture their special moments with the help of digital cameras no matter how big or small the occasions are.
Digital cameras have become so popular in the last couple of years that many cell phone manufactures have started offering mobile phones with a built-in camera. Although, cell phone cameras let people capture photograph as and when they like, their use, however, is limited to certain occasions. This is because mobile phone cameras are unable to offer the clarity and precision that standard digital cameras can offer. This brings the necessity of buying a digital camera among many people who are passionate about photography.
But, here is the deal - if you are one of those first-time buyers of a digital camera, you are likely to face some or other problems while buying which is going to hurt your decision. Remember the following points before you go and buy a digital camera for the first time.
Determine your needs:
Before you decide to buy a digital camera, determine your specific needs. Do you need a digital camera just for fun such as capturing pictures and sharing them with your family and relatives via email, or do you want to learn the nuances of professional photography? Knowing your specific requirements will help you in buying the right digital camera and saving money as well.
What`s your budget:
Digital cameras are available with price range starting from 100$ to 1000$. However, you should set a particular budget before buying the gadget. Actually, what you want to do with the digital camera decides the money that you are required to spend on it. For instance, if you want to buy a digital camera for professional photography, you may have to spend a few hundreds extra than if you want to buy a standard digital camera used for amateur and fun photography. If you are buying a digital camera for fun, it should cost you between 300$ and 400$ with all the standard features.
The mystery called megapixel:
Megapixel is critical to the clarity of a picture when you take pictures with the help of a digital camera. Hence, higher the megapixel of a digital camera, clearer the pictures that you will be able to get with it. What should be the megapixel of your digital camera? If you are going to use your digital camera to take and share pictures with your friends, family and relatives for fun, a 2-mega pixel should be ideal for you. If you are looking at taking pictures of professional quality and bigger size, buy a digital camera that should be have at least 4-5 megapixel.
Zero in on the optical zoom:
If you are not familiar with the lingo of digital camera, you are most likely to confuse between digital zoom and optical zoom. Many manufactures will try to sell their digital cameras on the basis of digital zoom. However, you should know that digital zoom gives you larger image compromising the quality. Go with the optical zoom as you can get enlarged pictures with good quality.
Compatibility factors:
When you buy a digital camera, make sure you figure out if it is compatible with your personal computer. This is because you are going to use it along with your computer. Usually, specifications and minimum requirements are mentioned in the digital camera manual. Ask the sales person to explain them to you if you are not able to understand them properly enough.
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