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21 Sep 08 Nikon Introduces Light, Small and Easy to Use D50

- D50’s Ease-of-Use and Attractive Pricing Set to Bring the Thrill of Performance to More Consumers than Ever Before
- 6.1- D50 Arrives in Stores in June 2005 for an Estimated Street Price of $899.95 (D50 outfit, with the new AF-S DX -Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens)
- Two New DX Nikkor Offer More Options and Versatility

MELVILLE, NY, APRIL 20, 2005 - ® (www..com) has taken another bold step forward in redefining the landscape today by introducing the highly anticipated D50™ camera. The D50 is the smallest, lightest and easiest-to-use camera to date, and is designed for the broadest range of consumers including family -keepers looking to take advantage of the , speed and responsiveness ’s offer, as well as enthusiasts and amateur who want to capture brilliant digital with vibrant color and immaculate . The new entry-level D50 makes exceptional a reality for everyone.

“With the new D50, intends to bring a fulfilling experience to more consumers than ever before and help them capture their most precious with great quality and ease. The D50 inherits the high , responsiveness and speed consumers have come to expect of ’s cameras, while also embodying a simple, intuitive and compact design, so anyone in the family can use it without hesitation,” said Steve Heiner, general manager for Camera Systems at Inc. “The attractive price for the D50 will expand the market substantially and ensure many more people can enjoy shooting with a this year.”

The Ultimate

The D50 stands out as ideal for families searching for that perfect camera to capture timeless during important occasions and life events such as weddings, first homeruns, birthdays, prom night, and golden anniversaries, among others. The D50 is the perfect combination of intelligent, easy-to-use features and impeccable , and at an estimated street price of $899 (for the D50 outfit with the AF-S DX -Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens), it represents an excellent value for its . The camera’s seven Digital Vari-Program modes make capturing the moment easier than ever, and the new “Child” mode, for example, assures that moms and dads don’t have to be experts to capture the most vivid color and contrast when taking of their children. The D50’s “Child” mode automatically adjusts several of the camera’s settings, including ISO, , and , to produce optimized when taking of children. The D50 promises to be an ideal tool for parents who refuse to let pass them by.

The D50 also includes a full range of manual controls and custom settings, so users can grow with the camera, and advanced enthusiasts can find themselves right at home with a D50 in their hands.

Hallmark and Performance

The D50 incorporates several important new technologies to ensure a rich, yet simplified experience for consumers. With a new 6.1 effective DX Format and a highly advanced image processing engine, the D50 produces dazzlingly faithful capable of tremendous enlargement, yet manageable in overall file size. ’s new Metering II ensures accurate in all types of lighting situations by automatically comparing input from its frame-wide 420- metering sensor for each scene to a large onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual . Professionals and amateurs alike rely on ’s exclusive light metering technologies that produce ideal exposures instantly. Newly developed exposure evaluation methods detect highlights and shadows in the frame, and compensate for them to help prevent inaccurate exposure. choices in the D50 extend from 30 seconds to an action-stopping 1/4,000
second. A high-speed sync speed up to 1/500 second makes great fill possible and ’s i-TTL technology makes it automatic.

Simple Sophistication

The next evolution of ’s popular scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes simplifies taking, and helps users take incredible with very little effort. The Digital Vari-Program modes also free up the user to think about capturing special and fleeting moments instead of getting overwhelmed with buttons and dials. Selecting one of the seven simple icons from the handy exposure mode dial optimizes otherwise complex settings and ISO-equivalent sensitivity to produce consistently remarkable results. The newly added “Child” mode mentioned earlier makes it easier to take memorable of the little ones complete with vivid color and contrast that are ready to print without the fuss of adjustments within the computer.

Instant Gratification

Unlike lesser systems, the D50 is always ready to shoot when that special moment or expression presents itself. From the moment the power is turned on, the D50 is ready to shoot in an imperceptible 0.2 seconds. The shutter responds almost instantly when a is taken, thereby minimizing “shutter-lag” and virtually eliminating a common frustration of digital . Continuous shooting at 2.5 per second can be maintained for a burst of up to 137 , making action a reality. taken are instantly processed and recorded to a compact SD (Secure Digital) card, and a new USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface supports faster transfer of when connected to a computer.

