19 Sep 08 Canon Digital Camera: the Better Way to Move in Past
Author: Jayson Pablo
There was an era when the past good times that we had lived happily were the matters of our memories only. With every new joy, those good times of past were being vanished from our memories and re-living them became so hard for all of us. Then the age of Art arrived and we all learnt to stock our memoirs in the form of paintings and sculptures. However, the boundaries of these methods were limited and hectic. The human culture was demanding more, then, in 1660’s the English Scientist Robert Boyle with his assistant Robert Hooke developed the first portable camera. This device was capable of capturing the events, thus, the humankind found their way to re-live their life. From the day of its inception, the camera has seen various changes in its style, performance, capabilities and looks.
From camera obscure to the modern analog cameras, the history of cameras is itself a legend. The concept of logarithmic camera was first reached its destination in the year 1972 and we got our first bona fide digital camera in the year 1990 with the name-tag of Logitech Fotoman. This camera made the use of CCD Image Sensor; it had the capability of storing the pictures digitally and making them available to download them in PC. From the year 1991, various companies such as Kodak, Fuji, Sony and others started manufacturing the High-end Digital cameras on very large scale. Their attractive products ranged from Simply Digital to the Professional Digital SLRs. When we aim these cameras at the object and fiddle with the shutter release button, the camera robotically focuses on the object and digitally takes a reading of the obtainable light and then with the help of the processor, CCD and ADC it interpolates the pixels to create crystal clear pictures.
Nowadays, having a digital camera is a non-stop passion for every one. There are many companies in the market, who manufactures these digital photographic engines, but some of them are prodigious. Canon is also among those prodigy masters. This giant offers very huge range of products from different categories. They also offer a superior range of digital still and video cameras. Canon Digital Cameras are one of the most significant products that are currently available in the market. These cameras employ high-quality features and tools to make them more efficient in the terms of quality and performance. These numerical photographic machines hold high-quality mechanism and the superb understanding of all colours so that they can easily tender the eye-pleasant lively images. Fathered in the year 1937, the Canon is now one of the biggest companies that offer qualitative technology for the cameras and optics. This company has redefined the way the world look at its past.
Canon has mind-blowing categories of digital cameras in its shelf. These categories hold the range of all way simple cameras to the superbly effective professional ones. These categories are- Digital Compact Cameras and Digital SLR Cameras. The Digital Compact Camera Category is consisting of two superb series named as IXUS and the PowerShot. Both of these series offers the cameras of astounding styles and great performances. The IXUS includes the cameras that are known as the ultimate Style Icons and combines unending grace with the avant-garde technology. In addition, the PowerShot series covers the range of point-and-shoot cameras. These masterpieces are amazing in looks and they capture brilliant images to cater the photographic feel of all levels. Digital IXUS860, Digital IXUS950, Digital IXUS960, PowerShot G9, PowerShot S5, and PowerShot SX100 are some of the highlights of the IXUS and PowerShot Series.
Whereas, the EOS Series of Digital SLR Cameras are the most widespread approach Digital SLRs. These digital cameras provide sparkling and snappish images with every shot. These cameras are admired and appraised by the photographers worldwide. Ranging from 10.1 MegaPixels to the latest 21 MegaPixels of superior CMOS resolutions, the EOS Digital SLR Cameras are making the world our playground, where we can reach to the new dimension creativity. If the life is all about finding new things then the Canon Digital Cameras are the ever-best things to find and explore.
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19 Sep 08 Affordable Digital Cameras
Author: mike legg
Many of us look for digital cameras that can perform the tasks that we need while being priced at reasonable rates. The various digital cameras can be found in the high end market to the mid range and also affordable digital cameras. When you are looking for the affordable digital cameras that you need for your photographs you will find many different types of cheap digital cameras that you can buy.
These different affordable digital cameras can be bought from a variety of camera stores. The price range from some of these cameras can start at about $30 and go as high as $500. The various cameras that can you find in this cheap digital camera market also have well known brands like Nikon, Minolta, JVC, Kodak and Fuji.
While these affordable digital cameras will lack some of the features that can be found in the high end digital cameras they can deliver good photographs. You will need to look at these cheaper digital cameras to see if they have the various items that you require.
These features can be the various shooting modes that you will get from your digital camera. Underwater, foliage, indoor, portrait, automatic are just a few of the shooting modes that you can look for when you are selecting your affordable digital camera. Some cheap digital cameras will feature interesting effects like that of panorama stitching.
This facility allows you to take three different photographs. You can them merge these distinct photographs together to create a fantastic picture. The amount of megapixels may not be that important for everyone but they do allow you to receive sharp and well defined pictures.
Since this is important for accurate and detailed photographs you should look for this information as you are going through the various types of affordable digital cameras that are available. You can use various photography magazines and digital camera buyer’s guides to help you select the type of digital camera that is within your budget.
