Buying the Right Digital Camera
Published: May 1, 2002
Making the decision to go digital is easy. Selecting a camera—that's another story.
Digital cameras can capture stunning photographs.
There are lots of different cameras with more features and options than you can imagine. How do you find the camera that's right for you? The search starts by answering two questions:
| • | What do you want your camera to do? Write down the things you want to do with your camera and prioritize them. Each item equals a different feature the camera should have. Sure, it's fun to have the biggest, best, feature-packed megapixeled monster available, but how often will you use all of its features? Keep in mind that most cameras have more features than you would ever use. But there are a select few that have the features most important to you. And when you know what you want from your digital camera, you might save money on extras you don't want so you can spend it on accessories that you really do need! |
| • | What do you want to do with the photos? Do you want to replace your film camera completely, or do you want to experiment with new technology? Do you want to print out every photo and store them in an album, just like you did with a film camera? Do you want to store photos on your computer, printing just a few of them for framing? Will you use the camera for work and never take the images off your computer? Answering these questions helps you determine how many megapixels you actually need, where you should start looking and what price range to expect. |
Key Considerations
As you begin to research, you may notice that many digital cameras have similar feature sets, but that doesn't mean they offer equivalent performance. Read reviews (both online and in magazines). Ask friends, family, neighbors and co-workers about their choices. Some key considerations include:
The mega question
From 1.3 to 6.1 megapixels, bigger is often better in the megapixel race. The key is knowing what you need from your photos. For high quality prints sized 8x10 or larger, a camera with at least 3 megapixels is a necessity. But if you only need photos for a Web site or smaller prints (such as 3x5 or 4x6), you find great results and lower prices in the 1 to 2 megapixel class. It doesn't hurt to have more megapixels than you need, as it leaves room to grow. If price is an issue, a lower-megapixel camera does a fine job. Just remember to shoot at a higher resolution.
Size does matter
Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes. While there are some very small digital cameras on the market that produce beautiful photos, their petite size can't physically house all the features consumers want. Keep in mind that while your neighbor has a digital camera that will fit in his pocket, your need for a 10x optical zoom or an external flash calls for an average to larger-size camera. If a small camera tops your list of important features, be aware that you may be sacrificing other features.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Getting in close to your subject is one of the secrets to taking better photos. But what about that optical/digital zoom stuff? Well, there is a big difference between the two.
Optical zoom refers to magnification within the lens itself when you zoom in or zoom out on the subject (also known as changing focal length). In other words, the lens adjusts forward and backward just like with a film camera. Optical zoom does not diminish the quality of the digital photo. If you like to zoom, make sure the camera has a powerful optical zoom capability.
Digital zoom doesn't change focal length. Instead, as you zoom in closer, a smaller and smaller portion of the digital sensor is used to record the digital photo. This has the effect of lowering the number of pixels in the photo. Zoom in too much and when you make a print from the photo it lacks clarity and sharpness.
Battery
Digital cameras eat batteries like they're candy. This can be an expensive treat. At a minimum, make sure the camera you select accepts rechargeable batteries (most do). Different cameras take different sizes of batteries, and the type used should be a factor in your decision-making process. Battery life is usually covered in camera reviews, so make note of the findings. A good camera takes roughly 100 photos with a single charge, though there are many factors that can affect this. Since you can't use your camera without batteries, you need to know you've got power when you need it. Learn about conserving battery life.
Some cameras have proprietary batteries that are designed to fit one type of camera. Many times a charger is included, which makes for a great bargain. Consider the cost of additional batteries and chargers as well as their availability from the manufacturer. These are extras you should definitely purchase, whether included with the camera or not.
Memory cards
The type of memory card used by the camera is another factor to consider. If you want your camera for traveling, a higher-capacity memory card is very handy for storing photos until you can download them to a computer. If you use a camera at work or frequently carry it with you, you may want a more durable card. CompactFlash memory cards are currently the most popular type of memory card on the market because of their durability and the wide range of storage they offer (from 16 megabytes to 1 gigabyte). There are more cameras on the market today that accept CompactFlash memory cards than any other type of memory, which means that you've got more choices in cameras, memory cards and card readers.
LCD monitor
All digital cameras include a built-in screen, usually called an LCD monitor. The monitor lets you review pictures or change camera settings. Some are big and bright and offer crisp renditions of photos; others accept specially-made hoods that make LCDs easier to see on bright days. Some attach to the body of your camera, while others tilt, twist and flip away. These are all fun features, but consider how you use a camera before making a decision. If you need to shoot around corners or edges, say for construction or renovation work, a movable LCD is a good idea. Take the time to look at the LCD and be sure it doesn't strain your eyes.
Scene modes
Scene modes help you and your camera take better pictures together. When you choose a scene, such as portrait or landscape, the camera automatically adjusts itself to settings best suited for the scene. If you don't want to think too much about what's behind photography and still want great results, consider a camera with a wide variety of scene modes.
Flash and the dreaded red-eye
Red-eye reduction is a standard feature on most cameras but remember that it is just a reduction, not removal. If you absolutely hate red-eye, or you shoot a lot of portraits, consider a camera that has a hot-shoe or other connection for an external flash. Keeping the flash away from the lens reduces instances of red-eye and often produces more attractive portraits. If you want maximum flash control, look for a camera that allows you to manually adjust its output too. Learn more about red-eye.
Purchasing a digital camera takes some research. If you ask yourself the right questions, however, the choices become clearer. The most important thing is that you get a camera you are excited about, one that you want to take pictures with, and one that you can take everywhere. The best camera for you doesn't have to be the most expensive or most popular. It is the camera that does what you want it to.