Compact, Lightweight and Designed to Go Everywhere

The D50’s compact, lightweight design makes it easy to carry the camera anywhere there’s a good moment to capture. Its smart design and easily accessible controls provide handling efficiency and ease of operation, helping bring the fun back to taking. Newly designed plain-language menus are displayed clearly on the large 2.0-inch , and intuitive help menus are available for on-the-spot reference.

A high capacity rechargeable lithium-ion helps extend mobility and convenience by delivering the power to shoot up to 2,000** on a single charge.

Interchangeable : The Nikkor Advantage

One of the unique benefits of shooting with a is the ability to take advantage of the expansive creative possibilities offered by interchangeable Nikkor . With the introduction of the D50, also introduced two new DX Nikkor that are ideally paired with the D50 to offer consumers a broad range, while maintaining a lightweight and ultra- compact size. Designed exclusively for ’s D-series cameras, DX Nikkor are optimized to achieve outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner , when used with any of ’s cameras. ’s DX Nikkor range now includes six high performance that offer unmatched wide-angle coverage and versatility:

-New AF-S DX -Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
-New AF-S DX -Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED
-AF-S DX -Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 ED-IF
-AF-S DX -Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF
-AF-S DX -Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF
-AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED

The D50 also offers seamless compatibility with ’s extensive family of over 50 high-performance AF Nikkor , providing the same superb color reproduction, razor-sharp image clarity and fast and accurate autofocus performance relied upon by the countless number of professional who use ’s pro cameras everyday.

Managing and Sharing with PictureProject™ Software

Sharing is fun, and ’s new PictureProject software is designed to eliminate the complexities typically associated with sharing, managing and editing on a computer. After conducting exhaustive worldwide research into consumer habits, expectations and requirements, developed its PictureProject software to be a simple, easy-to-use, and powerful application that addresses most frustrations associated with managing on a computer. PictureProject boasts powerful features wrapped into an intuitive interface that navigates quickly and is easy to master.

The software allows users to easily transfer to PC’s or MAC’s and browse, organize, and share them. taken in vertical orientation are automatically rotated. Controls for retouch tasks including brightness and red-eye correction, are intuitive and fast. PictureProject’s In Touch™ plug-in allows users to share with friends and relatives without attaching them in an email or uploading them to a website. Instead Pictureproject in-Touch facilitates a direct transfer of the from the sender’s computer to a recipient’s computer. PictureProject In-Touch is included in the newest version 1.5 of PictureProject software and can also be downloaded free of charge via www.nikonnet.com.

With support for JPEG, TIFF and NEF and compressed NEF (RAW) files, PictureProject also works in close unison with Capture 4 as the ideal companion to its powerful feature set. Capture 4 is ’s advanced image management and editing software designed to offer the most robust and comprehensive performance with ’s NEF (RAW) files. While PictureProject is already a dynamic component to , the software also supports plug-ins, allowing users to add new features, as technology and the market evolve.

As part of ’s Total Imaging System, the D50 inherits the advantages of the various components of this system, including high-quality AF and DX Nikkor , the SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights, which enable use of ’s Creative Lighting System, as well as versatile software options, to deliver a new level of operating ease, expanded creative possibilities, and pure enjoyment. The D50 presents the perfect opportunity for anyone to start enjoying the advantages of today.

The D50 outfit, including the new AF-S DX -Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens, will be available in June for an estimated selling price of $899.95***.

