21 Sep 08 Ten Points to Remember When Buying a Digital Camera
Author: Ernie Delgado
Professional photographers know exactly what they’re looking for when they purchase a digital camera. Years of experience and fine tuning digital cameras every day makes the choice clear for them. For the rest of us, a new camera purchase can be a daunting experience. I know when I first got into digital cameras the technology seemed a little intimidating- but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a short guide with ten things to look for when, as an amateur photographer, you’re ready to replace that antique sitting on the top shelf of the closet.
1. Resolution – When digital cameras first came out, it was all about the megapixels. There was a wide variety of sizes (and prices) available- however, now most of even the smallest digital cameras are 5 megapixels, which is more than adequate for your typical 4×6 vacation photos and the occasional 8×10. The time to go larger is when you want to regularly create larger pictures- or you want to be able to zoom in on areas of specific detail and print those. The compromise you must make for those larger pictures is more space used on your memory card, so if you get a higher megapixel camera, make sure to pick some extra cards.
2. Exposure control – For most amateurs, aperture size and shutter speeds are a mystery. What should I use when? The manufacturers have addressed this with scene preset modes. Picking the correct mode allows you to select the proper settings of, for example, a close-up by simply clicking ‘Macro Mode’ instead of manually configuring the camera. If you’re interested in digital cameras as a hobby, manual configuration options are something you should look for.
3. Zooms –There are two types of zoom available, optical zoom and digital. The one you should really pay attention to is optical zoom- pictures using optical zoom are sharper. Also understand that when the camera is using the higher magnification settings, it will be more vulnerable to shaking, so you may want to pick up a tripod if you’ll be using that zoom most of the time.
4. Size – Take a little time to think about what you’re going to be using your camera for. There’s always a tradeoff between size and functionality- here’s a quick summary:
a. Ultra Compact – small, light pocket sized cameras. Some may have fewer features.
b.Compact- fit in a modest camera case, great for point and shoot pictures.
c. Advanced- more functionality here along with more size. Typically we see buttons for modes as opposed to menus (which saves having to navigate), better zooms, and they also accept accessories (lenses, filters, etc.)
d. Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) – Heavy and large, these offer the best functionality; typically professionals and serious photographers use them.
5. Weight – Hand in hand with size is camera weight. Generally speaking, more features equals more weight, so think carefully about what you really need. A small, light camera with fewer features is a better choice if you want to take it everywhere and get lots of pictures, as opposed to a heavy monster you dread having to lug and only use once in a while.
6. Batteries –Basically batteries come in two formats, proprietary battery packs, and then there are cameras that accept AA batteries. If you get a camera with the proprietary pack, it’s worth it to purchase another one as backup, because invariably you’ll want to take a picture and the battery will die. I recommend getting a camera that allows you to use AA batteries- if you need to buy a set in pinch you can, and you also have the flexibility of buying rechargeables and using them again and again.
7. Speed- When you are ready to purchase, be sure to check out the lag on button press. If you want to photograph things in motion (kids, pets, sports, etc) it can be very frustrating to try to snap that perfect picture and have the image captured 5 seconds later after the moment has passed. Some cameras offer continuous shutter mode, which allows you to snap pictures in sequence. For most amateurs 5 frames per second is adequate.
8. Manual Focus – part of the beauty of digital cameras is most of them take care of focusing for you. In some situations you may want the ability to manually focus to bring out detail.
9. Low Light Modes – Some cameras have auxiliary lights to help focus or even night vision mode. If you’re going to be taking pictures at night, it’s worth the money to add this to your checklist.
10. Accessories- Most people focus exclusively on the camera, and the accessories are an afterthought. Depending on where you buy your camera, you may be able to get a package deal that includes things you would have to buy anyway, like a case, memory cards, extra batteries and the like. If you buy your camera in a camera store don’t be afraid to negotiate, many will give you a better price or throw in extras like photography lessons.
When you buy a digital camera there’s no need to be intimidated, just do some research online and have an idea of what you want to do with your camera, create a list of important points, and then buy with confidence.
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21 Sep 08 About Digital Cameras
Author: Mohit Sharma
The digital cameras have the ability to display the images on the screen immediately after the image is recorded. The images to be captured can be seen on its screen instead of its viewfinder. This way you can get a clearer preview of the image you are intending to capture.
The digital camera outdoes the traditional film camera in its image storing capacity too. The digital camera has the ability to store thousands of images on a single memory device. In addition you can even erase or unload the captured images onto your computer and reuse the camera’s inbuilt memory. In some cases you can even put a new memory card and store more pictures. Digital cameras also allow you to edit images. When capturing videos, digital cameras have the ability to record sound too, thus making video capturing a fun experience.
There are varied categories of digital cameras:
Video cameras: They are the cameras that exclusively record moving images.
