Selecting a Digital Camera

There are various factors that come to mind when buying a digital camera. When you're investing so many dollars for a camera, you want to make sure you don't buy a model that doesn't really suit your purpose or is much too advanced for your requirements. We have listed a few pointers that may assist you in making the right buying decision.

CCD Or CMOS?

CCD and CMOS are the two types of image sensors used in digital cameras. Cameras with CCD sensors are recommended over CMOS plainly because the image quality is tremendously better in the former. Though CMOS lenses are significantly cheaper to manufacture and easier to implement than CCDs, the difference in image quality is simply passable.

CMOS sensors are extremely portable and require considerably lesser battery power— precisely why their most common application is in webcams and phone cams.

The Price Factor

The price for a decent 3-megapixel digital camera can start at around $200 and can go to well and above $ 1200 for a 7-plus megapixel model. Features vary from one model to another. While some low end cameras offer complete manual control for amateur photographers who wish to experiment, some stick to the strict point-and-click norm.
If you belong to the latter category, the lowest end model will be more than enough for your needs, but if you take photography seriously and would prefer to have options to tweak every setting that affects your image, you may want to shell out a bit more for that slightly better 'prosumer' camera.

The Megapixel Myth

First things first—higher megapixel count is in no way a measure of the quality of your pictures. Quality is determined by the image sensor; megapixel count simply denotes how big your image would be. For any home user who wants to post snapshots on the Internet or print them on a maximum of an A4 size photo paper does not need anything more than a 3-megapixel camera.

Though the megapixel count does not directly relate to image quality, it is noticed that the higher megapixel cameras have more professional features, hence they are generally more expensive.

Amateur photographers and prosumers may want to invest in a 4-5 megapixel camera for some of its advanced options. We have listed a guideline as to what megapixel count would be suitable for a particular sized print. You can choose your type of camera based on the size of your prints.

Ready Reckoner: Mega-pixel count vis-a-vis Print size

3MP 5 x 7 inches to 8 X 10 inches

4MP 8 x 10 inches to 8.5 X 11 inches

5MP 8.5 x 11 inches to 9 X 12 inches

6MP 9 x 12 inches to 11 X 14 inches

8MP 14 x 17 inches to 16 X 20 inches

Features You May Require

When you buy a digital camera, there are some additional features you may want to examine. As mentioned earlier, manual override function may be appreciated by advanced users as they can enjoy complete control of what they are shooting.

Besides that just keep your eyes open for basic features such as the kind of flash options, red eye flash, self timer, black and white/sepia modes and the optical zoom level.

Most digital cameras have some video shooting capability. Don't forget to check whether the digital camera you are buying records video with or without sound.

Bundled Goodies

Digital cameras usually come with little or no on board memory. Even if the manufacturer does put some on board memory, it won't exceed 8-16 megabytes, which won't last you too long. That's why its important you consider a seller who bundles a memory card along with the camera.

Also, make sure that along with drivers for your computer, there's some bundled software included for sorting, cataloging and minor image manipulations.

The good news is you won't have to worry too much about this part because the above mentioned bundle has become an industry standard. However, it's a good idea to keep your eyes open for additional accessories you may want to purchase for your camera.

Durability And Warranty

When it comes to electronics, bad things always happen when you least expect them to. It is a good idea to be prepared for the worst. This means even having to pay a little more when you purchase your camera.

Almost all officially purchased cameras are accompanied by a one-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects. Moreover, most warranties are valid worldwide (although, it would be a good idea to check this for every individual purchase) and this adds to the safety and value.

Digital Versus Conventional Photography

The advantages digital photography offers over conventional (or analogue photography as it is sometimes called), range from the obvious to the obscure. Here are a few clear advantages of using a digital camera.

No Recurring Costs
Thanks to the presence of an LCD screen, you can view your photos immediately and decide whether you like them and if you want to keep them or re-shoot. So there's no uncertain waiting and no chance of any photo lab messing up the photos.

Moreover, when it comes to printing the photos, you don't have to print all of them. You can choose the good ones and print only those meaning you don't pay for the bad ones. Chances are, though, that you'll print all since the bad ones were deleted any-ways! But the value for money remains high!

Also, imagine the time and energy saved when printing digital photos. There are ways of ordering digital prints online or just printing them at home. Although you might feel that you are spending too much on a digital camera, the amount of money you would save in the long run is definitely worth it.

Room For Experimenting
Digital cameras are a liberating tool. They allow you more room for experimentation. Even when you have nothing to do, you could simply pick up your digital camera and shoot away! Later, just delete them. No costs.

Such dynamism allows you to perfect your photographic skills so you don't go wrong again when you are taking the real shot. Think of it as rehearsing for the final take!

Functionality In A Small Package
While it's a fact that SLRs (digital or conventional) generally offer better results than any compact camera, and while a digital cam-era is not a substitute for this, it can be a handy replacement if you really don't need a large, bulky SLR with numerous lenses, flash-es, tripods and bag of its own!

