How To Choose a Digital Camera, Part 2
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2003-05-30 18:02:00-04:00
File Storage
Cameras that have removable storage media are the best for almost all uses. CompactFlash or SmartMedia are the two most popular types of removable media. Both are very small disks less than one quarter the size of a floppy disk. CompactFlash and SmartMedia are not interchangeable. If you already own a piece of equipment that uses one type of card, you may want to purchase a camera that uses that same type of card. Neither of these formats is particularly better than the other, they are just different. Cameras that store photos on floppies have been popular because this storage medium is cheaper and more convenient. You can take the floppy disk right out of the camera and put it into the computer. However, floppy disks don't have the capacity that is needed to handle high-resolution images. If you will be taking photos exclusively for the Internet or e-mail, a floppy disk camera may be all you need. However, if you will be printing your photos, you will need to use a higher capacity storage card that can hold more data and be used for higher resolution photos.
One solution that will give you the convenience of a floppy disk for higher resolution cameras is to purchase a card reader. They can be purchased for all the different types of storage cards. With this type of equipment, you simply slide the storage card into the reader and attach the reader to the computer. This is usually done by a USB connection.
File Formats
If you are already using a certain type of software to manage your photos, make sure that your digital camera will produce photos in the file format that your software is using. The most common format in use today is called JPEG. It is possible to convert photos from one format to another, but you can save yourself that extra step by checking for compatibility before you purchase your camera.
Software
Almost all digital cameras come with software that allows you to download the photos to your computer. Often that software also allows you to edit the photos and make simple corrections. You should base your camera decision on the camera itself. Look at the software that comes with your camera as an added bonus. If it performs well, you will be a bit happier. If the software that accompanies the camera does not perform to your expectations, you can always purchase additional software, like Microsoft's Picture It or Adobe's Photo Deluxe.
Flash
A good built-in flash is essential for interior shots and for those dreary months when you may need to light up an exterior shot as well. Other features to consider are zoom and wide-angle lenses which can make your photos much more effective.
Zoom
There are two types of zoom lenses on digital camera: optical zoom and digital zoom. Optical zoom is similar to the zoom on a non-digital camera. It is created by the lens itself, thereby produces a better quality picture. Of course, this is a much more costly type of zoom. A digital zoom is created by digitally extrapolating pixels. Digital zoom produces fuzzier images, but is cheaper to produce. If you think you will use the zoom lens regularly, don't purchase a camera with only a digital zoom. You may want, however, to consider one of the many cameras that combine both optical and digital zoom and produce excellent results.
Screen & ViewFinder
Most digital cameras have an LCD screen which is used to take and view pictures. The size and quality of this screen is important. If possible, try viewing this screen in different types of light to make sure it will be clear in bright sunlight as well as in darker situations. Note that some digital cameras do not have viewfinders. A viewfinder can be a useful feature in some situations and can also be used to save battery life which the LCD screen drains quite quickly.
Shutter Lag
Shutter lag is the focusing delay between the time you press the button and the camera's response. This a problem that film cameras licked long ago, but it still plagues many digital cameras. If the shutter lag is too long it can mean missing the shot especially when photographing children, animals, and other moving targets.
Lens
A glass lens is always preferable to a plastic lens. If you want good pictures, check on the type and quality of the lens.
Read Part 1 for more tips on buying a digital camera.
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