MAJOR FEATURES OF THE D50

Vivid color and sharp details straight from the camera
- New 6.1 effective DX Format imaging sensor that produces 3,008 x 2,000- with accurate color, high and sharp details for great capable of significant enlargement, or cropping for creative effect. File sizes remain manageable, making it easier to take and store more great .
- Advanced processor that marks a further evolution of analog and digital processing and pre-conditioning technologies, producing that require no preparation in a computer and are ready to print straight from the camera. is optimized, including auto , auto tone and color control, and real-time processes diminish digital noise to produce beautiful long exposure shots.
- Metering II ensures accurate and .
Instant, precise response
- Near-instant 0.2-second power-up, and short shutter release lag (response) time.
- Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 137 without having to wait for the camera to record the to the SD card. (Using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk Ultra II 256MB ) The number of continuous shots possible in a single burst may be fewer depending on the type of used.
- Fast 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on™ delivers greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking to capture all the action as it happens. Automatic AF-assist illuminator helps ensure top AF performance in dark situations.
- Fast with a range from 30 to 1/4,000 sec.
- Fast sync up to 1/500 sec. for great fill-effects under brighter light and back lighted conditions.
- Fast data transfer and recording to SD cards keeps the D50 always ready to shoot in any situation.
Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results
- Seven Digital Vari-Program selections for automatic adjustment of all the settings necessary to produce incredible digital including ISO-equivalent sensitivity, , sharpening, tone (contrast), color, and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, and Night Portrait.
- Image enhancement options optimize sharpening, tone (contrast), color, or hue while using Auto Multi Program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A], or Manual [M] exposure modes to best match the taking situation. The easy to set choices include Normal, Vivid, Sharp, Soft, Direct print, Landscape or Custom optimization.
- Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from to 1600; can also be set manually.
- Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL (Through The Lens) exposure modes: Metering II with 420- RGB Sensor, variable Center-Weighted Meter, or choice of Spot Meters.
- Auto exposure bracketing helps achieve the exact results desired.
- exposure compensation.
- A choice of three color modes ensures the best match for the shot when operating the camera manually.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the camera. (sRGB)
- Simultaneous recording of compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG image files for the same shot helps by providing a smaller JPEG image file that can be quickly sent via email and a compressed NEF (RAW) file for more creative flexibility using PictureProject or Capture software for further enhancement.
Intuitive handling and operating ease
- Light and compact:
Dimensions (W x H x D): 133 x 102 x 76mm (5.3 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight: Approx. 540g (1 lb. 3 oz.) without .
- Intuitive and familiar operation with ergonomically designed and sensibly located buttons and controls, including the handy multi selector and mode dial.
- Quality optical features diopter correction and information display.
- New large 2.0-inch LCD monitor located directly below the displays the large fonts of the easy-to-view easy-to-understand menu design, and the intuitive help system dialogs that make understanding easy.
- Versatile LCD playback options include Single image playback, Thumbnail image playback (4 or 9 at a time), playback, Slide show, easy Histogram indication for determining highlights and shadow values, and Highlight point displays for even quicker highlight information, with automatic image rotation for vertical shots.
- LCD control panel on camera top makes it easy to confirm settings and camera status.
- Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion with power to shoot up to 2,000 *1 on a single charge.
- Custom Settings for personalizing to match the individual’s shooting style, or different taking conditions.
- Wireless remote control of the D50 can be achieved with the optional ML-L3 remote control.
Easy image handling
- New Small function for saving within the camera at the reduced sizes of 640×480, 320×240, or 160×120 for Internet use - either for mail attachments or placement on web pages.
- In-camera page setup support makes it easy to print directly from the D50 to any PictBridge compatible printer via the supplied USB cable.
- Up to 36 alphanumeric characters can be entered in each image’s EXIF header (file information) for personal identification when are viewed in PictureProject software.
- Video connector and supplied video cable makes it easy to connect the D50 directly to a television for playing slideshows or viewing individual
Creative and versatile system components
- High-quality Nikkor : The unrivalled performance of AF, AF-S and DX Nikkor greatly expands creative possibilities.
- Built-in auto pop-up features exclusive i-TTL control, fast 1/500 sec. sync , and coverage for as wide as 18mm.
- Supports ’s Creative Lighting System when using a SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlight mounted on the ISO shoe for additional on camera output in large rooms, or for longer distance situations. Also allows off-camera multiple lighting with iTTL Technology with SB-800 and SB-600.
- Integrated Software Solutions:
Capture 4 (Ver. 4.3) (optional) is a comprehensive and remote camera control package that fully supports NEF, (RAW), TIFF and JPEG data. Among other features, the package offers Image Dust Off sensor dust and particle shade removal control, D-Lighting for scene-specific automatic dodge and burn control.

PictureProject is ’s versatile bundled software that simplifies and improves data transfer, as well as browsing and editing of image files. PictureProject features an intuitive user interface, and supports optional plug-ins that add functionality and creative options.

