19 Sep 08 Consumer Reports - Digital Cameras
Digital cameras, which employ reusable memory cards instead of film, give you far more creative control than film cameras can. With a digital camera, you can transfer shots to your computer, then crop, adjust color and contrast, and add textures and other special effects. Final results can be made into cards or T-shirts, or sent via e-mail, all using the software that usually comes with the camera. You can make prints on a color inkjet printer, or by dropping off the memory card at one of a growing number of photofinishers. You can upload the file to a photo-sharing Web site for storage, viewing, and sharing with others.
Like camcorders, digital cameras have LCD viewers. Some camcorders can be used to take still pictures, but a typical camcorder’s resolution is no match for a good still camera’s.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
The leading brands are Canon, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Olympus, and Sony; other brands come from consumer-electronics, computer, and traditional camera and film companies.
Digital cameras are categorized by how many pixels, or picture elements, the image sensor contains. One megapixel equals 1 million picture elements. A 3-megapixel camera can make excellent 8×10s and pleasing 11×14s. There are also 4- to 8-megapixel models, including point-and-shoot ones; these are well suited for making larger prints or for maintaining sharpness if you want to use only a portion of the original image. Professional Digital cameras use as many as 14 megapixels.
Price range: $200 to $400 for 3 megapixels; $250 to $400 for 4 and 5 megapixels; $300 to $1,000 for 6 to 8 megapixels.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Most Digital cameras are highly automated, with features such as automatic exposure control (which manages the shutter speed, aperture, or both according to available light) and autofocus.
Instead of film, digital cameras typically record their shots onto flash-memory cards. CompactFlash and SecureDigital (SD) are the most widely used. Once quite expensive, such cards have tumbled in price–a 128-megabyte card can now cost less than $50. Other types of memory cards used by cameras include Memory Stick, Smart Media and xD-picture card. A few cameras, mainly some Sony models, use 3 1/4-inch CD-R or CD-RW discs.
To save images, you transfer them to a computer, typically by connecting the camera to the computer’s USB or FireWire port or inserting the memory card into a special reader. Some printers can take memory cards and make prints without putting the images on a computer first. Image-handling software, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Jasc Paint Shop, Microsoft Picture It, and ACDSee, lets you size, touch up, and crop digital images using your computer. Most digital cameras work with both Windows and Macintosh machines.
The file format commonly used for photos is JPEG, which is a compressed format. Some cameras can save photos in uncompressed TIFF format, but this setting yields enormous files. Other high-end cameras have a RAW file format, which yields the image data with no processing from the camera.
Digital cameras typically have both an optical viewfinder and a small color LCD viewer. LCD viewers are very accurate in framing the actual image you get–better than most of the optical viewfinders–but they use more battery power and may be hard to see in bright sunlight. You can also view shots you’ve already taken on the LCD viewer. Many digital cameras provide a video output, so you can view your pictures on a TV set.
Certain cameras let you record an audio clip with a picture. But these clips use additional storage space. Some allow you to record limited video, but the frame rate is slow and the resolution poor.
A zoom lens provides flexibility in framing shots and closes the distance between you and your subject–ideal if you want to quickly switch to a close shot. The typical 3x zoom on mainstream cameras goes from a moderately wide-angle view (35mm) to moderate telephoto (105mm). You can find cameras with extended zoom ranges between 8x and 12x, giving added versatility for outdoor photography. Other new cameras go down to 24 or 28 mm at the wide-angle end, making it easier to take in an entire scene in close quarters, such as a crowded party.
Optical zooms are superior to digital zooms, which magnify the center of the frame without actually increasing picture detail, resulting in a somewhat coarser view.
Sensors in digital cameras are typically about as light-sensitive as ISO 100 film, though some let you increase that setting. (At ISO 100, you’ll likely need to use a flash indoors and in low outdoor light.) A camera’s flash range tells you how far from the camera the flash will provide proper exposure: If the subject is out of range, you’ll know to close the distance. But digital cameras can tolerate some underexposure before the image suffers noticeably.
Red-eye reduction shines a light toward your subject just before the main flash. (A camera whose flash unit is farther from the lens reduces the risk of red eye. Computer editing of the image may also correct red eye.) With automatic flash mode, the camera fires the flash whenever the light entering the camera registers as insufficient. A few new cameras have built-in red-eye correction capability.