Since there are many different models of affordable digital cameras you will need to know the various features and requirements that you need for taking a picture. Once you know these parameters you can start your hunt for the right type of digital camera. With so many different brands and models of digital cameras on the market you are sure to find your ideal and affordable digital camera.
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19 Sep 08 Digital Revolution With Canon Digital Camera
Author: Saris Hunsanugrom
There were times when cameras were considered to be a rich man’s luxury but nowadays, clicking pictures with camera has become an important part of our daily events. With the constant improvement of technology, cameras have undergone a sea change and it was in the late 1970’s when digital cameras saw the light of the day.
The first digital camera was Sony Mavica, an analogue camera that used video floppy. However, since then, various brands launched digital cameras such as Nikon, Kodak Casio, JVC, Sony and Olympus to name a few. However, Canon Inc. Japanese MNC specialized in the manufacturing of computer printers, photo copiers and cameras. Canon started its operation in the year 1934 with Kwanon camera.
Ever since Canon started manufacturing its camera operation, it became a hugely successful company and a cynosure of camera lover across world. Presently, Canon digital camera is well known for its state of the art technology and advanced features that make it a well known brand name. Some of the high end Canon digital camera includes Powershot series like Powershot G9, SX 100 IS, S5 IS and TX1.
Canon digital camera EPH services include Powershot SD 950 IS, SD 890 IS, SD 790 IS, SD 870 IS, SD 770 IS, SD 1100 IS, SD 750, SD 850 IS, SD 800 IS and SD 1000. Canon digital camera’s A series includes A 460, A 550, A 470, A 560, A 580, A 570 IS, A 630, A 710 IS, A 590 IS, A 720 IS and A 650 IS to name a few.
Apart from Canon digital camera, Canon is famous for its Canon EOS camera system that comes with Single Lens Reflex (SLR) technology. However, for amateurs who love to shoot and capture moments of love and joy, the Canon digital camera Powershot series is the best digital camera that comes with DIGIC processor and state of the art design.
Some of the highly rated Canon digital camera include Canon Powershot SD 1100 IS that supports 8 mega pixels and 3X zoom. Some other quality features include image stabilization, auto focus features for perfect shot. It supports JPEG file format and has a 2.5″ LCD display with 32 MB of internal memory as a part of Secure Digital Memory Storage feature.
Canon Powershot SD950 IS comes with 12 mega pixel and 3.7 optical and 4X digital zoom feature. It also supports movie and sound mode. Its basic features include image stabilization, auto focus, 2.5″ LCD display, Secure Digital Memory of 32 MB. Canon Powershot A590 IS includes image resolution of 8 mega pixels and optical and digital zoom of 4X, face detection focus, movie mode and manual and auto exposure along with 32 MB memory and 2.5: LCD screen.
Canon Digital Rebel XTi / Canon 400D comes with 10.1 mega pixel, file format of RAW and JPEG, DIGIC II processor, 9 point CMOS auto focus, micro drive support and automatic vibration and dust reduction. Apart from it, there are
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19 Sep 08 Digital Cameras - How They Work
Author: Ted Burns
Digital cameras come in various sizes, shapes, and specifications and offer a variety of impressive features.
Digital cameras are quickly gaining popularity around the globe. Many people already own one and routinely use it for their own pictures. Their use have become part of the culture among many communities and industries.
Digital cameras also have become part of a broad package of combined features with other hand-held tools, such as PDA devices and cellular phones. This makes the use of both devices much more convenient, having them combined in one, rather than two or more, functional instruments.
Digital cameras, moreover, not only can be used for still photos as with conventional cameras, but also for taking videos. An owner needs only to upgrade the camera’s memory card to increase storage capacity.
The marketplace offers a number of digital camera brands that provide a wide range of features. Olympus, Canon, Nikon, Kodak, and HP are some of the better-known brands of cameras offering the conventional 35mm to digital. Other key camera manufacturers include Sony, Panasonic, and Casio.
Digital Camera Considerations
Differing from conventional cameras, digital cameras have a small LCD screen, and sometimes an LCD screen plus viewfinder. The LCD screen is similar to TV screens that allow the photographer to see the picture, even before snapping it. Some have large screens that enable the photographer to see more of the subject and background.
Digital cameras also come with memory slots that hold a memory card or “stick.” The amount of memory available in them ranges from megabytes to gigabytes. Of course, the more memory, the greater the cost. However the extra storage capacity may be well worth the additional expense.
Another purchasing concern is the battery. Some digital cameras use disposable batteries. However, they wear out quickly, so most people recommend rechargeable batteries for longer energy life. Typically a rechargeable battery and a charger come in bundle with the camera unit.
Finally, consider the way the pictures are downloaded. Though many digital cameras come with a USB port which easily connects to a computer, there are others that necessitate removing the memory card and positioning it with a reader to download pictures.