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21 Sep 08 The Switch From Film to Digital Camera: Making the Adjustment

Author: Christine Peppler

From all of the books, advertisements, and products in stores it would appear that no one continues to use a camera. This isn’t true of course. Although a can offer much greater control during the editing process and perhaps even a cost savings over the long run, a traditional camera still has advantages for some consumers. One of those being that if their camera is a good one and meets their needs, there is no reason to change.

However, for those who do decide to switch to a there will be significant differences to which they must adjust. Certainly the technology behind a makes them different; how are captured and stored, the themselves, pixels, , and so forth. But there are a handful of basic changes to which even those who on a very limited and casual basis will need to adapt.

Response Time

With a more affordable, point-and-shoot type there can be a significant delay between pressing the button and the camera actually taking the . These cameras are somewhat like a small computer. During the lag time it is focusing but this can cause some great shots to be missed.

Of course, spending the time to shop for a camera with less lag time is one solution; and certainly many of the more expense models don’t suffer this issue. However, there is a simple adjustment which can produce a significant reduction in the lag time. The can set up the shot, aim the camera at the subject, and press the button down half way and hold it. At this point, the will begin the process of focusing. Then, a couple of seconds or more later, when the and subject are ready, the button is depressed entirely and the is taken almost immediately. Obviously, this requires the to anticipate and prepare before taking a shot.

Life

Because much of what a does consumes energy from the , they are known to drain very quickly. One of the particularly power greedy functions unique to a is that of powering an . Again there are a number of things users can do to assure they don’t run out of power and to reduce the rate at which the camera uses the energy.

To avoid a trickling discharge, should be removed from the camera when the device won’t be used for more that a week or two and, likewise, a should be powered off if the user doesn’t anticipate taking a shot for another 30 minutes or so. Using the “sleep mode” is good also, to assure that even if the user forgets, the camera gets powered off.

Using the instead of the to frame shots is wise when you wish to save power. Users can also avoid using whenever their subject is more than 12 feet or so away, since the will be ineffective anyway and drain power needlessly. Those traveling with a also need to be sure to carry a backup to avoid problems.

A final recommendation is to use other power sources when possible. Use AC power when performing various functions such as downloading or use a card reader to download from the cards and remove the camera from the process entirely. can be edited on the computer rather than on the camera to save additional power.

The Viewing System

A often has an optical which is separate from the lens through which the camera takes the . Thus, when a subject is somewhat near, what a sees, and what the camera sees are two different things. Using the LCD to frame a shot is also difficult because in order to see the screen, the camera is held away from the body, making it difficult to hold the camera steady for a good shot. The fix for this is to use the “correction marks” visible through the which approximate the border of the image that the camera is seeing versus using the . This also allows the user to keep the camera closer to the body in a steady fashion.

Another option is to buy a camera with an electronic which takes the image captured by the lens, and electronically transfers it to a display screen allowing the user to accurately frame the . Use of an electronic however will increase power consumption.

The third option is to buy a with a TTL mechanism. With TTL, the views a scene through the same lens that records the image and is thus able to frame a scene accurately. This option however is generally available only on more expensive .

Despite these differences, do offer some tremendous advantages; from being able to view instantly, edit them, print them at home, share them easily on the internet, and so forth which make them worth the small effort to adjust to their unique characteristics.

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21 Sep 08 Why Should you Switch Over to a Digital Camera?

Author: Roberto Sedycias

We have entered the age of . The advantages of the traditional camera over the have disappeared, and the former are increasingly becoming a part of our normal lives.

A produces digital - these are so easy to load on a computer and they can be emailed across the world to your friends or relatives in a matter of minutes. It is easy to check digital and delete them if you wish. If you find that a you have taken is useless, you can delete it easily instead of wasting , which you cannot reuse. A can go bad over time; so keeping a handy for use whenever necessary is a fine option.

One can characterize by the . Digital are made up of color dots called pixels. The pixels are expressed by height and width, for example 320 x 480. These numbers are then multiplied, providing the total amount of pixels. Large number of pixels provides more detailed , but this resource is available mostly on the more expensive cameras. Two , which means 2 million pixels, is at the low end, and may result in defects when the is enlarged. On the other hand, seven represent a robust and can handle enlargement well.

