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To say that choosing the right digital camera can be a daunting experience, even for knowledgeable enthusiasts, is an understatement. There are literally hundreds of digital cameras on the market, at prices ranging from well under $100 to nearly two grand--and that’s not even counting upper-end pro models that can cost as much as a new car. How are you, who have more than a passing interest in photography, much less the typical average amateur, supposed to make an informed decision on which one—or maybe two digicams to buy?  It’s not all that difficult if you break the digital dilemma down into byte-size chunks, and structure your choice based on your answers to a series of clearly defined questions. In other words, the solution is to take an analytical approach, and the quest begins with you—that is, your self-defined photographic user profile.

End-use profiles: What kind of digital photographer are you?

1. Casual shooter.  Do you share most saved images via e-mail? Seldom, if ever, makes prints larger than 4x6? Use your camera for informal family or vacation shooting? Don’t use your digital camera for specialized applications such as documenting collectibles?

2. Memory saver. Are you regarded as the family photographer who records events, family gatherings, children’s milestones and growth stages? Do you e-mail images but also archive and/or print them out for online or traditional albums? Do you occasionally make display prints in 5x7, 8x10 and larger sizes. Do you use basic image enhancement on some of your images?

3. Photo enthusiast. Do you regard digital photography as creative expression? Do you often use image-enhancement programs, cropping and other creative tools? Do you place a high value on image quality and color accuracy. Do you do some digital printing at home and often make prints in 8x10 and larger sizes. Are you motivated to upgrade equipment as soon as technology improves?

4. Photo fanatic: This category includes avid enthusiasts as well as pro and semi-pro digital photographers. Are you knowledgeable about image-processing software? Would you describe yourself as a whiz at navigating the advanced versions of Photoshop?  Can you compare the feature sets of the latest digital SLRs without a scorecard? Do you use a color management to calibrate your monitor and printer?  Do you own a printer capable of turning out photo quality enlargements bigger than 11x14?

How many megapixels do you really need?

Most experts agree that the number of megapixels a digital camera can capture doesn’t tell you the whole story about the image quality it delivers, and that image-sensor and pixel size, image-processing software and lens quality are equally important. But nobody denies that the megapixel rating of a camera is significant. That’s because the number of megapixels the image sensor chip can capture sets an ultimate limit on resolution, the ability of a digital system to differentiate fine detail.

To cut to the chase, a 2-megapixel (henceforth MP) camera will more than satisfy the digital Snapshooter as defined above, and you can buy a good, major brand 2MP digital camera for $100-150 these days. However my recommendation to shooters in this category is to spend the extra $50-100 and go for a 3.2 MP model (many sell in the $200-250 range). You’ll be happy you did if you ever want to make photo quality 5x7, 8x10 or larger enlargements of your best shots for display. What about cell phone cameras? A 2MP cell phone camera with removable memory card makes a great back-up digital camera. They’re fairly pricey at present and don’t look for zoom lenses or other sophisticated features—yet!

The digital cameras recommended for Memory savers are those in the 4-5MP class (they run $350-450 for point-and shoots. $600-800 for ZLR’s, that is cameras with built-in zoom lenses and through-the-lens electronic viewfinders). They also provide more sophisticated controls as well as better image quality. In hi-res mode these cameras are capable of delivering photo quality 11x14 prints, the largest common size made by most photo hobbyists, and many can shoot sequences at fairly rapid burst rates.

The digital cameras best suited to the use profile of Photo enthusiasts are ZLRs and SLRs in the 6-8MP category, good examples of which sell for just-under $1000 to under-$2000. Basically these cameras offer the ultimate in optical flexibility, minimal time lag in executing the exposure, full white balance and exposure control, and state-of-the art image quality that rivals that of pro-level digital SLRs.  Digital SLR models such as the Canon Digital Rebel, The Nikon D70 and the Pentax *ist D offer the advantages of full lens interchangeability and optical viewfinders, and they hold their value better than other types of digital cameras. ZLRs offer wide-range zoom lenses and the latest models feature 8MP sensors that promise and deliver outstanding image quality. The fact that their lenses are not interchangeable means you can’t fit the full range of lenses that are available in the major camera systems (dedicated wide-angle and tele conversion lenses are usually offered), but it does mean that their CCDs are less prone to dust contamination.

Photo fanatics usually have a pretty good idea of what kind of digital camera they want and need without reading this, but if you’re a bona fide member of the digitisti, take a close look at the 14MP Kodak Pro 14N, the amazing 8.5fps, 8MP Canon EOS 1D Mark II (both at around $4500), and the Nikon D2H and D1X. If you’re a Digital fanatic on a budget, check out the Nikon D70, which is a heck of a lot of DSLR for the money.

General rule for digital camera image-quality-level selection: Choose a camera that performs slightly better than the minimum required for your use profile. If nothing else, it’ll give you some room to grow, and you’ll be less likely to trade in your digicam every year.