The professional video cameras are the ones used for film production, etc. these have multiple image sensors thus enhancing the resolution of the end product. These do not have a inbuilt VCR or microphone.
The camcorder is another type of digital camera that has a microphone to record sound and an LCD screen to view the image that you are going to capture. This is mostly used by amateurs.
The web cameras are the type that is attached to the computers. Some of these web cameras have microphones, while some of them also include zoom abilities.
Compact digital cameras: They are small and portable; the smallest of them are called subcompacts. They are easy to use with not many special features or high picture quality. They have built in flash of not a very high power, but sufficient for close objects. It also permits live preview. They have a greater depth of field thus allowing objects from larger distances to come in sharp focus.
Bridge cameras: They are higher-end digital cameras that look a lot like Digital SLRs. Bridge cameras have the same advanced features as SLR and the live preview like the compact digital cameras.
Digital single lens reflex cameras: This is the digital camera that works like the single-lens reflex with a film.
Digital rangefinders: A rangefinder is an optical mechanism used to measure subject distance. They were once widely used on film cameras.
Professional modular digital camera systems: Mostly these cameras are used in studios for commercial production. Since they are bulky and difficult to carry they are rarely used in action or nature photography. They can be changed to digital or film cameras by simply replacing the back part of the entire device.
Line-scan camera systems: This type of camera is used in industrial areas in order to capture an image of a constant stream of moving material. This technology has the ability
These cameras are almost solely used in industrial settings to capture an image of a constant stream of moving material. Line-scan technology is capable of capturing data extremely fast, and at very high image resolutions.
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21 Sep 08 Caring for Your Digital Camera
Author: Monty Alexander
Most of the digital cameras have auto-focusing which enables even a kid to take decent photography. The LCD viewer helps in getting the right composition of the image. The preview of the images clicked allows keeping the best one from the lot and deleting the rest thus saving on space for more clicks.
Digital cameras don’t come cheap. With the kind of features and utility levels of a digital camera a good one costs above ten thousand. Good brands included Canon digital camera, Nikon digital camera, Sony digital camera etc. A digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) would start from thirty thousand and run into lakhs. Digital SLR’s are hi-end cameras with professional features and good image quality. When one spends so much on a good quality digital camera taking care of it is also very important. All parts of the camera should be taken care of and there are equipments available in the market for the same. These equipments are one time moderate investment in keeping your expensive camera in good condition.
Camera parts like the lens, viewfinder and the LCD screen are the most essential elements of a camera. These parts should be regularly cleaned and taken care of. There is a blower available in the market which helps to dust off the dirt on the lens. One should never touch the lens, the viewfinder or the LCD display with fingers. The blower helps in removing the dirt and a lens cleaning solution helps in removing the sticky particles on the lens or viewfinder. The cameras lens cover should be put on when not in use this is the best way to protect your cameras eyes. Once the lens and viewfinder are cleaned the camera assures clear pictures and good view of the image.
Digital camera batteries should be taken out when not in use. If you intend to store your camera for a long time the batteries should be removed and on the next usage they should be charged and then used. Batteries discharge over a period of time and using them without recharging or storing them may hamper your camera and its performance. Also the camera should be stored in a cool dry place. Keeping your expensive Canon digital camera inside your car in summers will hamper the camera and you will have to bear a heavy price for your carelessness. Camera accessories like the extendable memory card should also be taken care off. The card should not be taken out while transferring pictures and should be stored properly when not in use. This enables good performance of the card otherwise it could be corrupted and will turn useless. Thus taking mediocre care of your digital camera and spending a little amount on its care would help in maintaining and making your camera viable for years together.
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20 Sep 08 Digital Camera Handling And Maintenance
Author: Roberto Sedycias
A photographic camera is an apparatus for taking photographs or moving film. All cameras have the same basic design - a lightproof container with a lens and a light-sensitive surface. A digital camera is different from a standard 35 mm SLR (single lens reflex) in the sense that digital cameras require no film rolls.
In earlier times careful planning went into taking pictures of an object but with a digital camera you can take a number of photographs and then select the best posture that you have captured while the rest of the pictures can always be deleted without involving any monetary loss. The pictures can then be transferred to your personal computer from where you can take out printouts if you have a color printer installed.
The quality of the photographs in a digital camera depends upon the camera resolution which is determined by pixels. Pixels or picture elements are any of the minute areas of uniform illumination of which an image on a digital display screen is composed. The greater the number of these pixels, the sharper is the image created. A digital camera which offers a resolution of 5 mega pixels is normally considered a good camera.
The weight of the digital camera also goes a long way in camera selection. Once upon a time digital cameras used to weigh one kilogram but with technological advancement they have become very compact and sleek. These modern cameras now come with zoom facilities. You can use digital zoom in any picture-taking mode to get up to 3X magnification beyond optical zoom.
