Thinking of giving a digital camera as a gift this Christmas? Before you open your wallet, make sure the camera you are buying is the camera you want.
Thanks to digital cameras in all their incarnations (camera phones, web cams, Flip Videos, pocket cameras, digital SLRs and more), it is possible to capture an image of anything, anywhere. But that doesn’t guarantee that the image will be good. So many variables are involved in capturing an image-ISO, focus point, white balance, fill-flash or not, and of course, metering. In this digital age, we can capture an image and view it instantly, but unless we know how to set our camera, we may be disappointed with the results.
In the days of film cameras, the decisions related to ISO and white balance were already made for us when we selected our roll of film. Now, we as the photographer must make those decisions, and some cameras are better performers than others.
So enough already, you say. What features should I look for? Well consider these 5 tips:
1. Are you a control freak, or do you want the camera to do all the work?
If you like to fiddle with settings, find a camera that allows for the option of manual or semi-manual controls. This will likely bring the price up a bit, but it will also mean that you won’t outgrow the camera’s capabilities if you really take a shine to this digital photography “fad.”
However, if you just want to aim and shoot, then fully automatic is the mode you will most likely use all the time. Make sure you can control the ISO and the resolution, though. These are the two most critical settings that affect the quality of your final image.
2. Megapixel count is not a race.
Don’t be dazzled by the high megapixel counts. Some of the brand new models have figured out how add more megapixels, and therefore higher resolution, without sacrificing quality in low-light images. But in general, good performance at higher ISOs (you’ll need that for low light settings) is best with a camera around 7-10 megapixels. Higher counts bring ugly digital noise into those low-light images. Oh, and the higher the megapixel, the bigger your memory card should be.
3. Optical viewfinders are best…
…but can you find one? No matter what the salesperson says, the LCD screens are useless for framing a shot in bright sunlight. Even the low glare ones glare too much. Yet, in an effort make the cameras sleeker and thinner, the optical viewfinder is often sacrificed. Big mistake! The best way to take a picture is to see a picture. The optical viewfinder is still the only way to do that in sunlight. If you find an optical viewfinder model, this feature should be a major factor in making your decision-especially if you plan to take most of your pictures outdoors in daylight.
4. Batteries should be included
Yes, it may be very convenient to just run out to the nearest Wal Mart to get your Duracell Lithiums, but that will cost you again and again. Many camera models have rechargeable lithium batteries included, so all you need is a charger and a spare. One battery in the camera, and one in the charger means you’ll never run out of juice. And it only costs you once. And it’s eco-friendly too!
5. Optical Zoom is the only one that matters.
Digital zoom is a gimmick. If you want to be able to zoom in on your subject without walking up to it, you’ll want the best OPTICAL zoom you can get. Digital zoom is nothing more than in-camera Photoshop. You’ll never be truly happy with a digitally zoomed image. It just can’t produce the crispness that you get with an optical zoom.
So, now you can head to the electronics store armed with the facts you need to make the right selection for a camera you can enjoy for a long time. Happy shopping!
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