One other point to consider is zooming. The Optical feature adjusts the light which enters the camera, and this makes the scene to appear closer. The digital feature adjusts the after being digitized, to produce a closer appearance. Both can produce the desired result, but optical is preferable.

also come with internal , but this is usually too small. So you have to look at the kind of add on that the camera allows. The additional usually comes in the shape of a thumbnail sized chip, and you can carry these around conveniently if needed.

The is another area you have to consider. Some use standard sized , while others use less common, proprietary sizes. Some hold a charge better; some systems are rechargeable, while some cameras just hog power.

Then there is the preview screen - which is an LCD () screen, which shows you what the camera would see at any given point if you wish to take a . In this system, the screen is active whenever you are preparing to take a , but this will also consume the while you are doing it.

But you also have that come with an optical that does not consume power. This is helpful when you are waiting for the right moment to shoot, or when you require the preview screen to compose a at a difficult angle. You can also preview the saved on the screen and delete the ones you don`t want to keep, and thus clear space.

With the ever changing and advancements in the technology these cameras also keep getting better and better. The basic features are common for all types of , only the add on features keep varying with the price and the manufacturers choices. Usually they allow you to take automatically, i.e. you can take your own , adjust the that you have taken may also adjust the settings according to the color choice, brightness, etc. You may also create your own video album!!

Thus it is apparent that the rules over the . There can`t be any competition between the two because without doubt dominate the scene. They have effectively changed the way the world takes and possessing a is a dream for many budding .

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21 Sep 08 Digital Camera Buying Guide

Author: Monty Alexander

Planning to buy a ? Not sure how to get started?

Read on to discover how…..

What do you need the camera for?

If you buy a simple one that can be used at home, you will not get interesting that you need for taking really good photographic . On the other hand, it would be a waste of your money if you have the latest only to be used for personal at home.

Based on the purpose one can choose from the following main three types.

· Point and shoot: - reasonably compact, with features and size like cameras.

· Lifestyle: - with moderate features, it’s sleek and compact, so you can carry it around with ease.

· Professional: - with interchangeable , flashes and other accessories, this camera is robust and feature laden, just the right choice for a professional or serious .

These are the important features to look for?

Digital are made up of dots called pixels. The higher the number of pixels in your image, the better will be the quality of the image. This will therefore enable you to enlarge your image to higher dimensions without creating a pixilated (broken) image.

Compression

Compression shrinks a ’s file size, thus accommodating more in the card. However compression causes a small amount of data loss. If you need the absolute best-quality , you have to consider buying a camera that takes uncompressed but will accommodate less number of .

A camera’s size will decide the number of that can be stored. of 128MB will be good enough if you want to use the camera mostly at a social do or a party. If you are on a vacation or when you cannot download for days at a stretch, a of 512MB to 1GB will be most favorable.

Most come with at least an optical but many also come with an built into the back. For a , they vary from 1.5-2.5 inches.

Lens

It is the length of a camera’s lens that determines how much of a scene will fit in a . A “Normal” lens is about 50mm, most closely approximate to what your eye sees.

Optical

This enables the to in on an object without any problem in quality. Depending on the magnification number, you can in more.

Digital

This feature enables the to in on the centre of the by removing the edges of the image.

Focus an exposure

In most cameras, the correct exposure for the lighting conditions is automatically determined. A camera rated ISO 100, has approximately the same light sensitivity as that of a traditional camera loaded with ISO 100 . A higher ISO rating means that the camera is more sensitive to light and is potential enough to take in darker settings.

Audio and Movie capture

This feature allows you to record sounds and moving at the same time, in exactly the same way that a camcorder functions. Some provide the facility to record a few seconds of audio with each shot, thus letting you add a personal sound bite to your .

Movie mode

This is a feature that lets you take short clips with your camera. The total record length is typically limited to 10 to 90 seconds.

Most come with an in-built . Some cameras however include additional features, such as red-eye reduction or night portrait mode.

Image erase

Most cameras also let you select to erase. This handy feature gives you the chance to edit out the you don’t want in order to create space in the .

Self-timer

A self-timer allows your for a delayed exposure, usually giving you about 10 seconds before the is taken.

Computer connections

Most high-end cameras have software and connections for both Mac and PC computers. However it is necessary to make sure the you want is compatible with your platform before you buy it.

This feature enables the to capture still of something moving very fast.

Printing

Nowadays you can buy special , depending on the compatibility of your camera, to print off your without connecting it to a PC. This applies both for digital and SLR .

