Thinking of buying a digital camera? Don’t let the techtalk bamboozle you! Here Shelton Muller provides an overview of the things you should look for when you are buying your next digital camera.

For the sake of this article, lets divide our cameras into three basic categories: Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, “Prosumer”  and Compacts.

Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are those used by most  enthusiasts and professionals, although most of them are as easy to use as the cameras in the other two categories. You actually view through the lens and you have the option of interchangeable lenses.

Prosumer cameras are those “all-in-one” single lens reflex cameras that view through the lens but have a built in zoom lens and compact digital cameras are those typically used by family snap shooters.

These are usually around the size of a deck of cards and fit into your pocket or handbag easily. Everyone should have one!

Are Pixels Everything?

The first question most people ask about any digital camera is ?how may pixels??

This is not the be all and end all of image quality. Digital compacts are marvels of technology and the quality of image they output can be quite remarkable. It only takes about 200 to 250 pixels per inch to achieve a high quality image. Taking the lower figure, a camera providing an image of 1600 x1200 pixels per image quite adequately provides the photographer with high-resolution images at up to about 8×6 inches. These days, that is chicken feed. There are digital compact cameras now offering 6 to 8 million pixels or more in each image.

So there must be more to the choice than just “how many pixels”. As with film cameras, the answer is in camera quality, features and control. Without doubt, every camera needs a high quality glass lens, and this what you will get from any reputable brand. It is a good idea to get a camera with the highest optical zoom ratio you can afford also because often the key to successful photographs is simply the ability to fill the frame with the subject.

How does it feel?

Every camera manufacturer has their own way of designing and building their cameras. This means that each will operate differently and feel differently in your hands. It is important that you find the camera easy to use or you will become frustrated just taking your pictures. Perhaps this, more than any other factor, is the most important to consider when buying your camera. What appears easy to one person will not feel the same to someone else. So, make sure that the camera?s physical dimensions and shape and its menu and functions agree with how you like to take pictures and how you think. In that regard there are no rules, only personal preferences.

Sometimes the most important considerations about choosing a camera have little to do with technology. Remember that cameras are about capturing memories. Your choice is important, and there is more to taking pictures than just pixels. Make sure the camera you buy is a joy for you to use.

Keeping control

Technological advancements in metering and focusing have made our lives easier, they have not removed the fact that photography is an art as well as a science and control is a necessary part of the process. For this reason it is wise to first of all assess your needs as a photographer and analyze the kind of photographs you will need to produce. You will also need to understand your own limitations and how much you want to do during and after you take your pictures.

Modern digital cameras are now offering functions like optical and digital zooms, manual focus options, close focusing, various exposure override controls, scene modes and flash functions. Even ?face detection? modes are now popular in the latest cameras, helping to assure that faces are focused.

The ability to manually override the exposure controls, use external flash, select apertures and shutter speeds and even change lenses has always been the domain of keen enthusiasts and professionals, but these days, the DSLR is being suggested and even marketed for the family buyer. And why not? They are easy to use and produce wonderful images. The new Olympus e-410 is being marketed to the family, and this easy-to-use, compact DSLR is ideal for families wanting more from their photography.

Whether you need this kind of control ?or for that matter, know how to use it ? is up to you and so your purchase requires a certain amount of forethought and research. The price too may have something to do with your choice. Digital SLR cameras kick off at just under $1000. Decide what you will be using the camera for and then make your decision based upon distinct camera features, controls and price within that type.

Checklist

Lets break down some of the considerations you will make for your digital camera purchase.

The Enthusiast

Resolution/Pixels: The photo enthusiast will be looking for more than just an album of postcard sized prints. A resolution of 6MP or more will suffice, providing very high quality resolution images that can be interpolated and enlarged to almost any size.

Image Format: The option to shoot in RAW mode will mean that for more serious imaging. The 16 bit file can be altered and enhanced with little or no image degradation. The option to shoot in RAW and Jpeg simultaneously is very handy and should be seriously considered.

Zoom Range: If purchasing a DSLR, a range of lenses will be available for your camera. If you choose an all-in-one camera, endeavour to get a zoom range that encompasses the most versatile range. Ignore digital zoom as part of that, considering only the optical zoom in your decision making.

Moving Pictures: DSLR cameras with interchangeable lenses do not have movie options, although all-in-one cameras do.

LCD Viewfinders: Your camera?s LCD should be as large as possible, sharp and bright.

Shooting Modes: DSLR cameras all function in various shooting modes. How these modes are accessed should be considered. They should be easy to select and use. Avoid where possible having to select through menus or using buttons with more than one application.
Scene Modes: Most enthusiasts and professionals will prefer more control over their images and will rarely use scene modes.

Snapshot Shooter

Resolution/Pixels: Most consumer cameras are at least 4 or 5 MP or above, and this is more than enough for family photographs. In fact, some cameras with higher pixel ratings can actually produce poorer quality images due to higher digital noise from their sensors.

Image Format: Good quality Jpegs are fine for family use. Try to always use the highest quality setting to ensure no quality loss.

Zoom Range: Compact digital cameras can have versatile zooms. Try to purchase a camera that has something stronger than only 3X so that you can get more candid photographs of children and other friends and family.

Moving Pictures: If your camera offers a high quality movie mode, this can be very useful. You will need a larger memory card.

LCD Viewfinders: Your camera?s LCD should be as large as possible, sharp and bright. Cameras with swivelling viewfinders will also allow you to keep the sun off the screen for outdoor shots and also allow you to photograph overhead and at other interesting angles.

Shooting Modes: Most compact digital cameras have different modes. How these modes are accessed should be considered. They should be easy to select and use. Try to avoid having to select through menus as buttons are easier to access and quicker to select. Scene modes are also usually available and are often a help for the less experienced photographer.

Scene Modes: Scene modes enable the amateur or family snapper to take more technically perfect photographs in certain situations that can sometimes be a little tricky.

Both

Storage Media: No matter what camera you buy, you will need a quality storage media card. In fact, we would suggest you buy at least two. Storage media can corrupt, losing all the images you have taken. Quality cards are far less likely to do this.  Be sure to have plenty of space to take lots of pictures.

Download Method: It is best to download your images from your card to your computer and not from the camera. If your computer does not have slots for media cards, buy a card reader from the retailer who gave you this magazine.

Menu Navigation: The less you have to find through menus the better, but each camera will have a menu to help you with the camera?s features. It should be easy to navigate and physically use and it should make sense to you.

Batteries: Digital Cameras can use a fair bit of power and Lithium Ion batteries are excellent for powering digital cameras. Many models come with these kinds of batteries and they are usually specifically designed for a particular model or series of cameras. The camera should come with a separate charger and it is a good idea to have a spare battery too. More generic batteries, such as AA, are also being used in digital cameras. If the model you like uses these, buy fast recharging batteries and charger, with an extra set or two for spares.

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Related:

A complete guide to buying a digital camera

How to buy a digital video camera

How to buy the perfect LCD monitor

How to buy a big-screen television

Complete guide to buying a desktop PC

Entry was posted on Sunday, July 8th, 2007 at 8:09 am under Digital cameras.

Read more entries by John Pospisil.