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How to Choose the Right Camera for You

by R. Titley

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Is it best to buy the most expensive one to get the most features? Will you use all of the features? What is the best camera for you?.

 

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There are many different types of cameras in the marketplace with more coming every day. Each of these cameras have a list of features and options that the manufacturer claim is just right for you. The problem is that the features and prices can appear very confusing. Is it best to buy the most expensive one to get the most features? Will you use all of the features? What is the best camera for you?

The answer lies not with the camera but with how you will be using it. It is pointless to pay a lot of money for features that you will never use or additional quality that you will never be able to see. On the other hand, if you really need the quality then it makes sense to pay the extra cost. So the real question is what kind of user are you?

There are five types of users and these can be categorized as follows:

Point and Click
Your camera is only a simple means of communicating. You mainly post snapshots on the web, email snaps to friends and rarlely print them off. When you do, it is on a small inexpensive inkjet printer and they are rarely bigger than 6x4 inches in size. You don’t use any features if they are not automatic and cost is the biggest factor.

  • Resolution : Doesn’t matter, even the cheapest camera will have sufficient
  • Lens: Zoom 36mm to 76 mm ,35mm equivalent
  • Picture Format: Jpeg
  • Focus: Auto focus or fixed focus
  • Flash: Automatic, red-eye reduction
  • Interfaces: USB, NTSC/PAL television connector
  • Price: Under $200

The Snapper
Quality is not the main issue but usability. If you are a snapper then you want to e able to take photos at every opportunity and so the camera should be easy and quick to use. You will want to email the pictures to friends and family and post them on the internet or on your Facebook site. You will also want the camera to be easily portable and small enough to take anywhere. The biggest print that you are likely to make will not exceed 8x10 inches and this is likely to be on a low-cost all purpose ink-jet printer. You might consider buying a photo printer if you like the pictures enough.

  • Resolution : Any (Most of todays cameras have sufficient resolution for you)
  • Lens : 35mm equivalent,  zoom at least 38mm to 114mm
  • Picture Format: Jpeg
  • Focus: Automatic
  • Flash: Automatic, red-eye reduction
  • Interfaces: USB, NTSC/PAL television connector
  • Price: under $300

The Must-Have
You only want the latest shiny toy or gadgets. This is not for show, you just want to be on the leading edge of technology. You appreciate that this comes with a price tag, but you are prepared to pay a premium for the best. Your friend expect you to have the latest device and so you are prepared to explore the latest technologies and coolest features. The camera should have a list of latest features but still should be easy to use and not over complicated. Money is not the primary constraint.

  • Resolution : 8 Megapixels or greater
  • Lens: Zoom 36mm to 108 mm ,35mm equivalent
  • Picture Format: Jpeg
  • Focus: Automatic
  • Flash: Automatic, red-eye reduction
  • Interfaces: USB, HDMI or component HDTV television connector
  • Price: less than $1000

Business User
The business user needs to be able to take pictures in the office or on-site. You need to be able to photograph products and people for ads and promotions without hiring a professional. You will be publishing to the web as well as printing from a color laser printer or quick-print shop. The camera will be shared by multiple users in the business.

  • Resolution : 8 Megapixels or greater
  • Lens: Zoom 36mm to 130 mm ,35mm equivalent
  • Picture Format: Jpeg or Tiff
  • Focus: Automatic
  • Flash: Automatic, red-eye reduction, external flash capability
  • Interfaces: USB, NTSC/PAL television connector
  • Multimedia: Voice recording, built in speaker and playback
  • Additional features: Support for digital security, WiFi, clock
  • Price: $400 - $700

Semi Professional
You have aspirations of being a profession photographer in the future. You shoot stills and video clips for publishing on the web. You use creative effects both when shooting a picture and manipulating the images. You want to have professional level control and produce prints that are 8x10 or larger using high quality photo printers. You like to use plenty of accessories and different lenses and filters.

  • Resolution : 8 Megapixels or greater
  • Lens: Supports lens converters or interchangeable lenses or zoom with the widest focal range possible.
  • Picture Format: Jpeg, Raw
  • Focus: Automatic with selectable focus points, manual
  • Flash: Automatic, fill, slow sync, hot shoe, or contact for external flash
  • Interfaces: USB 2.0
  • Multimedia: Voice annotation
  • Price: $400 upwards

The bottom line is: don't get hung up over megapixels. The important factor in choosing the right digital camera is to select one that is going to match the way in which you will be using it. Whatever digicam you decide upon there are many digital photograhic techniques that you can use to improve your end photograph.

This article has been written for www.TopDigicam.com by Roger Titley and all copyrights are reserved. It may only be reproduced if this copyright notice and the site link are included.

 

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