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21 Sep 08 NIKON’S NEW D80™ DIGITAL SLR CAMERA BRINGS ADVANCED PERFORMANCE AND UNMATCHED CREATIVE CONTROL TO PHOTO ENTHUSIASTS

* 10.2 D80 Offers Outstanding Performance, Ease Of Use, Versatile Personal Control and Exciting In-Camera Editing Tools
* All New 7.5x 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens Included with the D80 Outfit Creates a Compelling Option for Enthusiasts

MELVILLE, NY, AUGUST 9, 2006 - Building on the extraordinary success of the D70 and D70s, ® (www..com) today introduced the new D80™ camera - an impressively featured, high performance camera that incorporates ’s latest digital and photographic technologies, and offers advanced features as well as automated operation to satisfy any with the passion to create beautiful and preserve special moments. With a new 10.2 effective DX Format and an exclusive high- color processing engine inherited from ’s latest professional cameras, the D80 can render with incredible , sharp detail and vibrant color that is unmatched in this class of cameras. And it can shoot these fast - at speeds of up to 3 frames per second, for up to 100 (in JPEG Normal mode), ensuring that the camera’s always ready for the next fleeting moment.

The D80 works with the efficiency and grace of a fine-tuned instrument, powering up in only 0.18 seconds and capturing a with an imperceptible shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds). A new 11-area auto-focus system detects focus with superb precision and can even track a moving subject across the frame, shifting focus instantly and automatically to any of the 11 auto-focus points that detect the subject. The D80’s large, bright 0.94x affords a remarkable view not found in many , making critical composition easier and more pleasing. The camera’s rechargeable can last up to 2700 shots on a single charge, while also providing a real-time Fuel Gauge of the percentage of charge remaining in the at all times. And like all cameras, the D80 feels solid and substantial while being both compact and comfortable. But more experienced enthusiasts will admire the D80 most for its bevy of creative controls and features that make with the camera so much more enjoyable and rewarding. Its new Optimize image menu, for instance, offers complete control over the look and feel of your , allowing you to boost and create with vivid color, or shoot black-and-white with a choice of four filtration effects, or even create your own custom look that expresses personal style and creativity. Other creative tools include an all-new image Retouch menu for in-camera , built-in i-TTL control with the ability to control up to two remote groups of Speedlights, as well as over 32 Custom settings to customize several attributes of the camera’s performance.

“The D70 and D70s cameras proved to be extraordinarily successful due to the excellent value they offered to passionate enthusiasts when each was introduced. They offered an ideal balance of features, performance, innovation and price, making them appealing to a very broad range of . With the introduction of the D80, is significantly raising the bar for a camera in this class,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Inc. “By bringing high-end features and technologies inherited from our professional line of cameras to the passionate enthusiast, while making the camera simpler and more enjoyable to use, we believe the D80 will represent the ’sweet spot’ for anyone looking for a new level of camera performance and value. Paired with the new 7.5x 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX -Nikkor lens, the D80’s performance and versatility becomes even more compelling for consumers,” he added.

Unrivaled
At the heart of any lies its image processing engine - a sophisticated processor that determines, among other things, the overall color rendering and of taken with the camera. One of the key advances developed for the D80 is ’s own high- image processing engine that inherits best-of-breed technologies from ’s latest professional cameras, including color independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. A new dedicated high-performance processing chip greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also achieving lower power consumption, assuring more per charge.
The D80 also benefits from ’s exclusive Metering II, to ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating, rather than merely measuring or averaging the true content of each scene, input from the system’s frame-wide 420- sensor is automatically referenced against an onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual to calculate final exposure value. Variable Center-Weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Sophisticated exposure automation combined with options for complete user control help to make the D80 an ideal high-performance for passionate enthusiasts.

Speed to Burn
One of the hallmarks of ’s cameras is how fast they operate, not only when capturing , but also when processing them. The D80 proudly carries this tradition forward. Not only is the camera powered up and ready to shoot in only 0.18 seconds, it also reacts at blazing speeds when the shutter button is pressed. With a minimal shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds), and the ability to shoot 3 frames per second up to 100 (in JPEG Normal mode), the camera is ready to shoot whenever that priceless expression or special moment presents itself. shot are processed instantly and recorded rapidly to the inserted SD card. Preview are also displayed near instantly.
The D80’s new 11-area auto-focus system also fulfills its role in the overall speed of the camera, delivering fast and precise focus under varying shooting conditions. Adopting a refined version of ’s advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module, this new 11-area AF system with center area wide-frame operation adds effective new focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. An all-new Auto-Area AF mode measures all eleven focus areas and automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject.

