Digital Camera Purchase Advice

 

A digital camera has become a very popular consumer item since it makes it so easy and cheap to take pictures. However, some buyers are impulsive by nature, and they are hardly aware of the standard features of digital cameras. Only after using the camera may they realize its drawbacks. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the standard features of digital cameras to make informed decisions when purchasing this gadget.

The following are some standard features: 

Computing Platform: Most digital cameras have interface compatibility with Mac as well as Windows operating system platforms. However, some cameras may have more software for one platform than the other, while others may only work on one platform. Generally, these cameras operate on the Windows platform.

Image quality encompasses various factors such as exposure accuracy, color purity, optics (lens) quality, and image compression techniques.

Onboard image capacity: Whether a specific amount of onboard image capacity is sufficient or not depends largely on your application. Image capacity and image quality share a strong co-relation with each other. For example, having a digital camera with a high image capacity is useless if the storage capacity does not match the resolution. Beware of the cameras that promise a large number of images but lack actual storage space. This could potentially impact the quality of your photos. Standard onboard camera memory might range from 2 to 16 MB, and the image storage capacity can vary from 10 to 100+ images, depending on the image resolution.

Reusable Memory Cards: There are quite a few digital cameras that allow storing images on plug-in cards, and this enables users to add as much or as little memory to the camera as per individual requirements. In contrast to the previous era of memory cards, which primarily used a single type known as Liner PCMCIA, today's memory cards come in a variety of types. Some of the most popular cards are Compact Flash and FlashMedia. 

Exposure Versatility: Digital cameras are not equipped to handle a wide range of lighting conditions. Film cameras, on the other hand, do not suffer from this drawback, as we can adjust for varying lighting conditions by using various types of films. So, since the image sensor of a digital camera acts as a film, users find it nearly impossible to change this setup. However, you can ensure that the digital camera you are buying has the ideal camera exposure system, such as shutter speed, variable lens opening, and supplementary flash to handle a wide range of shooting conditions. 

Other features: 

Consider buying a waterproof camera, as it can withstand moisture. 

The camera you are buying should preferably have ISO support for crisper and cleaner images. 

Go for higher megapixel resolution cameras, which will offer you greater cropping ability. The higher the megapixel resolution, the more one can enlarge his photographs. But don`t get too fussy about megapixel resolution, as it is not everything in a digital camera. 

Look for pre-programmed scene modes in your camera that will take photos even in tough and challenging lighting conditions. 

While buying, focus more on the optical zoom of a digital camera and not so much on the digital zoom. Optical zoom makes use of lenses to get closer shots and delivers better images.

Finally, you have to be careful not to be lured into buying a camera with a "package deal." What is more affordable may also be of lower quality! Digital cameras have made it simple for those who want to capture special moments. Now, with so many features and affordable prices, digital cameras have truly become a global consumer product.

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