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DIGITAL SNAPSHOTS
Technology has level the digital camera
playing field
By PETER WEINBERGER
Looking at digital cameras? Let's get
started.
The digital camera is designed similar to
its film counterpart. Both have automated focusing and exposure
control, come equipped with a zoom lens, and can look and feel
the same. The consumer digital camera ($150-$800) offers more
features, with image quality close or equal to that of film
cameras. Digital cameras use a light-sensitive chip to record
an image, with a screen on the back to instantly view and edit
images.
General shopping tips
1) Focus on cameras that rate high in
image quality such as the Canon A-series, or most Nikon and
Olympus models.
2) Hold the camera before buying. How does
it fit in your hand? Some digital cameras tend to be small.
Others, like the Nikon Coolpix 5000 series, have built-in grips
that make them easier to hold for larger hands.
3) The size of an image file (print size) a
camera produces is measured in pixels. The more pixels, the
higher the resolution. Most digital cameras have image files
from 2 to 8 million pixels. Your camera should have a minimum
of 3 million pixels.
4) Every camera comes with a reusable
memory card to store your digital images. The cards the
manufacture gives you are small, and hold few images. Be
prepared to spend a minimum of $50 extra for a larger card. I
recommend getting at least a 256mg size card. Lexar is a top
brand, but slightly more expensive.
5) Digital cameras are power hungry because
of the electronic viewing screen on the back. Rechargeable
batteries will cost more initially, but last longer and save
money over time.
Digital-camera technology continues to
improve and get less expensive. They key is finding a camera
that meets your needs and experience level.