Creativity Comes Standard
The D80 is designed to inspire creativity at every level. For this reason, the camera includes a wide assortment of features and tools to empower all kinds of users, ranging from the novice to the seasoned pro, to pursue their creative vision, instantly and right from within the camera.
D80 will enjoy the camera’s built-in Multiple Exposure mode for unique composite image effects, or the Optimize menu options that closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of an image or to a custom preference of the . Optimization of sharpening, tone (contrast), color, and hue is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-White. The black-and-white mode can be customized using red, green, yellow and orange filter effects as well as image sharpening and tone compensation.

The D80 also features an all-new image Retouch menu, with exclusive in-camera editing functions that will certainly keep D80 users engaged when they’re not busy shooting. Options within the Retouch menu include:

* D-Lighting: Automatically balances underexposed portions of an image to enhance detail in these areas, without affecting the highlights of the
* In-camera Red-eye Correction: Automatically removes the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by .
* Trim: can be trimmed within the camera to produce smaller files with reduced display sizes for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes.
* Image Overlay: Merges a pair of selected RAW files taken with the D80 to create a composite image within the camera as a RAW or JPEG file. This feature is especially useful when trying to create a soft-focus effect with two similar
* Monochrome settings: Monochrome settings can be applied to any color image in the camera, to convert it to a pleasing monochromatic , either in black-and-white, sepia or cyanotype
* Filter Effects: Can be used to emulate and apply the effects of a Skylight filter or a Warming filter to any image stored on the inserted . A Customized Color menu within filter effects can also be used to make subtle shifts in color to any image in the camera.

For anyone just beginning to enjoy the added performance and versatility of , creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Digital Vari-Program mode dial on the camera. The D80 has seven preconfigured program modes to optimize the camera for specific shooting conditions and greatly increase the chances of taking a great . In “Portrait” Mode, for example, the camera automatically optimizes the color, hue, and levels to capture the most flattering skin tones, softens the focus of the background to emphasize the face and applies a milder form of in-camera sharpening. Users can choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports, Night Landscape or Night Portrait.

The D80 also offers creative ways to share , with its built-in Pictmotion slideshow feature, which includes style selections that control transitions and background music. Shows can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable.

Creature Comfort
The D80 features refined ergonomics and design, borne from ’s extensive experience designing successful for over 50 years. As a result, the camera is incredibly comfortable to use and handle, and incorporates several new features that enhance its usability. The D80 features a large and bright with large 0.94x magnification to ensure the clearest view possible for precise composition. Included is a built-in diopter adjustment control knob also makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The ’s integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist with composition.
A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high- LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. Navigating the spacious preview of your is easy with a new dedicated button, magnifying on screen up to 25 times their original size. A new RGB histogram display aids in evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved histogram display and highlight point display. A new menu interface featuring refinements to the carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size makes navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. Menus can be customized to display only selected items using the new “My Menu” set.

The D80 is slimmer and more compact than its predecessors, and remains true to ’s commitment to intuitive operation. The size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.

System Strength
With the D80, users also have complete and seamless compatibility with ’s extensive Total Digital Imaging System, and the camera is designed to take advantage of many of the technologies built into accessories. The D80’s powerful built-in Speedlight is compatible with ’s Creative Lighting System, and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full TTL mode, taking the guesswork out of multiple . Compatible Speedlights within the Creative Lighting System include the SB-800, SB-600 and ’s Wireless Close-up Speedlight Systems, featuring the SB-R200.
The D80 also offers unprecedented compatibility with ’s extensive selection of AF Nikkor as well as new DX Nikkor , which are designed exclusively for use with DX format cameras. Nikkor , famous for optical superiority, add to the D80’s ability to deliver outstanding .

