Basics of the Digital Camera

 

First-timers are often unsure how to proceed, as with most things in life. The same applies to buying your first digital product. Undoubtedly, a plethora of facts, figures, and jargon will overwhelm you. In this article, we aim to guide you through some of the jargon and demonstrate the key features to consider when purchasing a digital camera. Some of the features may not interest you unless you need your camera to perform specific tasks; however, it's always worth knowing exactly what you are buying so you can pick a decent deal when you see one.

Megapixels

We measure and advertise a camera's resolution in megapixels. This figure is based on the number of pixels the camera requires to capture an image. In this case, the higher the number, the better the quality of the picture you will be able to take. For instance, if you buy a camera with a resolution of 4 Megapixels, it can capture images with up to 4 million pixels. It's evident that a camera with a 2 megapixel resolution will not produce images as crisp or detailed as one with a 4 megapixel resolution.

If you frequently print out your images on your PC or send them for printing, the megapixel rating of your camera can hold significant value. Higher megapixels on your camera will allow you to make prints larger in size while still keeping the quality. When you attempt to print a picture larger than your camera's design allows, the quality of the image significantly decreases.

The final point about megapixels is that capturing pictures at higher resolutions will result in a larger memory card footprint. A 4 megapixel camera requires twice the memory card space compared to a 2 megapixel camera. Make sure your camera has enough memory to back up high-quality pictures. Alternatively, ensure you have additional media cards ready to insert once your camera's memory runs out.

Digital Zoom and Optical Zoom

No doubt, when you are buying a camera, you will want some sort of zoom function to take those in-distance shots. Some first-time buyers find this a challenging area to navigate. There are two types of zoom on the market for digital cameras. Digital Zoom and optical Zoom. The only function that truly matters is the optical zoom; it is a true zoom function that uses the camera's optics to bring objects closer to you. Digital Zoom functions similarly to the zoom feature in an image editing software package. Digital Zoom enlarges a section of the image to make it appear closer to the user.

You can achieve all the features of a digital zoom camera with a photo editing package, so there's no need to spend excessive money on a camera that only offers digital zoom. Advertisers sometimes advertise "total zoom," which refers to the optical zoom magnification in addition to the digital zoom magnification. Try to find out the magnification level of the optical zoom alone for the true value of the camera. 

Aperture Size

We may be delving deeper into this topic than some of you would prefer, but please bear with us as the aperture size can significantly influence your photographs. The aperture size precisely controls the amount of light entering the camera during photo capture. Think of the aperture like the iris of your eye. You might think it's not a big deal, but having more light allows you to take better pictures in a variety of lighting conditions; cloudy days are a perfect example.
With a large enough aperture, you would be less likely to need the flash. Personally, I don't like to use the flash function; the artificial flash of light does not always do justice to the picture you are trying to take. Additionally, common effects such as red eyes are often observed.

Shutter Speed

A variety of shutter speeds can create great effects in images. The thing to look for when buying a decent digital camera in terms of shutter speeds is the broadest range you can find. This will give you the best chance of manipulating the picture the way you want it. Combined with a proactive aperture, shutter speed can make pictures come to life or freeze images in an instant.

This technique is ideal for capturing the exact appearance of moving objects as if they were motionless. Setting the shutter speed on a slower setting gives more exposure to the CCD (charge-coupled device—the digital equivalent of film). This setting has the effect of making the picture appear to run. Moving objects are slightly blurred. You may think this is a bad thing, but take the example of running water; leaving the shutter speed on for longer will soften the image, creating a pleasing image for the eye, much like the way a waterfall appears in real life.

A camera with a wide range of shutter speeds allows you to enhance your digital photography. With an incredibly slow shutter speed, you can capture a long exposure of light to the CCD, simulating the famous traffic scenes where the headlights blend into a constant stream.

Storage Media

Digital cameras come with a slot for a variety of media cards. Check when you buy your camera what type of storage media it requires. There are several popular types, including smart media, compact flash, and xD picture cards. As long as you know what type yours is, you should be able to safely choose the correct type. If you are unsure, always consult your local store for guidance. Your make and model should help them direct you.

Media card size depends on budget, but get as much as you can. Without changing media cards, more memory lets you take high-quality photos all the time. You will soon learn the benefits of having plenty of storage space when you start to use your camera regularly.

The benefit of camera media is that, similar to a film, you can simply insert a new one if you run out. While downloading your pictures to your PC can be a bit of a hassle, it's significantly less stressful than having to delete some pictures due to running out of space on your media card.

Location:

Share :