Some cameras that have powerful telephoto lenses now come with image stabilizers. These compensate for camera shake, letting you use a slower shutter speed than you otherwise could for following movement. But an image stabilizer won’t compensate for the motion of subjects.
Most new 6- to 8-megapixel cameras come with full manual controls, including independent controls for shutter and aperture. That gives serious shutterbugs control over depth of field, shooting action, or shooting scene with tricky lighting.
HOW TO CHOOSE
The first step is to determine how you will use the camera most of the time. Consider these two questions:
How much flexibility to enlarge images do you need? If you mainly want to make 4×6 snapshots, a camera with a 3- or 4-megapixel resolution will be fine. Such a camera will also make an 8×10 print of an entire image without alteration that looks as sharp as one from a 6- or 8-megapixel model. But to enlarge the image more or enlarge only part of it, you’ll want a 6- to 8-megapixel camera.
How much control do you want over exposure and composition? Cameras meant for automatic point-and-shoot photos, with a 3x-zoom lens, will serve snap shooters as well as dedicate hobbyists much of the time. The full-featured cameras in the 6- to 8-megapixel range offer capabilities that more-dedicated photographers will want to have. Two of the more important capabilities are a zoom range of 5x to 10x or more, which lets you bring distant outdoor subjects close and also lets you shoot candid portraits without getting right in your subject’s face, and a full complement of manual controls that you determine the shutter speed and lens opening. ‘
Once you’ve established the performance priorities that you need from a camera, you can narrow your choices further by considering these convenience factors:
Size and weight. The smallest, lightest models aren’t necessarily inexpensive 3-megapixel cameras. And the biggest and heaviest aren’t necessarily found at the high end. If possible, try cameras at the store before you buy. That way, you’ll know which one fits you hand best and which can be securely gripped. In our tests, we have found that some of the smallest don’t leave much room even for small fingers.
Battery type and life. All digital cameras can run on rechargeable batteries of one of two types: an expensive battery pack or a set of AA batteries. In our tests of the cameras, neither battery type had a clear performance advantage. The best-performing cameras offer upward of 300 shots on a charge, while the worst manage only about 50. We think it’s more convenient to own a camera that accepts AA batteries. You can buy economical, rechargeable cells (plus a charger) and drop in a set of disposable lithium or alkaline batteries if the rechargeable run down in the middle of the day’s shooting.
Camera speed. With point-and-shoot cameras like the ones we tested, you must wait after each shot as the camera processes the image. Most models let you shoot an image every few seconds, but a few make you wait 5 seconds or more. They may frustrate you when you’re taking photos in sequence.
Your other cameras. If you’re adding a camera to your lineup or trading up to a more versatile model, look first for one that’s compatible with the other cameras. If it is, you can share memory cards and batteries. Designs within a camera brand line are often similar. So staying wit the brand you have lowers the learning curve on the new camera for family members who switch between cameras.
Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
Related posts
Tags: 35mm, automatic exposure control, automatic flash, available light, batteries, Battery, Canon, capabilities, color inkjet printer, compactflash, digital cam, Digital Camera, Digital cameras, digital image, digital images, digital zoom, exposure control, film, film camera, film cameras, film companies, flash, flash memory cards, flash mode, flash range, flash unit, Fuji, Fujifilm, image sensor, image stabilizer, images, kodak, lcd viewer, lense, lenses, megapix, megapixel, megapixel camera, megapixels, memory, memory card, memory cards, new camera, olympus, optical viewfinder, optical zoom, photo, photograph, photographer, photographers, photography, photos, picture, pictures, pixel, pixel resolution, printers, professional digital, professional digital cameras, rechargeable batteries, red eye, resolution, securedigital, sharpness, shutter speed, snapshots, Sony, still camera, storage, telephoto lens, traditional camera, typical camcorder, viewfinder, zoom
18 Sep 08 Buying a Digital Camera? Read This Buying Guide!
Author: Bob Shanty
Many digital cameras 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 digital cameras that best suit your requirements.
What should I look for when buying a digital camera?
The cheap camera lenses, resolution, display size, performance and battery life should all play a significant role in your buying decision. Here are some features to keep in mind while picking the right camera for yourself.
Resolution is typically defined as the number of pixels that make up a picture. A digital cameras resolution is closely related to image quality. You need a high resolution camera to shoot and print highly detailed photographs. If you want to enlarge and crop any of your photos without loss of clarity, go for cameras that offer a higher resolution. If you do not intend on printing your photographs and would rather email them to friends, a lower resolution camera would be a better choice. They are more affordable and still produce fairly good images.