The D80 will also have an optional MB-D80 pack available, extending the shooting capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability. Able to run on either one or two EN-EL3e rechargeable or six AA-size , the pack also features an additional command dial and alternative buttons for shutter release and AE-Lock/AF-Lock that make vertical shooting more comfortable.

The D80 is also fully compatible with Capture NX software (available for purchase separately), ’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new editing solution designed to help tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) . Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX’s powerful image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

The D80 will be available beginning September 2006 for an estimated selling price of $999.95** for body only and $1299.95** for body and lens outfit, including the new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens. For more information, please visit www..com.

About
, At the Heart of the Image™. Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision and imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional . Inc. distributes the Total Imaging System of consumer and professional cameras, Nikkor , Speedlights and System Accessories; COOLPIX® compact ; COOLSCAN® digital scanners; ; software products and sports and recreational . At the heart of every camera is ’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital . Through the Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) -US or visit www..com, which links all levels of to the web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities.

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21 Sep 08 Choosing Your First Digital Camera

Author: Kirsten Whittaker

are no longer a luxury these days, with high and sophisticated features coming within a very appealing price range. And thanks to many comprehensive reviews, it’s easy to pick the most sought after features and qualities and still stay within a budget.

Most people turn to digital because they like the ease of printing and sharing the on the web. Business owners choose the for their product catalogues or brochures, students employ for their projects and with in most recent cell phones, even a child can take a snap and publish it instantly on the web. And thanks to the newest lens and zooming qualities, you don’t have to be a seasoned pro to shoot close-to-professional with modern .

You can hardly find a today with lower than 2 - two million color dots per . This is a decent quality for most uses, including printing the for the home or school use. The higher the rate, the bigger you can print without sacrificing the quality. However, if you are not a professional or a who deals with upscale all the time, you don’t really need a that produces more than 8- camera - and these rarely become available for less than $1000. Plus, if you seek to print large detailed , make sure you have a high-quality printer that can reproduces all the tiny details that make a difference.

When you pick a , you should also pay attention to the number. have two different kinds of . Digital enlarges all pixels digitally, while optical enlarges the image with the lens magnification. Since you can always enlarge the image later, on the computer using the Photoshop or other , you would be better to concentrate on higher optical rate. The average optical for midlevel is 2 to 4x.

There are a few other options to consider: whether a uses a rechargeable ( and consume a lot of energy); whether the has a standard (you may need to buy a few more cards in future), and if the menus are easy to understand. If you travel a lot, you may want a that is lightweight and compact.

Even if you decide to pick the least expensive to serve your basic needs, you will still enjoy all the benefits of digital : no rolls to buy, no wasted to dispose of and best of all, no waiting time to get them printed. New models of are constantly launched, and the older ones are becoming less expensive day by day. Know your priorities, check the most recent reviews, and there should be a to perfectly suit your needs.

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21 Sep 08 Helpful Guidelines For Choosing Your Next Digital Camera

Author: Vince Nitti

are available in many shapes and sizes, represent various specifications, and offer an impressive array of features in many price ranges. This is why their popularity is soaring all over the world, with many people already using one for their own . They have become an integral part of many geographic and corporate cultures.

have become more than simply replacements for 35-mm cameras, however. They can be used for taking videos as well as still by upgrading the camera’s card to increase capacity, allowing them to replace the old VHS recorder as well.

While enjoying significant popularity on their own, have also become integrated within a large number of other hand-held tools, such as PDAs and cell phones. Technology now allows these devices to incorporate a within them, making the use of both devices much more functional and convenient.

Many brands of are available today with a wide range of features. All the big camera names of the past, , , , etc., offer everything from 35-mm to digital products. Even companies better known for the computer products, such as , , and HP, are now offering in their product lines.

Considerations

differ from by having a small , sometimes including a . This screen is similar to a TV screen, allowing the user to better see the before snapping it. Some have screens large enough to include much more of the subject and background than has ever been possible before.

Instead of , these devices have slots to hold a card or “stick.” The amount of available within any device can be measured along a range of to gigabytes, depending on how much you’re willing to spend. Getting a camera with more means spending more money, but the extra capacity can be worth it.