Digital Camera Features
Camera buyers should know at least the basic features of their camera of choice before making an expensive purchase. Though the snapping of pictures is fundamentally the same from camera-to-camera, there are features that make one brand more appealing than others.
For example, the number of mega pixels used when taking pictures - meaning millions of pixels that help with the clarity of the pictures - should be one of the primary considerations to most buyers. Pixels are the individual “dots” that make up the content of pictures.
As such, cameras offering a greater number of pixels can produce larger images with better resolutions than those with less. Be aware, though, that cameras using a more pixels consume more camera memory when storing the images.
The camera’s zoom function is also critical. Most digital cameras are enhanced with a two-zoom capability; the optical and digital. Optical zoom uses a moving lens and makes the subject in the picture appear closer, while digital zoom crops or stretches the image.
Finally, don’t neglect the importance of the camera case’s durability. Some digital cameras are made predominantly of plastic materials - and are consequently more fragile - while others are comprised of a combination of plastic and metal alloy.
Either type has limitations in the amount of jarring that can be sustained without internal damage. Spend a little extra money to purchase a case that will protect your camera investment.
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19 Sep 08 History And Type Of Digital Cameras
Author: Roberto Sedycias
A digital camera is such a camera that will take either video or still snaps digitally. It records the images digitally on a light-sensitive sensor. Some digital cameras can take still snaps as well as video and audio. The digital cameras have become very popular nowadays and more and more people are opting for rather than regular cameras.
Digital cameras are technologically much advanced and have many user-friendly features that are usually not found in regular cameras. One such very good feature is that it displays the image on the camera’s screen just after you catch it. Thus you can click and record millions and millions of pictures, keep the ones you want and discard the others. After the pictures or videos are recorded, you can edit the images and thus can be a virtual master of the background, people etc. Imagine the fun when you can change the background of a picture taken at your home to be changed to a Hawaiian beach, or changing the hair color of your sister to a wild pink and many other things. The choices are unlimited.
Nowadays digital cameras can be incorporated in many devices like PDAs or mobile phones or computers etc. Some astronomical devices like Hubble Space Telescope also use specialized digital cameras.
Digital camera technology has evolved from the similar technology that first recorded television images. It was in 1951 when the first video tape recorder was used to capture live images using television cameras. They converted the information in electrical impulses and saved the information on magnetic tape. It was actually due to NASA`s space technology that used digital images to capture photographs of surface of moon and advanced computer technology that led to major developments in digital photography.
Government was also using this technology in forms of spy camera and the time that being spy satellites and it contributed immensely in advancement of science of digital imaging. Soon private companies like Kodak, Sony etc were releasing professional digital cameras for ordinary people. Their strong marketing tactics worked and today digital cameras are found everywhere.
There are many varieties of digital camera and we will discuss some of them. Compact digital cameras are one of such varieties and are designed to be small as well as portable. The miniature versions are called subcompact cameras. Though they do not have much advanced features or excellent image quality but they are very simple to use and easy to carry around. Images are stored using Lossy compression in JPEG format. Such cameras are generally equipped with a low power, built-in flash usually sufficient for close subjects. Live preview is generally used for framing the photos. They are perfect for casual and home use.
Another type are Bridge cameras that are higher-end cameras. They resemble DSLRs and also share some advanced features with them but just like compact cameras, the photo framing is done with help of live preview and they also have small sized sensors. A Fuji film FinePix Bridge camera is also equipped with super zoom lenses that give you a chance to take very distant shots, though at the cost of image quality.
Another type is Digital single lens reflex cameras that are based on film SLRs or single-lens reflex cameras. These cameras are characterized by the presence of a mirror-reflex system. Other types include rangefinder and are generally used for film cameras, professional modular digital cameras that are assembled from different modular components and used for specific purposes. The common brands for such cameras include Mamiya and Hasselblad.
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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 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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18 Sep 08 Digital Cameras - the Constant Innovation and What to Look for When Buying
Author: Boris C.
Main Concept And Evolution
When digital cameras became common, a question many photographers asked was whether their film cameras could be converted to digital. The first recorded attempt at building a digital camera was by Steven Sasson, an engineer at Eastman Kodak. The first true digital camera that recorded images as a computerized file was likely the Fuji DS-1P of 1988, which recorded to a 16 MB internal memory card that used a battery to keep the data in memory.
Digital cameras can include features that are not found in film cameras, such as:
- Displaying an image on the camera’s screen immediately after it is recorded.
- The capacity to take thousands of images on a single small memory device.
- The ability to record video with sound.
- The ability to edit images and deletion of images allowing re-use of the storage they occupied.
