How to choose digital cameras?

SUGGESTED CAMERAS

Choosing a digital camera can be confusing to be sure! So we’ve put together a few suggestions based upon your level of expertise.

Beginners

Your photography style is simple and straightforward. You just want to take a picture and put it on your computer. You will want a point and shoot type camera in the under $400 range.

Find a camera with the following features:

• Three to five megapixels
• 3X optical zoom
• Automatic exposure
• Scene modes
• Optional camera dock to transfer, save & print
  photos at a touch of a button and also charges the

camera batteries.

This type of camera will be lightweight, compact, and easy to use. It is best used in bright light and may do poorly in low light, so keep that in mind.

You may want to get a 128MB+ memory card for extra picture storage along with a memory card reader. Rechargeable batteries are almost a must. A camera case is also another accessory that will make it more convenient for you to carry your camera wherever you go.

Intermediate Users

You are an intermediate user if you enjoy taking your pictures and then using photo editing software to “tweak” the images. You also know how to make fun crafts from your pictures as well as uploading them to the internet to share with others.

Your camera is a compact style in the $400 to $700 range. It should have the following features

• 5 -7 megapixels
• 4X optical zoom or higher
• Semi-automatic controls
• Scene modes
• Adjustable settings such as ISO (light sensitivity sensor),
  white balance, and exposure compensation

With its more advanced features, you will have a camera that can do just about anything you want it to. In fact, it will have some of the performance aspects of digital SLR cameras which are the ones the professionals use.

For extra storage, look at a 256MB+ memory card and memory card reader. Of course, you’ll need extra batteries along with a battery charger. A good quality photo printer is a must. You’ll be much happier as well with a mid-sized camera bag to hold not only your camera, but your extras as well.

The Professional

You are absolutely passionate about photography and everything that it encompasses. You always have your camera with you and people are often asking you to take pictures of special events for them.

You probably don’t really need our suggestions at this level, but we’ll give it out anyway.

A digital SLR camera is best for you. Because you are so into your photography, you’ll want a camera that can give you the results you imagine in your mind. A camera like this, however, doesn’t come cheap. Be prepared to spend upwards of $800 to $1,000.

Include the following as well:

• Six megapixels and up
• JPEG, TIFF, and RAW formatting
• Zoom width and length to meet your shooting style
• Semi-automatic and full manual control
• A variety of metering and focus modes including manual focus
• Flash compensation
• Save custom setting option
• A hot shoe allowing for an external flash to be used.

A dSLR is a high quality camera with a high quality lens and mechanics. There is little or no noise when shooting and it can accept a variety of accessories and interchangeable lenses. It can, however, be quite bulky to carry.

The professional user will also want several high capacity, high speed memory cards and a card reader. As usual, we suggest extra rechargeable batteries and a charger. An external flash is good to have in several situations.

You may want to get some different lenses or converter lens kits. Filters make your pictures better, and a tripod is always nice to have around. A portable backup drive for your photos can save time and money when it comes to electronic equipment. Things can always happen with computers, but you certainly don’t want those things to happen to your pictures.

A large camera bag will make it nice to be able to carry around your supplies and tools.

We’ve already touched on batteries for your digital camera. We think this issue warrants a section of its own.