You can do more with your digital camera like using different modes. General picture taking offers an excellent balance of image quality and ease of use. Point-and-shoot simplicity function is provided when taking pictures under special conditions. You can capture video with sound. You can view your favorite pictures. To capture far away scenes, the camera uses infinity auto focus. The camera automatically sets the focus distance depending on the zoom position.
Most digital cameras permit a white-balance setting which automatically transmits by inference which element should look white and which should look black. The lens is an integral part of any camera and determines the quality of the photographs. All digital cameras have LCD screens which can vary in size.
Care and maintenance of your digital camera is of utmost importance. If you suspect water has gotten inside the camera, remove the battery and memory card and allow all components to air-dry for at least 24 hours before using the camera. Blow lightly on the lens or LCD to get rid of dirt and dust. You should always wipe softly with a lint-free and soft cloth or lens cleaning tissue. Never use solutions unless intended particularly for camera lenses. Never allow chemicals such as sun tan lotion, to contact painted surfaces.
For digital camera, battery care is vital. Do not allow batteries to touch metal objects, including coins. Otherwise a battery may short circuit, discharge energy, become hot or leak. Always remove the battery when the product is stored for an extended period of time.
If your budget allows always buy a digital camera that provides you with higher resolutions, longer zoom lens and some other special features. Advanced consumer cameras usually require that you spend some time with the instruction manual to master all their capabilities, but they have few limitations.
Digital camera assures a user friendly working with pictures and videos. If accidentally you delete a picture you can use the undo delete function to retrieve it but this should be done immediately after you delete a single picture.
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19 Sep 08 Digital Camera Basic Information
Author: Roberto Sedycias
A digital camera is an electronic gadget that can capture photographs and then store them. Instead of employing photographic films like the traditional cameras or using magnetic tapes to record images in an analog format like in video cameras, a digital camera stores photographs in an electronic way in a digital format. Nowadays we also get modern and multifunctional compact digital cameras that can record and store sound and video apart from pictures.
Digital cameras have become a rage everywhere in the world. They are amongst the top items of must-have lists of every home. Not only much more technically advanced with better features than their older versions, digital cameras are also very handy and practical. They come in a wide range and variety to suit everyone`s tastes and budget.
Apart from having a better picture quality, the most obvious advantage of digital cameras over the conventional ones is that you can click and store as many pictures as you want without worrying about wasting the film roll. After you have transferred the pictures to your computer, you can easily keep those you want, discard others, print some and may even edit the not so flattering ones. This clearly gives you a lot of options and choices as you can change the background of photograph edit brightness and contrast and make other changes according to your whims.
Digital cameras can be of various types. The first in the category is the video camera which is mainly used to record moving images. Then you have digital still camera or live preview cameras. These cameras are usually of two types, compact and bridge. Compact digital camera has small zooms and is characterized by easy focusing and easy operation. They usually have a built in flash. Bridge digital cameras have super zoom lenses and are capable of taking good images.
Then we have digital single lens reflex cameras with a mirror and reflex system, digital rangefinders which is nothing but a camera that has a rangefinder and the professional modular digital camera system that is a very professional camera with different modular parts like grips, winders etc to suit different purposes. These types of cameras are usually used for commercial purposes in studios as they are quite big and bulky.
With a wide variety of digital cameras available in the market, it is obvious to get confused as to which will be the best-buy amongst them. However you need to understand that each camera has its unique function and specialty and you need to check out each one to determine your pick. As for example, if your purchased camera is going to be a gift then you need to know which type of digital camera will be suitable for the person. For instance, teens will obviously like cameras that are funky and cool, while mums will be delighted to get cameras that will allow easy image sharing for family pictures.
Before buying a digital camera it is important that you get your basic information right so that you can get the best deal. There are lots of factors that you need to consider like the resolution of the photograph and the size of camera. Another important consideration is the Digital Camera Storage or Memory Cards. Semi-professional photographers would also like to consider having a decent Digital Camera Zoom.
Last but not the least, after you get your brand new digital camera then learn about the basics of its maintenance and operation. Get acquainted with its various features; learn how to share your images with friends and family and steps to take to troubleshoot your 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 Slr Digital Camera: Advantages and Disadvantages
Author: Russ Snapper
A tough decision war happens to all who want to buy a digital camera, whether to buy a compact digital camera or an SLR digital camera. SLR is Digital Single-lens reflex camera, which is a standard tool for professional photographers. It provides the advantage of large, bright and accurate optical finder with large controls and fast operations.
Among the digital cameras, the SLR camera is the best for you provided if you are a family oriented person having a serious appetite for photography. For capturing pictures during family vacations, birthdays and holidays, the SLR camera will be the best companion. Though the point shoot cameras have increased to higher mega pixels, the choice of serious photography hobbyists and photographers is SLR. The clear reason for the choice is that SLR has the capacity for producing artistic photographs.
