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[B1144]Buy The Best Digital Camera

by Alex Don, Ale

A lot of my work involves taking photos for business journals and newspapers. When I start a shooting session, people are as interested in my camera as they are in having their picture taken. The truth is the camera is quite impressive: it is large and heavy and equipped with big zoom lenses with a feature that reduces vibration, a compact speed light that brings light even to the darkest room and a big battery pack. Their enthusiasm often fades when they ask about the cost and find out it is above $3,000. What they don't realize is that such a camera would be far more than they needed if they wanted to take up photography. I believe there are six things you should keep in mind when buying a new camera:

1. Basic types of cameras

There are two types of cameras, whether low or high-end: point-to-shoot cameras and SLR (single lens reflex). In point-to-shoot cameras the view is generally through a viewfinder which can give you a good idea about how the photo will turn out like. With the SLR you look right through the lens and you are able to compose the photo as you want.

2. Size and usability

Think about the way you will use your camera. Do you want to be able to slip it in a purse or pocket or you can handle a larger model? Ask yourself whether you will be comfortable with carrying a heavy camera around your neck for a couple of hours. Another important aspect is if you want to just take the camera out and shoot or you are good with spending some time on adjusting the settings. Until you have everything ready the photo opportunity may pass.

3. Number of pixels

Some time ago, the number of pixels used to be the main factor determining the price of a camera. One or two mega-pixels used to be fine for computer viewing. Nowadays, if you only want 4x6 inch prints anything over 2 mega-pixels will do. However, for enlargements that are framed and hung on the wall you need a camera with at least four mega-pixels. The number of pixels determines the amount of information that the camera ca capture. The more pixels you have, the higher the quality of the enlargement. Nowadays even mid-priced cameras have 4-8 megapixels.

4. The budget

Like many other devices, cameras come with tons of options. Some of them you will use while others you won't. There is no need to pay for things you don't use. It's true that higher priced cameras generally have better zoom and resolution, but this does not necessarily mean a better photo. It is better to start with a basic camera and focus on improving your technique. You will be surprised how much your photos will improve after consulting a beginner's guide.

5. Lag time

In my opinion, this is the most important factor to consider. Good photo opportunities only last for a moment. When you see an expression that is just right, you should just press the button and take the picture instantly. However, this is not the case with many point-and-shoot cameras. A pre-flash is sometimes required to determine how much light the photo needs. You can have a lag time of up to two seconds and the photo opportunity may just pass you buy. So when you buy a camera look at the technical specifications and ask the sales person about shutter lag time. It is better to miss out on other options than this one.

6. Research before you buy

It is also important to do a thorough research before you spend your money on a product. There are countless educational, sales and review websites you can consult. The time you spend doing this will play an important part in making the right decision.

Guess what? They soon find out that it’s the wrong one for them. This can be a very expensive mistake. So the big questions are what is the right one for me and how do I know which is best for me.

One of the first things that you want to know about the camera that the salesman is trying to sell you is as follows -?How long does the camera take to turn on and be ready to take the shot? In the consumer market this can range between 1 to 5 seconds most being towards the 3 seconds mark. ?How long does the camera take to focus on the subject? (Not to take the picture) most cameras take between 1 to 3 seconds most at around the 1-second mark. How long does the camera take to actually take the photo after you have pushed the shutter button completely? Again, most cameras take between 1to 3 seconds this is called shutter lag time. Now you can see to take a photo can take up to 5 seconds just to turn on and up to another 3 seconds to focus in and the up to another 3 seconds just to actually take the photo.

In a cheaper camera, but not necessarily cheaper it can be up to 9 seconds to take a photo from the camera turned off. You may say “yes but I will leave my camera on" ok that’s fine, but you may still have a lag time of up to 3 seconds just to take a photo. Just imagine how annoying it will be now that you have purchased your new digital camera costing you around $400 - $500 to find that you just can’t catch your child blowing out the candles because your new camera at the critical time of blowing the candles out took 1 second to focus and a further 2 seconds to take the photo. What was the result? A child sitting in front of a cake with black smoldering candles.

Can you set the white balance on your camera? Just what is the white balance?

About 60% of digital cameras don’t have this adjustment, you must buy one that can be set manually, not just one that has an “auto white balance" as they are not as good as they advertise.

Does your camera have different exposure modes?

Exposure modes are simply where does the camera take a light reading? The cheaper cameras just do an all over reading which can be very limiting to say the least. A good camera will have a “spot", “centre weighted" and “matrix" metering system, which allows you to take great photos in any light situation.

When buying a digital camera, buy it for the fact that it’s a camera not a video camera as well. One student showed me all the features her camera had and that’s why it was more expensive – the only thing that it didn’t do well was take still pictures!

You can get so much out of your new digital camera! you just have to put some time in for learning how to use it properly and how to take better pictures – remember no one will ever want to look at a poor quality photo twice!

If you want to take really great pictures that will be in your family for years put in a little effort with your new digital camera.

Article Source : Best Dial Up Internet

About Author

Both Alex Don & Patrick Altoft are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Alex Don has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Home Management and Computers and The Internet. Mr. Alex D. is a writer in the field of photo resizing technology for Reshade. Reshade.com works in the domain of online picture processing and makes available a free. Alex Don's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.

Patrick Altoft has sinced written about articles on various topics from Internet Marketing, Landscaping and Keyboard Synthesizer. If you would like to view a free short video on just what to look for when buying a digital camera please visit my site . Patrick Altoft's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.