A Quick Checklist Before Buying a Digital Camera
In a quandary as to what kind of digital camera to invest in? Should you buy the cheap one first or go straight for the Rolls Royce of digital cameras? Digital cameras can be extremely notorious for making you regret the "buy cheap first" decision. Getting an understanding of what digital cameras can and probably cannot do will go a long way in guiding you to buy that first one. Here are seven things to look out for:
Categories of a camera
ultra compact--by far, the lowest of the low-end, no flash, no zoom, no nothing; just aim and shoot;
compact--for the hobbyist, basic features;
digital SLR cameras--single-lens reflex cameras, for the serious photographer.
Mega pixels
2 mega pixels--for basic snapshots; small prints are okay but pixelation occurs when the photos are enlarged;
between 3 and 5 mega pixels--you can count on good quality prints;
5 mega pixels and above--aside from producing excellent quality large prints, you can easily do image manipulation.
Zoom
optical zoom factor--by magnifying the light entering the main lens, distant objects appear close; this produces good quality photos;
digital zoom factor--magnifies the resulting image.
Carrying case and tripod
Most reasonably priced cameras will bundle these two items in the same package but very likely, the case will only be a pouch, which is just enough for the camera itself. If you have decided to "soup up" your digital camera, then you should also invest in a more spacious carrying case.
The same can be said about the tripod, the bundled one will very likely be one of those 3-inch table top tripods which may also be wobbly. The tripod helps keep the shots stable and also to take advantage of the timer. The serious shutterbug will want to invest in a much taller and more stable tripod.
Storage media
Most digital cameras have some built in memory but do not count on this to store your photos because the memory size is very small. You will find that the built-in memory easily runs out when taking pictures of 5 mega pixels and above. Invest in a compact flash or secure digital flash card. 256 Kb will give you good enough storage when taking high mega pixel shots. But if you are an avid clicker, consider getting at least a 1 Gb card.
Battery
One of the most overlooked accessories is by far the battery. Most lower priced cameras will come bundled with a no-name battery which is almost tantamount to no reliability. People will tell you that these batteries should last at least a year but do not be surprised if these kinds of batteries breaks down in less than a year. The good news is that these batteries have model numbers and you can find a suitable replacement from a reputable manufacturer.
Lenses and filters
Just like traditional cameras, there are digital cameras that allow additional lenses to be attached or completely changeable. Three basic lens types are:
macro lens--allows you to take close-ups of objects like insects and flowers;
wide-angle lens--self-explanatory, used to capture large and wide sceneries;
telephoto lens--can you say paparazzi?
Filters can be used to soften or enhance images, which means adding more drama some shots.
It also helps to talk to your relatives or friends who have already owned a digital camera for some time. Their input plus the tips that you have just read will go a long way in helping you invest in a gadget that will give you hours of fun and capture moments that you will cherish.
Related Tags: photography, digital, camera, lens, zoom
--
The author is an owner of a cheap digital camera. It is so cheap, the battery actually is half the price of the camera. Avoid the kind of fate he suffered. Learn from experienced users and share your own by visiting the Digital Photography website.
Recent articles in this category:
- Electronics Articles - The Difference Between Manual and Thermostatic Radiator Valves
The market today offers a large choice of radiators for sale; it also offers a wide range of valves - Electronics Articles - Discover Why You Should Use Refurbished Electric Supplies
Electronic recycling is an alternative approach to waste disposal of unused electronic devices and t - Communication Articles - HTC Desire or Nexus One?
Smartphone maker HTC has already managed to beat Apple's ubiquitous iPhone in performance and many - Electronics Articles - Major Government Investments Through Utility Companies to Drive the Global Smart grid Market
Smart Grid Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2020 - Major Government Investments Through Utility Comp - Electronics Articles - Semiconductor Memory - Technologies and Global Markets
Semiconductor Memory: Technologies and Global Markets report ( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp? - Electronics Articles - Archos 14 Vision - The Definitive Review
The Archos 14 vision is extremely unique; I've really never seen anything like it. Archos apparently - Consumer Articles - Canon IXUS 300 Camera
Canon IXUS 300 HS 10-megapixel has a focused program, but it's slightly wider than most remaining IX - Electronics Articles - Electrician-Why You Should Hire One
Electric work and plumbing are often considered the most complicated types of repairs for any homeow - Electronics Articles - Video Game Console - Which One To Pick?
With more and more gaming consoles being put onto the market, it can be difficult deciding which one - Electronics Articles - Top Baby Monitors Review
If you`re in the market for a baby monitor, there are popular selling models that are sure to fit yo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- "Grandpa's Best Little Helper"
It doesn't seem like to many years ago that I was recording and watching movies on a huge - Overview of Satellite Navigation Systems
Reading a map and trying to find out where on earth you are before realising you are well and truly - Gadgets That Can Make Students More Productive
Computers and related gadgets have a potential of making lessons more interactive and interesting fo - A GPS System Will Take You Anywhere
The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a "constellation" of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the - How The Chronograph Works
A chronograph is an electronic instrument that has one or more hands that can be stopped on command - Erase "Lost" From Your Vocabulary, Get GPS
There are two main benefits of installing a GPS tracking system in your car. One, you can always fin - Ps3, Xbox360, Wii - the Journey is Scintillating
Gadgets & gizmos are perhaps the biggest fascinators in UK right now. The way gadgets and gizmos are - The IP-Based Video Surveillance
THE IP-BASED VIDEO SURVEILLANCE Knowing how IP-based video surveillance works doesn't have an - Cool Playstation 2 Games
Do you remember the really cool video games that started it all? I'm talking about those classics f - GPS and Other Emergency Contact Devices
What is the best kind of GPS system for you? This depends on what you intend to use it for. Garmi