PRICES of digital cameras are falling again. And it seems that there’s no longer a reason for not switching to digital. Even memory card prices are going down.
A one-gigabyte Secure Digital memory card goes for less than RM80 nowadays, depending on the brand.
For the first-time buyer, you might need some pointers on how to decide on buying your first compact digital camera. The terms can be bewildering with the slew of models from various manufacturers such as Sony, Canon, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak, Nikon, Samsung and Panasonic.
Each manufacturer will list down great features that they claim to be unique. But what you need to have in mind before making the buy are the ease of use, feel, megapixel, optical zoom, speed and yes, the look of the model.
Gadgets today are fast becoming fashion accessories that you match with your preferences. The appeal to styling, construction and size differ from one person to another, so let’s take a look at the more crucial deciding factors.
Ease of use. This is the most important thing. It needs to be easy enough for you to take up. Look at the graphical user interface. Does it perplex you? Do you understand the flow of the menu system? Some cameras even have a feature where you can turn it into a point-and-shoot camera or a more manually adjustable camera.
Speed. Speed is very important. You can miss out on a golden photo moment because of the slow startup time of a digital camera. Go to a retail outlet to test a demo unit of the model that you are considering. Turn it on and point as if to shoot a subject. Is it fast enough for you? If it feels just right, then half-press the shutter button to get the camera to focus for you. Then full-press the shutter button to take the picture. Does it take the picture fast enough? Does it take long for the camera to get ready for the next shot? Take note of all these and compare with another model that you are considering as well.
Megapixel. Does it mean the higher the mega-pixel, the better the camera? In terms of clarity, that does not always ring true. Bigger mega-pixels mean that the pictures can be printed in a larger format. The norm today is above five or seven megapixels, and more manufacturers are coming up with consumer models capable of up to eight or even 10 megapixels. Although generally a greater megapixel rating would mean it is better, the proof is in the pudding.
Picture clarity is related to the lenses and CMOS or CCD sensors used in the camera. These microchips and the glass opticals are actually the determining factors when it comes to picture quality. A lower-megapixel camera can have a better picture quality compared to a higher-megapixel camera.
Watch out for cameras claiming high megapixel count and using “interpolation” technology. This means that the picture megapixel count is made bigger by the use of certain algorithms and not totally native to the camera hardware.
The best way to determine picture quality is to look beyond the megapixel (but not totally ignore it) and see the real sharpness of the picture taken.
Optical zoom versus digital zoom. As fancy as digital zoom sounds, it is inferior compared to optical zoom. Optical zoom is preferred because it depends on the actual glass lenses while digital zoom simply cuts into an image and enlarges it. The result of an enlarged image is a grainier image.
But most reputable cameras make use of both types of zoom. So, read the packaging and make sure that you get a camera that has actual optical zoom. The minimum you should consider for any camera is 3X optical zoom. The more optical zoom, the better.
Cheaper digital cameras, which typically use CMOS imaging sensors and digital zoom, should be avoided unless you are on a tight budget. But it must be noted that CMOS technology is catching up with the more established CCD imaging technology.
Memory card. Memory card is another consideration. If you already have other devices that use a similar memory card, you might want, for the sake of compatibility, to get a digital camera that uses the same format. Some cameras can be quite proprietary and use limited forms of memory card. These cards can be expensive compared to more common formats such as Secure Digital (SD) and CompactFlash.
Most consumer-type cameras only support one type of memory card. Professional single lens reflex (SLR) cameras usually support at least two formats such as SD and CompactFlash.
Just to list down a few camera memory card formats: Sony uses Memory Stick or Pro, or mini versions of Memory Stick; Fujifilm and Olympus use xD Picture; and most other manufacturers have opted for the more ubiquitous SD. A camera that uses SD memory typically also can use MultiMedia Card.
LCD screen. A good liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, not necessarily bigger, can be great as a viewfinder to frame your pictures and to review them later. But use it with a pinch of salt – the LCD screen can drain battery power as well. Try to look at the screen from various angles and under sunlight if possible.
Adjustable settings. Most consumers do not have to bother with the ISO or White Balance settings, which can be taken care of automatically by the camera. But knowledge of the settings can be beneficial in the long run to take better pictures.
For now, those new to digital photography can play around with the presets in the camera to take pictures in different situations. These settings differ for portraits, landscapes, food and even pets!
Battery. It is important to have a look at the battery used. Are they proprietary? What about the drainage? A great way to check these out is to look at the information available from the Internet.
Other features. Picture modes, anti-shake technology and available output for instant viewing are other things to consider as well. Anti-shake would mean steadier pictures for those with shaky hands. Some cameras also have an instant output option, usually by some wired connection to a TV for instant gratification.作者: devil2007 時間: 2007-11-17 09:43 PM
thanks for sharing!!作者: lionel 時間: 2007-11-26 12:52 AM