Another feature to consider before purchasing is the type of used. While some units feature disposable , the more expensive cameras use rechargeable for longer energy life. Disposable typically wear out quickly, while a charger is generally bundled with those cameras using rechargeable .

Another consideration when considering which model to purchase is how the are downloaded. Most have a USB port to allow easy connectivity to a computer, but some require removal of the card and using a reader to download into a computer.

Features

Those considering purchasing their first should at least know the basic features of an individual camera before spending a lot of money. While snapping a is basically the same in all cameras, there are many other features that will influence your decision. The number of used when taking a should be among the top concerns. represent the number of pixels, or dots, that make up the . The more pixels used in a , the greater the clarity will be. Cameras that utilize a greater number of pixels are capable of producing better over a larger image, but these require much more space for .

Another important feature to consider in a is the feature. The terms to be familiar with are optical , which utilizes a moving lens and brings the image forward to make it appear closer, and digital , which is used to crop and stretch the image. Most have two- capability.

The last feature this article will discuss is the durability of the camera’s case. Many buyers don’t consider this as important, but camera cases made mostly of plastic are relatively fragile. Some camera cases are made from a combination of metal alloy and plastic that is more durable and can sustain more jarring without allowing internal damage, although neither option can guarantee your camera’s safety. It’s better to spend a little more for a case that will better protect your investment.

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21 Sep 08 How to Make Your Digital Camera Batteries Last Longer

Author: Mitz

A few years ago I started selling on Ebay, Which in turn, demanded the use of a . I would take at least 50 a day, and sometimes up to 100. You would not believe how many I went through until I realised how to save and preserve my precious life. Take it from me, I never loose that great opportunity because my have unexpectedly run out.

Get the right for your

I was lucky because my came with a lithium rechargeable and also took AA rechargeable also. However, since I was a total amateur with , I promptly ruined the lithium by not letting it run out properly before charging it again. Now I just use Ni-MH AA rechargeable with at least a mAh rating of 2300. I have had rechargeable that had a rating of 1600 and they were absolutely hopeless!!! You must have rechargeable , wether it be a nickel cadmium, lithium ion or lithium polymer .

Turn off your on your
As I was taking in broad daylight, there was no need to use my . Not only did it ruin the with a bright glow, but it consumed my power like a hungry animal. To find out how to turn the camera off I had to search the internet as I had lost my user manual.

Using the was a big power user

I quickly learned that instead of browsing through the on the camera, I would wait until I had transferred them to the computer. The little harmless on the back of most is a total power hog.

Also if you do not need the on, your will last so much longer. Don’t forget that you can still look through the to take a (like they used to in the good old days). Also see how to clean your

Use your Power Saving Mode

Turn on your power saving mode for your . It almost works like a screensaver and can put your camera in sleep mode if left on by accident. It is usually a simple setting in the menu of your camera.

Avoid zooming in and out.

If you were just playing with your and started zooming in and out constantly, your would be dead within 10 minutes, whereas they would usually last 2-3 hours. They may even be dead flat within 5 minutes, depending on what type of you have.

Taking video clips with your

This is a big power user. The camera is made for digital stills and usually has the extra feature of being albe to take video clips. Not only does it take up room on your space, but it also uses your power

very quickly. If you do plan to take video clips with your you should be sure that you have more on hand. I usually take videos with the leftover power I have left when I have finished taking all the I need.

In cold weather, keep your camera and warm in your jacket until you are ready to use them. The cold drains very quickly.

Carry spare at all times

Why risk loosing that great opportunity because your in your just happen to run out. Carry a spare set of , it’s not rock science. For example, at one of my children’s sports day carnivals, another mother had to ask me to take of her child as well as mine, as her in her camera just died unexpectedly. Because she was not prepared, she had to trust that I would catch that special moment for her child.

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20 Sep 08 How to Find a Cheap Digital Camera

Author: Matt Peters

Advances in modern science ushered in a wave of new technology that the world can enjoy. In the old days, used actual bulbs for camera . Only carry cameras because lugging them around isn’t really fashionable at that time. Discoveries and development of cameras produced the , wherein taking isn’t so cumbersome anymore. It is less expensive because you can see the before printing them so you could choose what to actually print. The could also be uploaded to your computer for and further manipulations. These days, it not unusual to carry a compact . It’s perfect for capturing those random wacky moments with your friends.