A digital camera is a camera that takes video or still photographs, or both, digitally by recording images on a light-sensitive sensor. Most digital cameras measure subject distance automatically using acoustic or electronic techniques, but it is not customary to say that they have a rangefinder. The resolution of a digital camera is often limited by the camera sensor (typically a CCD or CMOS sensor chip) that turns light into discrete signals, replacing the job of film in traditional photography.
Digital cameras have high power requirements, and over time have become increasingly smaller in size, which has resulted in an ongoing need to develop a battery small enough to fit in the camera and yet able to power it for a reasonable length of time. Digital cameras are incorporated into many devices ranging from PDAs and mobile phones (called camera phones) to vehicles and even webcams. Webcams are digital cameras attached to computers, used for video conferencing or other purposes.
When You Buy Digital Camera
Measuring the “pixels per dollar” as a basic measure of value for a digital camera, there has been a continuous and steady increase in the number of pixels each dollar buys in a new camera consistent with the principles of Moore’s Law. Before you buy digital camera, it is important to determine what kind of pictures you want to take with it. Be sure to check first its capacity to produce high quality photo images and don’t forget about camera’s batteries - make sure they are rechargeable.
When you buy digital camera, sometimes the spending does not end there. For instance you may want to buy additional memory if the one that is already included doesn’t suit your need and its capacity is not enough for you. This is why you must make sure that the gadget that you buy has not only a “built-in” memory or a card slot for external and additional memory, but also includes memory card with good enough capacity.
The LCD is a special consideration you have to look into when you buy a digital camera. This is a small screen located at the back of a digital camera that allows you to preview the pictures you took. This has to be considered when you buy digital camera, because it uses up a lot of battery power.
It is essential for you to feel comfortable holding your digital camera while shooting. So, before you buy digital camera, the right thing will be to test and check if you are comfortable holding it and using it. Special features that will suit your needs should be thought about, too before you buy digital camera. No matter what your needs and wants are for the device, your financial resource will play a huge part in dictating the type of digital camera you will buy. When buying digital camera in online store, make sure you already know what you want and start sorting by lowest price first and later calculating shipping and sales tax.
With these information, you can now figure out what you really need and want before you buy digital camera.
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18 Sep 08 Digital Camera Basics
An electronics on-line discussion forum contains a story about an elderly woman who wanted a simple camera to take pictures of her grandchildren. When she received a digital camera for Christmas, she looked puzzled for a moment and then asked, “Where do you put in the film?” This humorous example demonstrates how the revolutionary technology of digital cameras may be mystifying for those who have difficulty grasping the concept of a “filmless” camera! For almost a century, photography enthusiasts sagely discussed such topics as 35mm film, light meters and F-stops; today, digital cameras have made such topics all but obsolete.
Howstuffworks.com contains an article by Gurevich, Karim, and Wilson that greatly simplifies an explanation of how digital cameras work. Very simply, they explain that CDs, mp3’s, and DVDs all share the same technology: they convert traditional analog “wave” data into digital data based upon “bits.” In so doing, this radical shift in technology has changed greatly – and forever – how we do things and what has become possible including digital “filmless” cameras. While film cameras depend upon chemical and mechanical processes, digital cameras contain a computer that records images electronically.
In 1994, Kodak and Apple developed and sold the first digital cameras. Today there are hundreds of models to choose from, depending upon the type of pictures you need, the complexity with which you’re comfortable, and what digital camera you can afford. For everyday use, most people prefer a “point and shoot” camera that isn’t complex, takes good quality pictures that can be loaded onto computers or printed for personal use and to send to friends, and is affordable. According to a number of consumer guides and customer reviews, the top ten digital cameras in the low, mid, and high price ranges are:
1. Nikon D300 (high)
2. Canon EOS 5D (high)
3. Canon EOS 40D (high)
4. HP Photosmart M547 (low, great value)
5. FujiFilm Finepix S700 (mid)
6. GE A730 (mid)
7. Nikon D200 (high)
8. Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi (high)
9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (mid)
10. Canon EOS 30D (high)
The point should be made that what constitutes a “great” digital camera is usually in the eye of the beholder. One person’s “top ten” list is almost certain to differ from another person’s. For example, a digital camera that is making devoted converts is the Casio Exilim series that sells in the mid-level price range, depending upon your digital camera photography needs. On the other end, Digital Camera.com rates the Pentax Optio E-10 as “the worst digital camera ever.”
With all these differing opinions, what’s the best way to buy the digital camera that’s right for you? If you simply want to take personal pictures, choose a digital camera that has at least three megapixels. This will give you good quality pictures at a very affordable price. Remember that the higher the number of megapixels, the better quality your pictures will be, but the digital camera you choose will be more complex and more expensive. Also consider the size and shape of the camera; is it easy for you to carry in your purse or pocket? Finally, be sure your digital camera has at least 256-512 megabites of space on its memory card so you won’t have to buy additional memory cards. Taking all these factors into consideration will help you enjoy capturing treasured memories for years to come.
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