Custom Search

Buying Camera Digital camera buying guide

What kind of digital camera is best for me?

In order to choose the right camera--one with the right set of features at the right price--you'll need to figure out what you'll be doing with it. Match your needs to one of these user profiles.

Snapshooter

I want to take photos that I can e-mail to friends and family, post on the Web, or print in sizes smaller than 8x10 inches. I'd like a digital camera that is easy enough for the whole family to use and small enough to take anywhere. I'll be printing on an inexpensive, all-purpose inkjet printer or getting photo prints from the local drugstore, though I'll consider buying a photo printer if I like the pictures enough.

The specs that matter
ResolutionIt doesn't matter. Most cameras on the market today have sufficient resolution for your needs.
Price$150 to $300
Lens typeZoom (range encompassing at least 38mm to 114mm, 35mm equivalent)
Storage mediaInternal memory, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard
Photo file formatJPEG
InterfacesUSB, NTSC/PAL television connection
Exposure controlsAutomatic, programmed scene modes, exposure compensation (for tweaking the automatic exposure)
Focus controlsAutomatic
Flash modesAutomatic, fill, red-eye reduction
SoftwarePhoto stitching, photo album, slide show
MultimediaVGA (640x480), 30fps video-clip recording with sound
Cool features to look forIn-camera red-eye removal, automatic exposure fix, optical or mechanical image stabilization, face detection, 720p HD movie capture

Trendsetter

I like to buy the newest, shiniest toys before anyone else does. I want to impress my friends and business associates with the latest technologies and coolest features, but not if it makes the product too complicated to use. I care about how much I spend, though it's not one of my top concerns.

The specs that matter
Resolution10 megapixels or greater.
PriceLess than $1,000
Lens typeZoom (range encompassing at least 28mm to 140mm, 35mm equivalent)
Storage mediaInternal memory, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or SD/HC
Photo file formatJPEG
InterfacesUSB, HDMI, or component HDTV television connection
Exposure controlsAutomatic, programmed scene modes, exposure compensation (for tweaking the automatic exposure)
Focus controlsAutomatic
Flash modesAutomatic, fill, red-eye reduction
SoftwarePhoto-stitching, photo album, slide show
Multimedia720p (1,280x720) video-clip recording with sound and functioning zoom during video
Cool features to look forUltracompact design, interchangeable lenses, Webcam capabilities, voice recording, Wi-Fi support, geotagging support, 3-inch LCD, simultaneous video and photo capture, 12X or greater optical zoom, optical or mechanical image stabilization, face detection

Business user

I need to be able to shoot onsite or in the office, photograph products and people for ads and publicity in print and on the Web, and get professional-looking results without hiring a pro. I need to get prints in a variety of ways, including from a color laser printer or quick-print shop. I have to share the camera with my coworkers.

The specs that matter
ResolutionIt doesn't matter. Most cameras on the market today have sufficient resolution for your needs.
Price$300 to $500
Lens typeZoom (range encompassing at least 36mm to 130mm, 35mm equivalent)
Storage mediaCompactFlash, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or SD/HC
Photo file formatJPEG
InterfacesUSB, NTSC/PAL television connection
Exposure controlsAutomatic, aperture- and shutter-priority, manual, choice of metering modes, bracketing
Focus controlsAutomatic, manual
Flash modesAutomatic, fill, red-eye reduction, external flash compatibility
SoftwarePhoto editor; collaborative image sharing
MultimediaVoice recording, built-in speaker for audio playback
Cool features to look forSupport for digital security, Wi-Fi, geotagging, text-capture mode, world clock

Serious amateur

I want to use creative effects when shooting and manipulating images, have professional-level control, output prints that are 8x10 inches or larger on a high-quality photo printer, and use accessories and different lenses.

The specs that matter
Resolution10 megapixels or greater.
Price$400 and up
Lens typeSupports lens converters or interchangeable lenses or zoom with widest focal range possible
Storage mediaHigh-capacity CompactFlash, Hitachi Microdrive, or SD/HC
Photo file formatJPEG, RAW
InterfacesUSB 2.0
Exposure controlsAutomatic, aperture- and shutter-priority, manual, choice of metering modes, bracketing
Focus controlsAutomatic with selectable focus points, manual
Flash modesAutomatic, fill, slow sync, hot shoe or contact for external flash
SoftwareFull-featured photo editor, software for PC-controlled capture
MultimediaVoice annotation
Cool features to look forCompatibility with existing 35mm-camera lenses and accessories, customizable user modes, dynamic histogram display, optical or mechanical image stabilization

Budget buyer

I want to find a basic camera costing less than $200 that will let me post snapshots on the Web; e-mail them to friends; print them in small sizes (4x6 or smaller) on my inexpensive, multipurpose inkjet printer; and get me up and running quickly without requiring me to read the manual. I want a camera that will satisfy me for a few years.

The specs that matter
ResolutionIt doesn't matter. Most cameras on the market today have sufficient resolution for your needs.
PriceLess than $200
Lens typeZoom (range at least encompassing 38mm to 76mm, 35mm equivalent)
Storage mediaInternal memory, CompactFlash Type I, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard
Photo file formatJPEG
InterfacesUSB, NTSC/PAL television connection
Exposure controlsAutomatic, exposure compensation (for tweaking the automatic exposure)
Focus controlsAutofocus or fixed focus
Flash modesAutomatic, fill, red-eye reduction
SoftwareBasic photo editor
Cool features to look forWebcam capabilities, automatic scene modes, continuous-shooting mode, autofocus assist lamp

Undecided

I want a camera that's easy to use but that I can grow into if I get hooked on digital photography. I want to be able to print good-looking photos at sizes smaller than 8x10 inches on my inexpensive inkjet printer, but I'd like prints that will look OK if I decide to print larger or get a better printer. I want to spend less than $500.

The specs that matter
Resolution10 megapixels or greater
Price$300 to $500
Lens typeZoom (range encompassing at least 28mm to 140mm, 35mm equivalent)
Storage mediaInternal memory, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or SD/HC
Photo file formatJPEG, RAW
InterfacesUSB, NTSC/PAL television connection
Exposure controlsAutomatic, aperture- and shutter-priority, manual, choice of metering modes, autobracketing
Focus controlsAutomatic, manual
Flash modesAutomatic, fill, slow sync
SoftwareMidrange photo editor
MultimediaVGA (640x480) 30fps video-clip recording with sound
Cool features to look forRemote control, dynamic histogram display, compatibility with lens converters and accessories, built-in help features, mechanical or optical image stabilization, face detection, 720p or better HD movie capture, HDMI or component output to HDTV

Where to buy this Digital Camera, Get the best price on the Camera. Here is a list of vendors, starting from the cheapest: Buying Guide Market Place
OTHER DIGITAL CAMERA :

0 comments:

Post a Comment

 

EXCHANGE BANNER