The only problem it seems is finding a cheap . Can you even find one? Because of the features that are offered by , they are often costly. That is enough to make any person have second thoughts about buying one. But for someone who considers a passion, affordability is relative. You just have to set a budget before buying a camera. You can find a cheap that is just right for you if you look hard enough. Don’t buy one that is more than you can afford, even if it has a lot of features. Make sure that you can actually use these features so that you can get your money’s worth. Consider your lifestyle and your objectives. Do you plan to spend a lot of time taking or do you just want something small that can fit in your bag? If you are still a beginner, don’t buy a high-end just for the assurance of and performance. Instead, buy a cheap that is compact but has powerful features and easy to carry around. Explore the basics before cashing out on expensive .

Though these are very important points to ponder when buying a cheap , you also have to consider the performance and features of your camera. Check the , capability, , type of media and . These are actually features that highlight in advertisements.

· – They are not the be-all and end-all of . Salespeople like to throw this information to you because it promises clearer . But this is just one factor that comprises your . You have to check the ’ quality. Most can only find certain hues like red, blue and green. They can’t detect all three at the same time.

· capability – You’ve seen advertisements like 10x digital or 5x capability. While it is true, advertisers often forget to highlight optical , which is actually more important. The difference is that with digital , your image gets broken into small pixels if you enlarge it on your computer. If your camera has high optical , you would not see pixelated if you enlarge the image.

· – Check the quality of your image after you take a . Is it fuzzy or pixelated? of colors is very important.

· Type of media – This is the of your . Find a card or stick that is compatible with your other equipment so it is easier to upload your .

· Type of – See to it that your cheap doesn’t require expensive or that it allows rechargeable .

These points would help you decide on what kind of cheap to buy. Like what was mentioned earlier, affordability is relative for the passionate . Find your niche by choosing the best but cheap .

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20 Sep 08 Digital Camera: the Future of Cameras

Author: Nicholas Tan

Basically a is a deice use to capture without the use of films. Unlike the , the does not rely on mechanical and chemical processes. It has a built in computer and records the it captures in an electronic form. Having and operating one does not even require the use of electricity.

Since the that a captures is in electronic form, it is a language recognized by computers. This language is called pixels, tiny colored dots represented by ones and zeros that make up the that you just took. Just like any , a is furnished with a series of that focus the light and creates the image that you want to capture. The difference here is then; a focuses its light on a while a focuses the light into a semiconductor device that electronically records the light. Remember the built in computer, it comes in here and breaks this information to digital data resulting to all the features of the .

Another feature of the is that it has a sensor that converts light into electrical charges. A or is an that is found in a . While other low-end use complementary metal oxide semiconductor or as an , it can still become better and more famous in the future but most engineers are do not believe that it can replace the for higher-end .

A collection of tiny diodes, the gathers electrons when they are struck by photons or the light particles. Each diode or photosite is sensitive to light, meaning that the brighter the light, the number of the electrons gathering will be larger

The price of a nowadays have been depreciating, one of the main reasons of this is because of the introduction of , this is because sensors are less expensive and are easier to manufacture than sensors. A and sensor works the same way at first, by converting the light electrical charges into photosites. Simply putting it, is to think that a works in such a way as thinking that the millions of tiny solar cells, each of which forms a part of the whole image. Both and do this task using different methods.

When shopping for the best , take note of these key features.

. Check the of the camera. The higher the , the more thou will be able to enlarge your without the grainy or the out-of-focus effect that we all want to avoid.

Lens. Choose a with better digital . The digital of the camera will enable you take the pixels from the and incorporate them to make an image.
Power. Always opt for rechargeable , they can always come in handy, plus you don’t waste as much money on the disposable ones.

Options. So you can brag to your friends how good a or artist you are. Or choose the one that gives options that best cater to your lifestyle, so you won’t ever whine how you never get the right .

. If you’re a freak, be sure that you have enough in your camera to take all the wacky, freaky, funny and just about any you can. Think 512MB if you’re a junkie and takes of just about anything.

Computer Interface. Always make sure that it is compatible with your PC, laptop, palmtop or whatever your local printer software is, you don’t want to go running around the whole state or the country looking for a computer that’s compatible with your , wont you?!