Which digital camera for you? Check out the ups and downs of each type.  Obviously, there’s more to choosing a digital camera than determining your optimum megapixel level. Size, price and features are also important considerations. Here’s a short list of the major digital camera types and their features, pluses, and minuses.

1. Compact point-and shoots. This popular category includes digital cameras that fit into a shirt pocket as well as slightly larger models that slide into a jacket pocket or purse. Typically, they have retractable or in-body semi-wide to moderate tele (3:1 zoom ratio) zoom lenses, small optical viewfinders, back-mounted LCDs for viewing the pictures you’ve taken, and an array of pushbutton controls.  They’re available in versions providing from 2MP to 5MP, the latter selling in the $400-500 range.

Plus points: Small size and light weight mean you’ll be more likely to carry them at those moments when you “wish you had a camera.” They’re unobtrusive, non-threatening  to skittish subjects, and generally easy to use because they’re designed for ordinary folks. Many are attractive enough to be considered fashion accessories. 

Minus points: Small viewfinder requires precise centering of your eye behind eyepiece, small pushbutton controls may require dexterous manipulation, and smaller battery capacity may mean more frequent recharging or battery replacement. Some models have noticeable shutter lag, especially in low light, making it hard to gauge the precise moment of exposure.

Hot tip: If you want the ultimate in an elegant, pocketable digital camera, check out the Minolta DiMage-X series and the remarkably thin, 5MP Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TI.

2. Medium-size point-and shoots. These cameras may or may not fit in your pocket, but they generally offer more features and megapixels per dollar than the ultracompacts. Zoom ratios are likely to be more extended, especially at the tele end, and many models have more modes and features (such as burst mode, subject modes, and video clip capability) than their teenier counterparts. Viewfinders, controls and (usually) LCDs are likely to be larger and more manageable. These are excellent general-purpose cameras and constitute the most popular digital camera category in terms of unit sales. Most cameras in this class are now in the 3-5MP range.

Plus points: Good feature array, handier controls, (generally) good viewfinders and large LCDs, and (depending on model), wider range zoom lenses. They also tend to have more powerful built-in flashes than ultracompacts, and larger battery capacity, meaning longer battery life or less frequent recharging.

Minus points:  Most models are not pocketable, many have no threaded rings for lens converters and filters, none have interchangeable lenses, some models have noticeable shutter lag at times, making it difficult to record “decisive moments’ with precision.

3. Zoom-lens reflexes (ZLRs) In a sense, any digital camera with an LCD for viewing your pictures can provide “what you see is what you get” composition by holding the camera out in front of you and composing the picture on the LCD. However, that is not a great way to take pictures because it’s tough to hold the camera steady in that position. People do it all the time, of course, and it can work reasonably well for taking flash shots, but it has also resulted in many a blurry non-flash picture due to camera shake.

The least expensive solution to this dilemma is to opt for a ZLR, a camera that provides precise eye-level viewing through its non-removable wide-to-tele zoom lens. Most ZLRs feature an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that essentially presents a through-the-lens (TTL) video-quality, full-color electronic image to the eye. This is generally brighter but less detailed than the viewing image you get through the optical viewing system of a digital SLR, and with EVF there is a short viewing time lag, which can make it tricky to track fast action. Digital ZLRs are generally upper-end cameras in the 5-8MP range and the $500-1000 price class. They have an impressive array of features, and provide well-above-average imaging performance.

Plus points: Excellent image quality, sophisticated image-processing software, advanced controls and modes with full exposure adjustment and white balance control, fast autofocusing, less shutter lag than point-and-shoots, all-in-one versatility, burst modes and video clip capability, large-capacity image-file buffers, very wide zoom range, special features such as rotatable lens for convenient over-the-head shooting, dedicated flash and lens converter systems.

Minus points: No interchangeable lens, higher price than medium-size point-and-shoots with comparable image quality, some models fairly large (about the same size as a 35mm SLR), less tolerant of rough handling than most DSLRs. considerable loss of value when superseded by new models.

4. Digital SLRs. With the arrival of the Canon EOS Digital Rebel --at under $1000 with 18-55mm Canon zoom lens--this category, only recently the province of Photo fanatics and early adopters, has begun to enter the mass market with a vengeance. Nikon has entered the fray with the D70, a more full-featured DSLR at under $1200 with 18-70mm lens, and Minolta will reportedly field a contender in this category with built-in image stabilization (anti-shake) by the end of the year. The Pentax *ist D, though somewhat more expensive, is another enticing alternative.

Providing pro-level imaging performance, a full array of modes and features, through-the-lens optical viewfinders, and fully interchangeable lenses, these full-system digital SLRs not only make a perfect complement to an enthusiast’s film SLR (all but the digital-only Olympus E-1 have the same lens mounts and take the same lenses), DSLRs also offer the enthusiast maximum image quality, fast autofocusing, virtually no shutter lag, full exposure and white balance control, top-level image-processing software and a wider range of controls than all but the highest-priced ZLRs. DSLRs are indeed the digital cameras of the future, and all photographers  who define themselves as enthusiasts or potential enthusiasts, should carefully consider this digital camera category.

