How To Choose a Digital Camera, Part 1
A digital camera is a filmless camera that performs many of the same functions as a 35 millimeter camera, but it offers much more versatility than the old reliable 35 mm. Although many digital cameras may have the look of a traditional camera, they are fundamentally different.
Digital photography is unique in how it captures and stores an image. The functions of a digital camera are based on digital imaging technology. This technology uses an electronic image sensor and microprocessor for image capture. Instead of film, digital imaging technology uses a grid of many very small sensors that translate what enters the lens into data. This data is transferred to an image file that is then recorded on the camera’s own internal memory or on interchangeable PC "flash cards". Once a photo is in the camera’s memory, it is ready for printing, viewing, or unloading for storage on a computer hard drive.
Choosing a Digital Camera
Like film-based cameras, the more you pay equates to higher quality, better resolution, and more features when purchasing a camera. Here are a few of the things that you should consider when purchasing a digital camera.
Resolution and Image Quality
When buying a digital camera, the resolution you select should be matched to the intended use of your photographs. If you will be putting your pictures on a Web page or plan on e-mailing many of your photos, stick to the basic camera’s resolution of a 1-megapixel or less to keep the file size small and downloads quick. If you plan to print pictures, choose a higher resolution. The higher the pixels, the higher the resolution. The higher the resolution, the larger you can print a photo with good results.
Simply put, a 1-megapixel camera is good for posting photos on the Web, but does not give terribly good quality printouts. As you increase the number of megapixels in the camera, you increase the quality of the printed photos, and the size at which those photos will look good.
To the average user, a 3-megapixel photograph will rival prints from 35 mm camera even at sizes up to 8" x 10". However, you must remember that sometimes you will only want to print out a portion of a picture. For instance, you take a great family photo. Aunt Josie looked fantastic, so you would like to cut her out of the picture and print the photo of her alone. When you enlarge Aunt Josie, the higher resolution that the photo was taken at the clearer the print will be and the larger you will be able to make it.
You will have to pay more for a high resolution, high quality camera, but we live in the visual world of movie theatres and big screen televisions. So purchase as high a resolution camera as you can afford if you plan to print out your photographs. Don’t forget, your printer plays an important part as well. Along with a digital camera, you will also need a good quality color printer.
Ease of Connection
Many older cameras hooked up to the computer through a serial port. This is a slow type of connection that often required rebooting the computer when attaching the camera. Most new cameras hook up through a USB connection. To make your life easier, you should look for a camera and a computer with a USB connection. A USB connection will transfer your photos faster, is easier to set up, and is hot swappable. Hot swappable means once you attach the camera, the computer will recognize it without the need to re-boot. Newer cameras may also come equipped with USB 2 ports. USB 2 will transfer your pictures to the computer much faster, but to take full advantage of its speed your computer will have to have one of the newer USB enabled ports. Using a Firewire port is an even faster way to attach your camera to the computer. While most Macintosh computers have Firewire ports, this is optional on most Windows computers.
Ease of Use
Any camera that you consider purchasing should be easy to use. Look for large, easy to understand buttons and straightforward documentation. Who wants to go through a time-consuming learning curve if you don’t have to? Remember, the more features your camera has, the more complex it will be to operate. Try to match the camera’s complexity to your photo experience. If you understand color balance and digital zooms, you may want to go for a full-featured camera. If not, look for a point-and-shoot variant that will offer you good results without a lot of manipulation.
Batteries/AC Adapter
Batteries and battery life are of prime importance with digital cameras. Look for a camera that gives you longer battery life. Some cameras come with rechargeable batteries. Some come with two sets of rechargeable batteries, one to use in the camera and the other to recharge and have ready as a replacement. A camera that will also take regular double or triple-A batteries can be very useful because you can always purchase them at a local store when the need arises. Be careful not to combine rechargeable batteries with regular batteries. Use all of one type or the other.
When buying a digital camera, you should also plan to buy a battery charger and extra batteries, or an extra battery pack as well. Since downloading photos to the computer poses a considerable drain on the batteries, it may be smart to consider purchasing an AC adapter to use for downloading or when you are near an electrical receptor.
Quality of the Company
Look at the company behind the camera as much as the camera itself. You need to make sure there is support for the product.
Warranty
Know what is covered under the warranty. Check where the service providers are located. Are they local or will you have to send the camera in for service? In addition, check to see how easy it will be to get repairs done once your warranty has expired.
Other Features
For more information on file storage, file formats, software, LCD screens, viewfinders, and other things to look for in a digital camera, see the second part of this tutorial, How To Choose a Digital Camera, Part 2.
Know Your Camera’s Capabilities
Take the time to learn all about your new camera and how it works. The time you invest in reading the manual and taking practice shots will reap endless benefits. Also investigate the capabilities of your new camera thoroughly. Many digital cameras come with an S-Video connector that allows you to connect your camera to a television set for viewing and even creating a slideshow of your photographs.
Say "Cheese"
Once you have acquired a digital camera, you will be overwhelmed with the fun and photographic potential the camera gives you when paired with your computer. Your energy and imagination will be well challenged. Impressive and valuable shots are now within your shutter sights.