Physical. If you are going to be bringing it everywhere, choose a handy and portable . This way, it won’t always feel as heavy and bulky as those cameras that you see professional are always dragging on their neck. Don’t they ever get tired of that?!

These are just the basic things you have to look for in a when you buy one. A is so great that it is quickly replacing all in the market, with all its technology and portability, truly the is the future of cameras.

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19 Sep 08 Digital Cameras - How They Work

Author: Ted Burns

come in various sizes, shapes, and specifications and offer a variety of impressive features.

are quickly gaining popularity around the globe. Many people already own one and routinely use it for their own . Their use have become part of the culture among many communities and industries.

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.

, moreover, not only can be used for still as with , but also for taking videos. An owner needs only to upgrade the camera’s card to increase capacity.

The marketplace offers a number of brands that provide a wide range of features. , , , , and HP are some of the better-known brands of cameras offering the conventional to digital. Other key include , , and .

Considerations

Differing from , have a small , and sometimes an plus . The is similar to TV screens that allow the to see the , even before snapping it. Some have large screens that enable the to see more of the subject and background.

also come with slots that hold a card or “stick.” The amount of available in them ranges from to gigabytes. Of course, the more , the greater the cost. However the extra capacity may be well worth the additional expense.

Another purchasing concern is the . Some use disposable . However, they wear out quickly, so most people recommend rechargeable for longer energy life. Typically a rechargeable and a charger come in bundle with the camera unit.

Finally, consider the way the are downloaded. Though many come with a USB port which easily connects to a computer, there are others that necessitate removing the card and positioning it with a reader to download .

Features

Camera buyers should know at least the basic features of their camera of choice before making an expensive purchase. Though the snapping of is fundamentally the same from camera-to-camera, there are features that make one brand more appealing than others.

For example, the number of used when taking - meaning millions of pixels that help with the clarity of the - should be one of the primary considerations to most buyers. Pixels are the individual “dots” that make up the content of .

As such, cameras offering a greater number of pixels can produce larger with better than those with less. Be aware, though, that cameras using a more pixels consume more camera when storing the .

The camera’s function is also critical. Most are enhanced with a two- capability; the optical and digital. Optical uses a moving lens and makes the subject in the appear closer, while digital crops or stretches the image.

Finally, don’t neglect the importance of the ’s durability. Some 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 Guide to Buying a Digital Camera

Author: Andrew Gates

The 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 (Single ) systems, you can buy a from manufacturers including brands such as , , , companies such as and , and consumer electronic companies like . Then there are other options that include the mobile phone manufacturers, and webcam suppliers.

The advantages of digital are numerous. Topmost is the fact that there is no processing: expensive both in cost and time. But there is also the advantage of smaller sized equipment, portable media and instant viewing. And if you don’t like what you see, you simply delete it and shoot again: no wastage.

If you like to take , being a digital 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 ? (What are they anyway?) Which brand? How much ?

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 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 will you take with your new ? 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 will you take with your new ?

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 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 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 , 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 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 lens, flexible media and built in . 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 technology, you may want to consider more advanced features that give you more control over the you take. These features usually come in a range of automatic settings and manual settings for capturing the image and different options in terms of and 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 and aperture adjustment, and many cameras offer the ability to manipulate ‘in camera’, such as cropping, and brightness and contrast adjustments.

After the is taken

A further main consideration is what are you going to do with your once you have them? The great beauty of digital 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 also gives fantastic opportunities to manipulate your using popular image manipulation programs, resizing them, altering brightness and contrast characteristics, and correcting problems such as , or removing skin blemishes.

Most 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 albums or slide shows. Many also include a video capture facility enabling you to take short motion .

What you want to do with your 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 capacity (also talked about as ‘’). If you want for website use, you will want to get the best quality that can be reduced in without severe degradation.

Beauty is in the “I”

Great 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 offers the flexibility to make the best of existing light conditions, or position. Most (certainly at the budget end) come with a built in automatic , which is terrific for happy snaps in darkened environments. And the automatic 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 .

Moreover, most in the lower and medium price ranges are highly automated. If you are moving from a traditional SLR camera where you have maximum control over , 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 , most lens and aperture functions are available in exactly the same way as other . What differs is how the colours and light of the image is translated through capture compared to the chemical processing systems.

