When buying a digital camera there are some important features to consider and understanding these features will enable the consumer to buy the right camera that suits their needs and provide the education necessary to make an informed choice.
Important Features of a Digital Camera
Megapixels and Resolution - Basically the more megapixels the camera has the better and sharper the resolution of the images. If you intend to only email pictures or view them on your computer then any resolution is fine.
But, with a higher resolution you have the flexibility to print better quality pictures as well as print them in larger sizes with better resolution and perform other editing functions such as cropping and printing. Most cameras offer a resolution of at least 5 megapixels, which is enough to make a sharp 11-by-14 print.
Camera Size, Weight, and Design - Some cameras weigh as little as 4.2 ounces and while the pocket size camera may be convient there are some there are some important considerations when deciding on the size of the camera you purchase. First, the smaller the camera the tinier the dial and buttons that makes changing settings a hassle and so it affects user friendliness when taking pictures. Second, many smaller digital cameras do not have any manual settings.
LCD and Viewfinder - All digital cameras have an LCD screen; they vary in size from 1.8 to 3.5 inches. The smaller size limits your ability to review just-taken images on the camera. A good LCD is essential for knowing whether you got the shot you wanted, and can usually give you an indication of whether it was properly exposed.
Zoom Lens - This is a very important feature to consider.
Optical Zoom - The best option is to buy a digital camera with Optical Zoom. The optical zoom feature actually utilizes the movement of the lens. Optical zoom ratings range from 3X to 20X and the higher optical zoom ratings give much better image quality.
Optical zoom gives you all the benefits of the camera's maximum resolution, combined with the ability to focus in tight on faraway shots and scenes. An optical zoom is more important than resolution because it means you won't have to magnify your subject and then use software to crop the image and discard some of the resolution as a result.
Digital Zoom - The Digital Zoom lens only captures pixels and magnifies those and so it produces inferior photos, always go with Optical Zoom.
Tip: Ignore digital zoom in the Optical Zoom rating. While most digital cameras offer at least a 3X optical zoom and up to 20X, some vendors tout a high total zoom that includes digital zoom, and is not the true Optical Zoom rating.
Image Stabilization - Image stabilization is important because without it you need a steady hand or a tripod to avoid blurry pictures at extreme telephoto lengths. More advanced digital cameras, tend to employ one of two image stabilization methods. Optical image stabilization, in which an element in the lens adjusts to compensate for movement and sensor movement, in which the camera's sensor moves in order to compensate for the shaking.
Manual Focus vs. Point and Shoot Capability - Manual focus setting capability is important for getting certain shots. Often times this allows for adjusting the digital camera's settings to fit specific shooting situations and gives a lot more control and usability for the picture taker. The lower-end cameras do not offer manual focusing but instead offer a point and shoot capability or allow only stepped focusing, which forces you to choose from a few preset distances.
Exposure settings
Automatic Mode - All digital cameras let you shoot in fully automatic mode--just press the shutter release and you get a picture.
Aperture and Shutter Priority Modes - Adjusts the size of the lens opening or how long the shutter stays open, and the digital camera automatically controls the other variables to give you the proper exposure.
Facial recognition is a great feature offered by many point-and-shoot cameras and actually detects people's faces and adjusts the shutter for optimal images.
Memory/Storage - All digital cameras come with a "starter" memory card, usually that is 16MB in size. The starter memory card for a typical 5 megapixel digital camera set to its highest resolution can store six to eight pictures. The memory card feature is not so important because you can and will want to buy another one in order to have the optimal storage capability and convenience of not having to transfer the few pictures taken to make room for more. Several models and sizes of memory cards are available for purchase.
Batteries - Digital cameras batteries vary. Some cameras use AA's, either non-rechargeable or rechargeable, nickel metal hydride, high-capacity disposable CRV3s or proprietary rechargeable batteries.
Tip: Since digital cameras use a lot of battery juice disposable batteries can cost big in the long run. Using rechargeable batteries can save a lot of money. Many cameras allow the use of both so in the event the rechargeable is charging you can pop in some AA's.
User Friendly Controls and Menus - Consider the accessibility of buttons and menu options while holding the camera and taking pictures. Too many buttons or menu functions just confuses and can make it a hassle to use the camera and so affects the digital camera's user friendliness. |
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