Today’s digital cameras are equipped enough to offer you the quality and creativity options that SLRs of yore offered. While SLRs themselves have evolved, digital cameras, having been the centre of attention over the last few years, have evolved faster than expected. The question when developing most new digital cameras is – how it can be made more SLR-like. Digital cameras are smaller, normally offer an ISO range of 100-400 in three steps (100, 200 and 400) and the lenses range from 35mm to 120mm and are reasonably fast (f/4). Consequently, this
allows for quality photos in daylight and indoors (using the built-in flash) and acceptable photos in low-light conditions. Digital cameras also offer certain special functions such as Macro, Long Exposures, Fill-flash and some models also sync with external flash units. And no, you do not need to go buy attachments to do all this! These functions are built-in.

LCD Eliminates Guesswork
One of the most important additions to a camera has been the LCD screen. It simply removes the guess work from photography including composition, exposure, zoom—so much so, that you need not know the terms we just mentioned! Interestingly, having an LCD screen on your camera can also have another application — a portable photo album. How? Just load the photos you want to share with friends on to your memory card and you're all set!

Durability
This is an arguable point, but it's well known that various factors like dust, heat and moisture can destroy photographs with time. Digital pictures burnt on a good quality CD will stay well protected for much longer.

Scalability
You can use digital pictures in a lot more applications than just a photo album. You can make them into backgrounds for your computer desktop or even your cell phone. You can also use digital photos in a catalogue for your store or in a business presentation. The options are limited only by your imagination.

Sharing
The most highly-used feature of digital images is that they can be easily shared with your friends or relatives. Instead of going through the process of getting your negatives re-developed, you can simply e-mail your digital image to anyone who wants a copy.

Achieve Perfection
If there's something missing in your picture, you can add it digitally on your home computer. Fix red eyes, correct the colors and just about do anything you want with it. Since you have the freedom to view your images before printing them, there is absolutely no holding back on the aspects you can manipulate in those images before printing them.

On the flip side, we'd be lying if we said that film photography didn't have a few compelling advantages over its digital counterpart. Here's looking at a few.

Battery Life
With film cameras, batteries are the least of your worries. Two standard alkaline AA batteries will last you for multiple rolls. Since everything inside a film camera is mainly mechanical, the battery's main purpose is powering the flash.

Digital cameras, on the other hand, can suck the battery dry in less than an hour if you're not careful, since it's completely conputerized.

Limited Memory
We mentioned earlier that you can always make extra space for a picture by deleting some not-so-great images from your memory card, however, the fact remains, you will feel the space crunch atsome time. When you have a memory card full of great shots,you'll have no choice but to pack that camera and call it a day. That's why you'll always find professional digital photographer slugging a laptop with them at all times.

Learning Curve
Not everyone knows or realizes the optimum use of digital images. Many users suffer from a level of technophobia that prevents them from fixing some basic defects in their picture. The bundled software usually does have a level of learning curve before a user can utilize it to its fullest.

But like with anything else, the best way to get a hang of whatever software you are using is to experiment and practice. Without trying out various things, you will never know what capabilities your software has.

Another positive rub off this can have, is that it could give you some ideas when you are shooting. Think of it as an editor who is shooting... he knows what the possibilities effects and presentation are and shoots accordingly.

Finally, give yourself time. If you are new to photography, it can be frustrating to see a plethora of fabulous images but not shoot or create those. Over time, your photography will improve and eventually, you could also shoot the same quality. All you have to be is relentless in your pursuit of quality.

BUYING TIP
When deciding on buying a digital camera, you should pre-decide some parameters. Choose your priorites: cost, final use of images, additional features, service, availability of accessories and finally, the manufacturer (unless you are loyal or brand conscious'.). These parameters should be enough to guide you through your buying decision,

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP
Take control of your picture-taking and watch your pictures dramatically improve. Become a picture director, not just a passive picture-taker. A picture director takes charge. A picture director picks the location, adds props, arranges people and creates them. Most pictures won't be that involved, but you get the idea: Take charge of your pictures and win your own best picture awards.

Finally... Learn How To Work That Darn Digital Camera Like A Pro

Are you frustrated with not being able to take high-quality photos with your Digital Camera?

Digital Photography Secrets reveals insider professional tips and tricks or taking awesome photos with your digital camera (even if you're a complete newbie)...

Why Digital Photography?

It has been more than a century since photography made its appearance. Since its birth, photography as an art and as a science. has fascinated anyone who came in touch with it. Today, photography forms the single-most important aspect of our lives. The power of photographs is so enormous that they last for more than your memories and we cannot imagine any event—no matter how big or small without our cameras. Naturally, as has been the case with almost all things in our lives, technology has improved the way photography is done and the way we share our memories. Digital photography, in its 10 year of existence, has increased the speed at which we capture, share and cherish the important moments of our life. While digital cameras have virtually replaced film cameras there are doubts and questions even owners of digital cameras have about the possibilities of using their trusted lightboxes!