You may want a wide range of focus options. Most have two different types of image magnification, lens magnification () that may be equivalent of a to 150 mm lens, and a digital magnification that may be to ten-fold (expressed as x10). This provides you with lens capability, which may be limited in its depth of field control and is subject to and movement if the conditions aren’t just right, and a digital magnification of the image. If being able to capture magnified distant is important to you, you need more , and a lens system that gives you some control over its focus and aperture management.

A final word on accessory

are electronic equipment. That means they run on , and if you use your camera a lot, you will find that you will be frequently replacing . Some cameras have rechargeable ; others simply use dry cells (AA), which you can of course load with rechargeable ones. It pays to have spare so that you always have a charged power source. Some cameras have docking stations to help manage the connection with computers. Many cameras have interchangeable lens systems, some of which may be compatible with traditional SLRs.

You can also print your own at home with special that handle standard 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 you want.

There is a lot you can do with a , and you can pay les than $200, or more than $10,000. It all depends on how you see yourself as a , what you’re shooting, and what you want to do with your . At Myshopping.com.au you can very quickly compare specifications and prices.

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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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19 Sep 08 Capturing Special Moments With A Digital Camera

Author: Roberto Sedycias

There are millions of people around the world who share a keen interest in . The charm of capturing a moment in a camera is truly amazing. Probably, this is one of the strongest reasons why a growing number of people are joining the cult of professional photographic pursuit. Traditionally, taking , processing and developing them in the dark room was a painfully long process. But as evolved, it enabled camera manufacturing companies to come up with high-end .

are an ideal for taking without having to worry about running out of snaps of roll which is the case with the traditional cameras. This apart, there is no need of having to wait till the entire roll of gets used just to find the blown-up in the dark room. allow you to take any number of and see each one of them right after you take them. Also you can connect your camera to the USB port of you Personal Computer and store your snaps there in a folder. What is more is that you can customize each , thru software, just the way like it. In case, you want to take a hard-copy of the , you can always use the printer to get your favorite printed out.

Buying a is a matter of serious deliberation. Since different brands of companies are offering cameras with special features, you have be aware of the standard features of the in order to be able to make the right purchase. The following are some of the must-know tips that you should be familiar with before you swipe you credit card in a kiosk of a shopping mall or punch in the CVV number in the box while shopping online for a captivating camera.

Price Range:

The price of digital can usually range anything from US$100 to $1000. If you are buying a digital for the first time, then don`t go for an expensive one. It is quite easy to get tempted into spending a lot of money to buy a camera offering features that are just of no use to you. Get to know your needs and settle for a prudent purchase. Ensure that the you pick should be light-weighted and easy-to-use. Later on, after you learn the basics of , you may opt for an high-end edition.

Features:

The standard features of of all make are almost similar except for some special features introduced by some renowned brands in the market. Features such as , automatic functions, special effects, black & white and video recording facilities are usually offered by most brands. However, as a prudent buyer you have be careful of the claims some manufactures might be making. For instance, the feature of digital magnifications may not actually live up to your expectation level if you are hoping to get the optimal clarity especially if you are aiming at say 8×10 or larger size . Do not be tempted by the flashy promotional gimmickry of the brands. Consider the features keeping your pre-established price range in mind.

Lens:

All provide two types of features: optical and digital. While the optical feature is based on the lens magnification and gives you with a sharp and crystal-clear clarity, digital relies on the magnification of the which results in less sharp and fuzzy . Make sure that the you buy should at least have the optical features. However, as mentioned earlier, you have to be careful of the digital magnification claim. You can look for having lens and features.

Image :

Image or is one of the most striking features of . For personal and email purpose having 2.0 will deliver clear . However, many manufactures are now offering with 8.0 and above . You get better and clearer with higher . High mega plays a key role in image enlargement. So if size matters to you, consider this aspect seriously.

Type and Longevity:

If you are likely to use the for outdoor activities, it is important to consider how long the built-in will last. Even if you think of using some extra rechargeable , just make sure whether the you are buying support the same .

:

Every has the feature. Just make sure that the screen size should be at least 2 inches or above. It will give you better and clear .

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