Plus points; Lens interchangeability allows entire lens system, including many existing older lenses, to work with the camera, optical eye-level reflex viewfinder provides maximum viewing detail, permits easy manual focusing when needed, pro-level image quality provided by 6-megapixel CCD or CMOS image sensor, full exposure and autofocus modes, burst capability, RAW or TIFF settings in addition to JPEG settings, generally rugged construction, especially pro models. As a class, DSLRs  tend to hold their value better than other digital camera types.

Minus points: Relatively high cost, multiplication factor of 1.3-2.0X when 35mm SLR lenses are used due to their smaller-than-24x36mm image sensors. DSLRs are generally larger and heavier than other digital camera types. There is the potential for getting dust on the hard-to-clean image sensor when changing lenses. Note: The Pentax *ist D is currently the smallest, lightest DLSR; the Canon Digital Rebel is slightly larger, but also quite light in weight.

Should you buy more than one digicam?  What about going for two or more digital cameras? As with film cameras, many digital shooters have a point-and shoot and an SLR. An ultracompact and a ZLR is another useful combo. And if you are the tiger of e-mail imaging who never makes prints larger than 4x6, a cell phone camera plus a small or medium-sized point-and shoot might work for you. At the top end, many pros complement their state-of-the-art pro DSLR with an amateur enthusiast model like a Canon Digital Rebel or a Nikon D100—and they can use the same lenses on both.

Features to look for when picking a digital camera

1. Large LCD. A larger LCD panel lets you compose and view pictures more easily and precisely, as well as making it easier to select modes and settings from the operating menus.

2. Large, clear, viewfinder. All DSLRs and most digital ZLRs have them, but not all compact and medium-sized digital point-and-shoots do. Some viewfinders that are fine for non-eyeglass-wearers are marginal for folks who wear glasses. Message: Look through the viewfinder and zoom the lens before you make your decision.

3. Simple, logical controls. An especially important consideration when selecting digital point-and-shoots to be used by novices. Suggestion: Run though the mode selections and settings when comparing cameras in the store, and pick the camera with a system that makes intuitive and logical sense to you.

4. Low shutter-lag time. There is nothing as frustrating as pressing the shutter release only to have the picture taken two seconds later. By that time, the subject’s expression has changed and the magic moment is lost. Manufacturers, notably Kyocera, are well aware of this and have gone to some length to reduce or eliminate this problem in the latest digital point-and-shoots, but don’t rely on manufacturer’s specs—check the time lag in the store at various zoom settings and in low light if possible.

5. Accessory threads on lens mount. Virtually all digital ZLRS and SLRs have them, but many compact and medium-sized point-and-shoots don’t. A threaded mount will let you attach wide-angle and tele converters, close-up lenses and filters to enhance your shooting flexibility. However, the new magnetic-mount system by Sunpak and Phoenix will let you easily adapt non-threaded cameras to accept wide-angle and tele converters which are held in placed magnetically.

6. Wide optical zoom ratio. The wider the zoom ratio of the lens, the greater your shooting flexibility, but make sure to judge the zoom ratio of a camera based its optical zoom ratio, not the overall zoom ratio listed in the specs. Many companies add, say, 3X of electronic digital zoom to a 4:1 zoom lens and then claim a 12:1 zoom ratio, but this is misleading. Digital zoom lets you zoom in closer only by cropping and enlarging the image which then looks more stippled or “grainier.” Also, don’t be overly impressed by zoom lenses that provide longer focal lengths at the expense of wider ones. The ability to go wide is even more important because it lets you shoot in cramped spaces or get everyone into that holiday dinner table shot. Few digital point-and-shoot cameras or ZLRs with APS-size sensors offer focal lengths wider than 18mm (equivalent to a 29mm lens in 35mm), but those that do are preferable to those that don’t.

7. Extended warranty. Digital cameras are somewhat more likely to malfunction after a year and are generally more expensive to fix than comparable film cameras. An extended warranty by a reputable store or third party can provide peace of mind at a relatively modest cost, so ask about extended warranty at the time of purchase. An extension of an extra year or two beyond the typical one-year manufacturer’s warranty is sufficient for digital point-and-shoots because you’ll probably want to buy the latest model before than; a longer warranty is suggested for digital ZLRs or DSLRs.

We hope all this information will take at least some of the confusion out of buying your new digital camera and will put you on the right track in selecting the digital cameras that are perfect for you and your family. We’re confident that once you choose the right equipment, your digital picture taking will be the rewarding and fun experience it should be. Good shooting!

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	Can you add some more photos of digital cameras ========================= Saesol <a href="http://www.cashsurveys.net">Cash Surveys </a> Posted by: Seasol Jan 7, 2009 @ 3:16 AM EST
	its a good article...aDd some more.. God bless.. Posted by: LhAdyChiQ Jun 29, 2009 @ 1:37 AM EST

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