The main advantage and biggest difference that exit in the SLR is that there are more manual operations than the point-and-shoot cameras have. To get a perfect shot, your camera should be always in ready mode. SLR cameras offer instant start up and also minimum shutter lag. The point-and -shoot cameras have shutter lag of 2 or 3 seconds, which means you can miss a shot. The SLR camera’s shutter lag is less than a second and so you can get all the shots without miss. Another advantage is that the SLR cameras can accept interchangeable lenses. This helps you in getting best shots of sports and nature where you cannot go close for taking pictures. You can zoom the lens of SLR digital cameras and take close-ups. The other advantages are long battery life, high-speed continuous shooting, great image sensor and the ability to save RAW images.
The disadvantage is its larger size and you cannot fit it in your bag or purse. Not only larger in size, but also heavier and not suitable for vacations. It’s also very expensive when compared with compact and subcompact digital cameras. The SLR prices can range between $1,000 and $10,000. The best portrayal of SLR is its speed, clarity and optical system. It can be easily mistaken for a point-shoot camera but it is entirely different in the way it is used and the delivered picture quality. In real meaning, this camera enables you to look at the picture precisely without any alteration of digital features within the camera.
The digital SLR is built in such a manner that it enables to deliver high quality images. In a compact digital camera, the image that you see in the eyepiece or through LCD screen is generated digitally; but in SLR the image is sent by the lens and mirrors to viewfinder that reflects the images from one mirror to another. The digital SLR is versatile and that is why the image seen in an SLR is exact without any alteration. The interchangeable lenses allow you to utilize custom lens for a meticulous shot like Portrait, Landscape and Macro or Micro shots. Some lenses are even available for taking motion shots.
The image sensors in SLR provide good picture quality and quick shoot and click capability with no time lag. Detachable lenses give more attraction for photographers in choosing SLR as their choice. If you are not comfortable with manual operations SLR cameras have automatic settings and this provides transitional steps in learning to use an SLR.
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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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18 Sep 08 How to Know Your Digital Camera Type
Author: Roberto Sedycias
Photography is one of the most popular hobbies of many people around the world. Almost every individual with a camera creates his own world of pictures, least bothering the types of camera he is using. Most of the digital camera users have little or no idea on the configuration of the gadgets they have. Some people purchase digital cameras without caring to figure out what type of digital camera will best serve their purpose.
However, professional photographers know their needs pretty well in this regard. But it is wise for anyone to know the type of digital cameras before investing in one of them. Digital camera has many advanced features that the traditional cameras lack. But if you go through the minute details of each type of digital cameras you will find them differing from each other in their features and functionality.
Compact digital camera:
Generally, a regular sized digital camera is smaller in size. But if you are opting for a compact digital camera you will find them as portable as to keep them in your pocket or small purse. They are also available with LCD monitors with sensor image stabilization, dust reduction, wireless remote controller and image resolution quality. The LCD monitor shows the view of the picture to be taken and hence, helps capturing perfect images.
The image sensor tends to catch dirt and debris. But the dust reduction system removes dirt from it. The image stabilization mode of the digital camera sharpens the image by eliminating camera shake. The portable and lightweight digital camera with multiple features varies in its price depending on its features.
Point and Shoot digital camera:
Digital cameras of this category do not need a lot of creativity on the part of the user and therefore, are good for any user. It is easy to use and have many controls that don`t need much of your involvement while taking the snaps. The powerful camera has compositional technology which can be wonderfully used not only for photography but also for video taping, paining and some of the other visual media.
Though the camera has its limitations like lack of flexibility, you still can capture your memories with great pictures if you are smart to use the compositional technology. It is the best digital camera for the beginners. As any other digital camera they are also small light weight and the picture can be viewed on the screen before taking it.
Digital SLR camera:
A digital SLR camera is a digital camera with single lens reflex system. It has got a small mirror between the lens and camera films. The technology of this high-end camera creates more image control and focusing for the photographer. Also, this type of digital camera is developed with mega pixels. The number of pixels present is responsible for the clarity of picture.
Advanced digital camera:
The advanced digital cameras have got some advantages over the basic digital cameras. This type of digital camera is available with fully automatic, manual or semi-automatic control. The astounding digital camera captures amazing images with ease of handling. The extremely simple interface allows the user easily understand its functionality. The advanced LCD screen, megapixels and optical zoom makes the advanced digital camera feasible for professional and personal use.
Before taking your digital camera you can go through some reviews that give clear picture of every type of camera, its feature and functionality. Ask some of the digital camera owners about the pros and cons of the models they own. Try out many models of digital cameras before you settle down for the right digital camera for your purpose. Happy Buying!!!
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