Memory and Connectivity:
Generally, digital cameras have a removable storage option, such as a memory card slot. Digital cameras support a wide range of formats like flash memory, memory sticks, SecureDigital cards, SmartMedia cards and xD Picture cards. Many TVs, laptops, digital photo frames and some gaming consoles have memory card readers, so you can easily view photos that are stored on memory cards. If you want to save money, store photos on the cameras internal memory rather than on a memory card and transfer them to a PC or Mac using a USB cable. Digital memory is a huge time and money saver!
Rechargeable batteries are highly recommended because they can be charged and reused again. Recent cameras are compatible with NiCad, NiMH and lithium-ion batteries. Though NiCad and NiMH are inexpensive, lithium-ion is worth the extra money. They are long-lasting batteries with low self-discharge rates. You should opt for cameras that are compatible with lithium-ion batteries. A few cameras come with an AC power adapter that can be used to charge the digital camera battery as well.
Zoom:
Digital cameras come with two types of zoom lenses, optical and digital. Both of these zoom lenses allow you to take close-ups of a distant subject, although they accomplish this task through different means. The optical zoom magnifies the image before the shot is taken, whereas the digital zoom artificially magnifies the image by enlarging the pixel area but this leads to a loss of resolution. You should pay more attention to the optical zoom rather than the digital zoom when comparing models.
Modes:
Most cameras available today have preset modes for shooting images under different conditions. Factors such as exposure, aperture, focussing, light metering, white balance and sensitivity can all be adjusted. Many digital cameras also include video capture modes, enabling you to take short videos at different frame rate speeds.
ViewFinders and LCD Displays:
The optical viewfinder is the window you look through when taking a picutre. Although there are digital cameras with viewfinders, several of the latest models have only an LCD display. The LCD screen lets you view an image as you take it and also plays back pictures and videos saved on your camera. Anti-glare screens are best for buyers who plan on shooting a lot of photos outdoors. If you need a durable camera for rough use, opt for a scratch resistant screen.
Technology:
Digital cameras also come with innovative technologies that make photography fun and easy. Do u want to avoid overexposed or darkened faces, recognise multiple faces or optimize the color and tonal qualities of your photos? 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 resolution 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 digital cameras produce flawless pictures. They usually have a resolution of 3.2 to 5 megapixels and a 3:1 to 4:1 zoom lens.
Advanced Consumer Models:
If you have taken a class or photography is one of your hobbies, then you will probably want some additional features. Choose from the many advanced consumer models with higher resolutions, quality lenses and morer zoom. These models let you add features based on your needs and give you the freedom to personalize the settings.
Prosumer Models:
When you buy digital cameras, if consumer models are too basic for you and professional models are too complex, you will love a prosumer model. These sophisticated cameras 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 shutter speed and adjusting the aperture settings. You will also have the opportunity to express your creative side by manipulating images. You can adjust the brightness and contrast levels for truly unique snaps. You can expect a minimum of 5 to 6 megapixels in this category. These digital cameras can take 2 to 3 pictures 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 photographer. Professional models are capable of producing high resolution images with magnificent colors and clarity. They have interchangeable lenses and a resolution of up to 14 megapixels. These models are the fastest on the market, allowing you to take 5 pictures per second. Professional digital cameras have a whopping storage option of at least a 1 GB mini hard disk drive, on an average.
Related posts
Tags: batteries, Battery, battery life, buying a digital camera, camera lens, camera lenses, cheap camera, cheap camera lenses, digital cam, Digital Camera, Digital cameras, digital memory, digital photo frames, digital zoom, display size, flash, flash memory, high resolution camera, image quality, images, interchangeable lenses, internal memory, lcd display, lcd screen, lense, lenses, megapix, megapixel, megapixels, memory, memory card, memory card readers, memory card slot, memory cards, memory memory, memory sticks, optical viewfinder, optical zoom, photo, photograph, photographer, photographs, photography, photos, picture, pictures, pixel, professional digital, professional digital cameras, professional photographer, rechargeable batteries, resolution, resolution camera, resolution resolution, resolutions, right camera, securedigital, shutter speed, sophisticated cameras, storage, storage option, store photos, viewfinder, white balance, xd picture cards, zoom
