Roberto Sedycias asked:


There are millions of people around the world who share a keen interest in photography. The charm of capturing a moment in a camera is truly amazing. Probably, this is one of the strongest reasons why a growing number of people are joining the cult of professional photographic pursuit. Traditionally, taking photographs, film processing and developing them in the dark room was a painfully long process. But as digital technology evolved, it enabled camera manufacturing companies to come up with high-end digital cameras.

Digital cameras are an best gadget for taking pictures without having to worry about running out of snaps of roll which is the case with the traditional film cameras. This apart, there’s no need of having to wait till the entire roll of film gets used just to find the blown-up photos in the dark room. Digital cameras allow you to take any number of photographs and see every one of them right after you take them. Also you can connect your camera to the USB port of you Personal Computer and store your snaps there in a folder. What is more is that you can customize each photograph, thru software, just the way like it. In case, you want to take a hard-copy of the photos, you can always use the printer to get your favorite photograph printed out.

Buying a digital camera is a matter of serious deliberation. Since different brands of companies are offering cameras with special features, you’ve be aware of the standard features of the digital cameras in order to be able to make the right buy. The following are some of the must-know tips that you should be familiar with before you swipe you credit card in a digital camera kiosk of a shopping mall or punch in the CVV number in the box while shopping online for a captivating camera.

Price Range:

The price of digital photographic cameras can usually range anything from US$100 to $1000. If you’re buying a digital compact camera for the first time, then don`t go for an expensive one. It is quite easy to get tempted into spending a lot of money to buy a digital SLR camera offering features that are just of no use to you. Get to know your needs and settle for a prudent purchase. Ensure that the digital camera you pick should be light-weighted and easy-to-use. Later on, after you learn the basics of digital camera photograph, you may opt for an high-end edition.

Features:

The standard features of digital cameras of all make are nearly similar except for some special features introduced by some renowned brands in the market. Features such as zoom, automatic functions, special effects, black & white images and video recording facilities are usually offered by most brands. However, as a prudent buyer you have be careful of the claims some manufactures might be making. For instance, the feature of digital zoom magnifications might not actually live up to your expectation level if you are hoping to get the optimal clarity especially if you are aiming at say 8�10 or more massive size pics. Don’t be tempted by the flashy promotional gimmickry of the brands. Think about the features keeping your pre-established price range in mind.

Lens:

All digital cameras provide two types of zoom features: optical and digital. While the optical zoom feature is based on the lens magnification and gives you images with a sharp and crystal-clear clarity, digital zoom relies on the magnification of the digital image which results in less sharp and fuzzy images. Make sure that the digital camera you purchase should at least have the optical zoom features. However, as mentioned earlier, you’ve to be careful of the digital zoom magnification claim. You can look for digital cameras having lens auto focus and image stabilization features.

Image Resolution:

Image Resolution or Pixel Resolution is one of the most striking features of digital cameras. For personal and email purpose digital cameras having 2.0 mega pixels will deliver clear photos. However, many manufactures are now offering digital cameras with 8.0 and above mega pixels. You get better and clearer images with higher mega pixels. High mega pixel resolution plays a key role in image enlargement. So if size matters to you, think about this aspect seriously.

Battery Type and Longevity:

If you are likely to use the digital camera for outdoor activities, it is important to take into account how long the built-in batteries will last. Even if you think of using some extra rechargeable batteries, just make sure whether the digital camera you’re buying support the same batteries.

LCD Screen:

Every digital camera has the LCD Screen feature. Just make sure that the screen size should be at least 2 inches or above. It will give you superior and clear images.

Ernie Delgado asked:


An electronics on-line discussion forum contains a story about an elderly woman who wanted a easy camera to take photos of her grandchildren. When she received a digital camera for Christmas, she looked puzzled for a moment and then asked, “Where do you put in the film?” This humorous example demonstrates how the revolutionary technology of digital cameras may be mystifying for those who have difficulty grasping the concept of a “filmless” camera! For almost a century, photography enthusiasts sagely discussed such topics as 35mm film, light meters and F-stops; this day, digital cameras have made such topics all but obsolete.

Howstuffworks.com contains an article by Gurevich, Karim, and Wilson that greatly simplifies an explanation of how digital cameras work. Very simply, they explain that CDs, mp3’s, and DVDs all share the same technology: they convert traditional analog “wave” data into digital data based upon “bits.” In so doing, this radical shift in technology has changed greatly – and forever – how we do things and what has become possible including digital “filmless” cameras. While film cameras depend upon chemical and mechanical processes, digital cameras contain a personal that records images electronically.

In 1994, Kodak and Apple developed and sold the first digital cameras. This day there are hundreds of models to select from, depending upon the type of pictures you need, the complexity with which you’re comfortable, and what digital camera you can afford. For each day use, most people like a “point and shoot” camera that isn’t complex, takes good quality pictures that can be loaded onto computers or printed for personal use and to send to friends, and is affordable. According to a number of consumer guides and customer reviews, the top ten digital cameras in the low, mid, and high price ranges are:

1. Nikon D300 (high)

2. Canon EOS 5D (high)

3. Canon EOS 40D (high)

4. HP Photosmart M547 (low, great value)

5. FujiFilm Finepix S700 (mid)

6. GE A730 (mid)

7. Nikon D200 (high)

8. Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi (high)

9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (mid)

10. Canon EOS 30D (high)

The point should be made that what constitutes a “great” digital camera is usually in the eye of the beholder. One person’s “top ten” list is nearly certain to differ from another person’s. For example, a digital camera that’s making devoted converts is the Casio Exilim series that sells in the mid-level price range, depending upon your digital camera photography needs. On the other end, Digital Camera.com rates the Pentax Optio E-10 as “the worst digital camera ever.”

With all these differing views, what’s the best way to purchase the digital camera that’s right for you? If you simply want to take personal pictures, choose a digital camera that has at least three megapixels. This will give you good quality pictures at a very inexpensive price. Remember that the higher the number of megapixels, the superior quality your photos will be, but the digital camera you select will be more complex and more high-priced. Also think about the size and shape of the camera; is it simple for you to carry in your purse or pocket? Finally, be sure your digital camera has at least 256-512 megabites of space on its memory card so you won’t have to buy additional memory cards. Taking all these factors into consideration will help you enjoy capturing treasured memories for years to come.