How important is size and portability to you?

Size is another very important factor to consider. If you are to use the camera for non professional purposes the size has to be small as you cannot afford to carry huge when you are enjoying a trip.

What is your budget?

Based on the budget the features will vary and the overall offering of a camera. Today’s run anywhere from Rs 800 to Rs 30,000, depending on and features. While the initial expense of a is still high you may find that the added convenience and savings in and processing costs are worth it.

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19 Sep 08 Consumer Reports - Digital Cameras

, which employ reusable cards instead of , give you far more creative control than cameras can. With a , 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 , or by dropping off the card at one of a growing number of photofinishers. You can upload the file to a -sharing Web site for , viewing, and sharing with others.

Like camcorders, have LCD viewers. Some camcorders can be used to take still , but a ’s is no match for a good ’s.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE

The leading brands are , , HP, , , and ; other brands come from consumer-electronics, computer, and and companies.

are categorized by how many pixels, or elements, the contains. One equals 1 million elements. A 3- camera can make excellent 8×10s and pleasing 11×14s. There are also 4- to 8- models, including point-and-shoot ones; these are well suited for making larger prints or for maintaining if you want to use only a portion of the original image. Professional use as many as 14 .

Price range: $200 to $400 for 3 ; $250 to $400 for 4 and 5 ; $300 to $1,000 for 6 to 8 .

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Most are highly automated, with features such as automatic (which manages the , aperture, or both according to ) and autofocus.

Instead of , typically record their shots onto - cards. and (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 cards used by cameras include Stick, Smart Media and xD- card. A few cameras, mainly some models, use 3 1/4-inch CD-R or CD-RW discs.

To save , you transfer them to a computer, typically by connecting the camera to the computer’s USB or FireWire port or inserting the card into a special reader. Some can take cards and make prints without putting the on a computer first. Image-handling software, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Jasc Paint Shop, Microsoft It, and ACDSee, lets you size, touch up, and crop digital using your computer. Most work with both Windows and Macintosh machines.

The file format commonly used for is JPEG, which is a compressed format. Some cameras can save 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.

typically have both an optical and a small color . LCD viewers are very accurate in framing the actual image you get–better than most of the optical viewfinders–but they use more power and may be hard to see in bright sunlight. You can also view shots you’ve already taken on the . Many provide a video output, so you can view your on a TV set.

Certain cameras let you record an audio clip with a . But these clips use additional space. Some allow you to record limited video, but the frame rate is slow and the poor.

A 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 on mainstream cameras goes from a moderately wide-angle view () to moderate telephoto (105mm). You can find cameras with extended ranges between 8x and 12x, giving added versatility for outdoor . 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 detail, resulting in a somewhat coarser view.

Sensors in are typically about as light-sensitive as ISO 100 , though some let you increase that setting. (At ISO 100, you’ll likely need to use a indoors and in low outdoor light.) A camera’s range tells you how far from the camera the will provide proper exposure: If the subject is out of range, you’ll know to close the distance. But can tolerate some underexposure before the image suffers noticeably.

Red-eye reduction shines a light toward your subject just before the main . (A camera whose unit is farther from the lens reduces the risk of . Computer editing of the image may also correct .) With automatic mode, the camera fires the 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 now come with image stabilizers. These compensate for camera shake, letting you use a slower than you otherwise could for following movement. But an won’t compensate for the motion of subjects.

Most new 6- to 8- 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 do you need? If you mainly want to make 4×6 , a camera with a 3- or 4- 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- model. But to enlarge the image more or enlarge only part of it, you’ll want a 6- to 8- camera.

How much control do you want over exposure and composition? Cameras meant for automatic point-and-shoot , with a 3x- lens, will serve snap shooters as well as dedicate hobbyists much of the time. The full-featured cameras in the 6- to 8- range offer that more-dedicated will want to have. Two of the more important are a 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 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- 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.

type and life. All can run on rechargeable of one of two types: an expensive pack or a set of AA . In our tests of the cameras, neither 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 . You can buy economical, rechargeable cells (plus a charger) and drop in a set of disposable lithium or alkaline 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 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 cards and . Designs within a camera brand line are often similar. So staying wit the brand you have lowers the learning curve on the 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 Buying a Digital Camera? Read This Buying Guide!

