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Camera Buying Guide PDF

Digital cameras come in a variety of styles for different needs and levels of experience. While megapixels used to be important, most cameras today have sufficient resolution, so style and features should be priorities. Options include DSLRs for professionals, compact systems for balance of quality and size, megazoom for high zoom range, and basic point-and-shoots for casual users. Key features to consider are shooting modes, focus/exposure controls, speed for action shots, ease of use, and accessories like extra batteries.

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384 views4 pages

Camera Buying Guide PDF

Digital cameras come in a variety of styles for different needs and levels of experience. While megapixels used to be important, most cameras today have sufficient resolution, so style and features should be priorities. Options include DSLRs for professionals, compact systems for balance of quality and size, megazoom for high zoom range, and basic point-and-shoots for casual users. Key features to consider are shooting modes, focus/exposure controls, speed for action shots, ease of use, and accessories like extra batteries.

Uploaded by

naZar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Digital Camera Buying Guide

Are you ready for a new digital camera? Whether you’re shopping for your first one or upgrading
for more sophisticated features, here’s a look at the most important aspects of choosing a digital
camera:

Megapixels

Once a key selling feature for a digital camera, the megapixel rating is typically not a concern
with today’s high-resolution cameras. For most casual shutterbugs and even enthusiasts, the
image resolution of even the most basic point-and-shoot digital cameras is more than sufficient.
Remember, a camera rated at, say, 12 megapixels will not necessarily take better photos than a
lower-resolution model, and in fact may even take lower-quality photos under some lighting
conditions. Most digital imaging experts urge shoppers to make body style and features the
driving factors.

Style

You have more choices than ever when it comes to the various sizes and shapes of digital
cameras. Here’s a look at the types of cameras you’re likely to find as you shop:

● D-SLR
A Digital Single Lens Reflex is similar to film-based 35mm cameras. It features a large,
professional-style camera body, interchangeable lenses and an optical viewfinder. D-SLRs
generally offer the best image quality and versatility.

● Compact System/Mirrorless/Hybrid
These offer many of the benefits of an entry-level D-SLR, namely interchangeable lenses and
high-quality images, in a smaller, lighter body.

● Megazoom
These offer a fixed-lens, large optical zoom range (up to 30x) and advanced in-camera features.

● Pocket Megazoom
An advanced point and shoot with high-zoom retractable lens offering anywhere from about 10x
to 15x optical zoom.

● Advanced Point and Shoot


A step-up from an entry level point-and-shoot, advanced models offer some manual controls,
increased performance and more advanced features and exposure settings.

● Basic Point and Shoot


These are the perfect everyday cameras. They’re compact, easy to use and offer ample scene
modes for the casual photographer.
Features

Here are some popular features you’ll find on today’s digital cameras:

● Shooting modes with preset exposures for a variety of scenes and lighting scenarios
● Face detection that optimizes exposure and focus on people in your photos
● Smile detection waits until the instant your subject smiles to snap the picture
● Blink detection alerts you if anyone in your shot blinked
● Red-eye reduction flashes twice to eliminate the annoying red-eye effect
● Focus assist light uses an LED bulb to assist with autofocus in low-light scenes
● GPS enables the camera to “geotag” your photos with the exact locations you took them
● WiFi lets you upload photos directly to social media and photos sharing sites, digital photo
frames and other networked devices
● Video mode lets you shoot high-definition video

Adjustable Features

Which manually adjustable features– flash, zoom, exposure, and focus settings–will make a
difference to the kind of pictures you want to take?
Speed

There are several considerations when determining a camera’s speed:

● Shutter Lag
Shutter lag is the delay that occurs between the time you press the “capture” button on a digital
camera and when the picture is actually taken. If you’re photographing sports or quick action
events, shutter lag may cause you to capture the moment after the one you really wanted to
capture.

● Power-up
There’s nothing more frustrating than missing a candid shot because you were waiting for your
camera to “boot” up. Power-up speeds can vary greatly, so be sure to test it out.

● Continuous Shooting
Continuous shooting or “burst” mode is the camera’s ability to take multiple photos in rapid
succession. This spec is usually listed in the product literature.

Ease of Use

When looking at cameras, take the time to notice ease-of-use features. For example, you may
prefer a camera with a separate viewfinder, larger buttons or on-screen guidance. Here are a
couple of things to notice:

● Menus
Are they easy to navigate? Are some of the most-used functions, like flash and exposure, easy
to find?

● Buttons
Do you require larger buttons? Are you able to find and read the smaller buttons on compact
and ultra-compact models?

● Owner’s manual
Is information easy to find? Are the directions easy to follow?

● Battery life
Does the built-in battery pack offer enough battery life for shooting needs? Or should you
purchase an additional battery, or a battery pack that accepts disposables?

● On-screen help
Does the camera offer an on-screen help feature?
Accessories

Before you complete your purchase, be sure to consider some of the essential extras:

● Card reader
Connects to your PC like a hard drive, letting you import images from your memory card much
faster than using the camera itself.

● Extra card
With flash memory cards so cheap, it is very convenient to have an extra card or two.

● Wireless Wi-Fi Card


Upload photos and videos wirelessly to your computer or the web.

● Extra battery
Avoid running out of power by carrying an extra battery pack.

● Mini tripod
These pocket-sized wonders can be twisted and contorted in any number of positions to help
you get the perfect shot.
● Dock for uploading and charging
A dock makes charging and uploading photos to your PC a breeze.

● Camera Case
Cameras can be expensive, a case can protect your investment.

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