Before purchasing a digital camera, you need to have a clear understanding of what the camera will be used for. You can waste money by setting out to buy the most expensive camera on the market, or one with the most bells and whistles, or even the cheapest, says Tony Mino of Ritz Camera in Temecula.
Too many of his customers come through the door looking for a camera with the highest image quality, not realizing that they can get by with a much cheaper camera.
"They come in and they're looking for 12 megapixels, but they're not going to need it or use it," he said. "Eight megapixels is perfect for most people. It's going to give you excellent files, and you can do your editing without breaking the image apart."
Likewise, steer clear of those too-good-to-be-true $59.99 digital-camera specials at big-box stores, advises sales manager Shawn Pennell of Davis Camera in San Bernardino.
"The problem we find with the cheap cameras is you're throwing the thing away in six months or buying something else," he said. "Something either breaks or a part fails, and you're dead in the water. ... I'd definitely go with one of the top manufacturers to get the protection, the reliability and the warranty you need."
Many customers this year are buying their second or third digital camera. Mino says many people are surprised to find out that quality has improved while prices have dropped in the past few years.
Three years ago, he said, 5- to- 8-megapixel cameras sold for around $600. Now you can find better quality for less than half that price. He recommends that if you are using your camera mainly for family portraits and travel photos, you should stick with a name-brand camera with around 6-8 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. These cameras generally sell for $100 to $300.
If you're more interested in shooting landscapes, high-speed action, weddings or nature photos, you can easily spend $1,000 or more on attachments and high-powered lenses. "So many people ask me, 'What's the best camera?'" Mino said. "There is no answer to that. It's all up to personal preference. The wife might like the Nikon D40 and her husband will like the Rebel XTi.
"There's definitely a lot of things that go into it, and price doesn't seem to be much of the issue," he said. "They're seeing it as an investment, so they want the best money can buy."
Know the features
Megapixels
What it is: Megapixels measure image quality. The more pixels in the camera generally means the better the photo quality.
What to look for: In many cases, bigger is not necessarily what you want. Most amateur photographers won't see a difference in images made with a 6-megapixel camera versus a 10-megapixel camera. But there can be a big price difference.
Digital Zoom vs. Optical Zoom
What it is: Digital zoom enlarges a portion of the image but often sacrifices image quality. Optical zoom magnifies an image with an adjustment of the lens on your camera without reducing the quality. Go for the bigger optical zoom and ignore the digital zoom.
What to look for: Turn off the digital zoom feature. After images are made with digital zoom, you're stuck with them.
Live LCD and Image Review
What it is: This is one of the best features users find when switching to digital. Digital cameras come with an LCD screen that previews images. A live LCD allows viewing of the actual image before it's taken. This is a great help in composing photos.
What to look for: Bigger is better. Cameras with the bigger displays are now sacrificing the viewfinder--but you probably won't use it anyway.
Single Lens Reflex (SLR)
What they are: SLR cameras are bigger than pocket cameras but have more options. They have better quality in low light, focus faster, have more shutter speeds and lens settings, higher ISO and interchangeable lenses and flashes.
What to look for: These cameras are generally packed with features and the ability to expand.
Waterproof
What it is: Many manufacturers make waterproof cases for nonwaterproof digital cameras. Some digital cameras (including some by Pentax and Olympus) can go directly into shallow water without special housing.
What to look for: Unless you plan to shoot in shallow water, Southern Californians generally don't require waterproof cameras.
Source: http://www.pe.com/lifestyles/stories/PE_Fea_Daily_D_digital07.17b6cf2.html
No comments:
Post a Comment