There are soooo many choices. With all the styles and features, and
prices are all over the map, digital camera comparisons can be
mind-boggling. Pixels, memory, optical and digital zoom, camera size and
cost are all factors to compare. So how do we sift through all the hype
and find the best digital camera?
First step: Identify your
primary prerequisites. A camera is normally something we will own and
use for several years. To find the best camera for your needs, certain
basic decisions need to be made before you start comparing features.
These include:
Suitability - do you want a camera for candid snapshots or serious photography?
Quality - compare quality of both the camera and the photos it takes.
Size - models to compare include miniature, compact and full-sized cameras.
Price - compare cameras in a price range set by your needs and budget.
Second step: Compare specific features...
Compare Pixel Quantity and Quality
In
general, more is better. Each pixel is a tiny square of light and
color. Digital photos can be compared to mosaics - more pixels mean
smaller squares and sharper pictures. But comparing pixel quality is
just as important.
Tiny photodiodes in an image sensor is the
technology that creates the pixels. The sensor functions as the camera's
eye and some digital camera sensors measure only a few millimeters.
Other cameras with larger sensors usually have better quality diodes,
resulting in sharper, clearer pictures.
Don't Skimp on Memory
A
single digital photograph can require several megabytes, though file
type, compression rate and subject matter all affect file size. Most
digital cameras don't have nearly enough built-in memory, so when doing a
digital camera comparison plan on buying more. A general rule of thumb
is to have at least 256-512MB of memory - more if taking high resolution
or a lot of photographs.
Check memory compatibility when you
compare digital cameras. Compact flash is the most universal and cost
effective. MultiMedia cards are smaller and also work with other
devices. Secure Digital are MultiMedia cards with an added write-protect
switch. xD Picture cards are small and adaptable to most compact flash
applications. Others such as Memory Sticks, SmartMedia and MicroDrives
have limited applications, but may be best for the camera you want.
CCD Compared to CMOS
Charged
Coupled Devices (CCD) and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors
(CMOS) are digital camera image sensors. They can be compared to the
shutter and film in a traditional camera.
Developed in the mid
1970's, the CCD is the heart of most digital cameras. With millions of
light collecting cells, its image perception can be compared to the
human eye. The CCD sensor's quality makes it the preferred choice for
high-end digital cameras.
CMOS sensors were developed in 1998
with technology comparable to processor chips. Advantages are lower
cost, less power required and multi-tasking ability. Disadvantages
include signal noise and resolution issues. As the technology improves,
CMOS sensors will make digital cameras more affordable and be the best
choice for entry level cameras.
Beware the Zoom-Zoom
In
your comparison of best digital cameras, be aware of the zoom issue.
Digital zoom isn't much more than a marketing gimmick. It crops the
image on the sensor, reducing total pixels and degrading resolution.
Optical zoom magnifies the image before the sensor reads it, retaining
full resolution.
Other important features...
Shutter lag - how quickly can you take another picture? Should be a second or less.
Start up time - when turned on, the camera should be ready within a couple of seconds.
Manual override - allows you to adjust exposure and focus settings.
Auto-focus - should be nearly instantaneous in most lighting conditions.
panasonic lumix dmc gx1k 16 mp micro 43 compact system camera with 3 inch lcd touch screen and 14 42mm zoom lens black, canon
powershot d20 12 1 mp cmos waterproof digital camera with 5x image
stabilized zoom 28mm wide angle lens a 3 0 inch lcd and gps tracking
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powershot elph 110 hs 16 1 mp cmos digital camera with 5x optical image
stabilized zoom 24mm wide angle lens and 1080p full hd video recording
pink, canon
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wmemory card rechargeable batteries hdmi cable and memory card, canon eos rebel t3i 18 mp cmos digital slr camera and digic 4 imaging with ef s 18 135mm f3 5 5 6 is standard zoom lens, panasonic hdc hs900k 3 mos 220gb hdd 3d compatible camcorder black, nikon 400mm f2 8g ed vr ii af s swm super telephoto lens for nikon fx and dx format digital slr, nikon coolpix s4100 14 mp digital camera with 5x nikkor wide angle optical zoom lens and 3 inch touch panel lcd plum, sony nex 7 24 3 mp compact interchangeable lens camera body only, canon
powershot sx260 hs 12 1 mp cmos digital camera with 20x image
stabilized zoom 25mm wide angle lens and 1080p full hd video green, sony
hdrpj760v high definition handycam 24 1 mp camcorder with 10x optical
zoom 96 gb embedded memory and built in projector 2012 model, sony alpha sal75300 75 300mm f4 5 5 6 compact super telephoto zoom lens for sony alpha digital slr cameras with accessory kit, sony cyber shot dsc w610 14 1 mp digital camera with 4x optical zoom and 2 7 inch lcd blue 2012 model, nikon coolpix l26 16 1 mp digital camera with 5x zoom nikkor glass lens and 3 inch lcd silver, canon
powershot a2300 is 16 0 mp digital camera with 5x optizal image
stabilized zoom 28mm wide angle lens with 720p hd video recording silver, kodak zi8 pocket video camera black, canon ef 75 300 iii f4 5 6, pentax k 30 weather sealed 16 mp cmos digital slr with 18 55mm lens black, canon
powershot elph 110 hs 16 1 mp cmos digital camera with 5x optical image
stabilized zoom 24mm wide angle lens and 1080p full hd video recording
green, canon
powershot a1300 16 0 mp digital camera with 5x digital image stabilized
zoom 28mm wide angle lens with 720p hd video recording black, kodak
playsport zx5 waterproof pocket video camera bundle includes remote
control tripod 4 gb memory card hdmi cable and camera case burton bundle
2nd generation, sigma 10 20mm f3 5 ex dc hsm eld sld aspherical super wide angle lens for canon digital slr cameras, olympus tg 320 14mp touch series camera with 3 6x optical zoom blue, nikon coolpix p7700 12 2 mp digital camera with 7 1x optical zoom nikkor ed glass lens and 3 inch vari angle lcd, nikon coolpix l810 16 1 mp digital camera with 26x zoom nikkor ed glass lens and 3 inch lcd blue, panasonic professional ag hmc40 avchd camcorder with 10 6 mp still and 12x optical zoom, tamron af 10 24mm f3 5 4 5 sp di ii ld aspherical if lens for nikon af with built in motor digital slr cameras, nikon 1 v1 10 1 mp hd digital camera system with 10 30mm vr and 30 110mm vr 1 nikkor lenses black
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