Author: Bob Shanty

Many with upgraded technology are being introduced every day. This makes it more difficult to select a camera, as you are left with a wide range of models to choose from. However, most buyers have specific features and needs in mind. Rather than going for the latest model, buy that best suit your requirements.

What should I look for when buying a ?

The , , , performance and life should all play a significant role in your buying decision. Here are some features to keep in mind while picking the for yourself.

:

is typically defined as the number of pixels that make up a . A is closely related to . You need a high camera to shoot and print highly detailed . If you want to enlarge and crop any of your without loss of clarity, go for cameras that offer a higher . If you do not intend on printing your and would rather email them to friends, a lower camera would be a better choice. They are more affordable and still produce fairly good .

and Connectivity:

Generally, have a removable option, such as a card slot. support a wide range of formats like , sticks, cards, SmartMedia cards and xD cards. Many TVs, laptops, digital frames and some gaming consoles have card readers, so you can easily view that are stored on cards. If you want to save money, store on the cameras internal rather than on a card and transfer them to a PC or Mac using a USB cable. Digital is a huge time and money saver!

:

Rechargeable are highly recommended because they can be charged and reused again. Recent cameras are compatible with NiCad, NiMH and lithium-ion . Though NiCad and NiMH are inexpensive, lithium-ion is worth the extra money. They are long-lasting with low self-discharge rates. You should opt for cameras that are compatible with lithium-ion . A few cameras come with an AC power adapter that can be used to charge the as well.

:

come with two types of , optical and digital. Both of these allow you to take close-ups of a distant subject, although they accomplish this task through different means. The optical magnifies the image before the shot is taken, whereas the digital artificially magnifies the image by enlarging the area but this leads to a loss of . You should pay more attention to the optical rather than the digital when comparing models.

Modes:

Most cameras available today have preset modes for shooting under different conditions. Factors such as exposure, aperture, focussing, light metering, and sensitivity can all be adjusted. Many also include video capture modes, enabling you to take short videos at different frame rate speeds.

ViewFinders and LCD Displays:

The optical is the window you look through when taking a picutre. Although there are with viewfinders, several of the latest models have only an . The lets you view an image as you take it and also plays back and videos saved on your camera. Anti-glare screens are best for buyers who plan on shooting a lot of outdoors. If you need a durable camera for rough use, opt for a scratch resistant screen.

Technology:

also come with innovative technologies that make fun and easy. Do u want to avoid overexposed or darkened faces, recognise multiple faces or optimize the color and tonal qualities of your ? Not a problem. Todays cameras are well equipped with automatic red-eye and camera shake detection and correction as well as multiple face recognition. Not no meantion tons of

What are the different types of cameras and camera accessories online or available through conventional stores?

Point-and-Shoot Models:

Point-and-shoot cameras are a dime a dozen. These entry level models provide low with little magnification. If you do not want to spend time on focusing and figuring out the settings and controls, a point-and-shoot camera is just the ticket. You will find plenty of these models that are low in cost and easy to use.

Intermediate Models:

These models are especially designed for beginners. Equipped with a range of automatic settings, these consumer-level produce flawless . They usually have a of 3.2 to 5 and a 3:1 to 4:1 lens.

Advanced Consumer Models:

If you have taken a class or is one of your hobbies, then you will probably want some additional features. Choose from the many advanced consumer models with higher , quality and morer . These models let you add features based on your needs and give you the freedom to personalize the settings.

Prosumer Models:

When you buy , if consumer models are too basic for you and professional models are too complex, you will love a prosumer model. These have the best of both worlds. They have a vast number of options to work with, like switching between automatic and manual focus, selecting the and adjusting the aperture settings. You will also have the opportunity to express your creative side by manipulating . You can adjust the brightness and contrast levels for truly unique snaps. You can expect a minimum of 5 to 6 in this category. These can take 2 to 3 per second, but tend to be more fragile than other models.

Professional Models:

You will need a top of the line model that sports the latest features to meet your high demands, if you are a professional . Professional models are capable of producing high with magnificent colors and clarity. They have interchangeable and a of up to 14 . These models are the fastest on the market, allowing you to take 5 per second. Professional have a whopping option of at least a 1 GB mini hard disk drive, on an average.

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