MARC’S TECHNOLOGY BLOG – SELECTING A NEW DIGITAL CAMERA!
MARC’S TECHNOLOGY BLOG – SELECTING A NEW DIGITAL CAMERA!
TECHNOLOGY ADVICE FROM A USER-FRIENDLY GUY!
But buying a digital camera can be daunting! What the heck is a megapixel anyway? Do I need an extra large memory card? There are numerous models and near limitless options available. Let’s go over a few things and see if we ease the process of deciding which camera is right for you.
1) Don’t be seduced by all those megapixels.
For the casual family photographer resolution is not as important as you think. It is a myth that a camera with "lower" megapixels will produce inferior photos. Sure high resolution allows for aggressive cropping or poster size prints but only a handful of people will benefit from this. A camera with 3 to 4 megapixels will allow you to print enlargements up to around 8 x 10 without sacrificing the quality of the resolution.
A professional will be in the market for a camera with more than 5 megapixels but a camera that dense isn’t necessary to create a gorgeous photo. Measure a camera by what you can understand and what you can afford never mind the high resolution specifications.
2) Zoom!!
If you can spend a few more bucks consider putting your money into more zoom. These days there are a myriad of top models some offering as much as a 12x optical zoom. Consider a camera with image stabilization which will allow for long zoom and sharp photos without a tripod.
3) Think small.
Even in an era where some say size does matter it’s surprising how much power and how many features come packed in today’s compact-sized camera! Many offer the same features or very similar features to their larger clunkier brethren. You never know when you’ll want to take that spur-of-the-moment picture. The ability to grab your small camera and quickly take a picture while those with larger cameras are fumbling to get theirs ready offers obvious advantages – you won’t miss that candid shot you really want! When in doubt unless you’re a professional photographer who needs additional features THINK SMALL!
4) On the go? Don’t forget the batteries!!
Where was the guy on the real estate blog writing about buying a digital camera when I was in the market for one? Maybe I would have bought a camera powered by AA batteries!!
When it comes to batteries you’ve got two choices when it comes to digital cameras. 1) Buy a camera that runs on rechargeable manufacturer specific lithium batteries or 2) buy one that runs on AA batteries.
I bought a camera with that operates on lithium batteries last summer and for the most part I love it. My only complaint is the batteries. This past New Years I was snapping away all night and showing off the pictures and zooming and turning the camera off and on until about 30 minutes before midnight the battery was kaput. Of course I didn’t have my charger which means I also don’t have any pictures of the New Years celebration. Had I had the foresight to purchase a camera that took AA batteries I would have been able to drop in a new set and get that shot of my roommate laying the lip lock on our host and her horrified expression afterward.
5) Short term memory.
Don’t buy a big flashcard. Just don’t. Flash memory cards can be heartbreakingly fragile. A 1GB card with 2000 photos on it can turn into a huge disappointment if something as simple and random as static electricity renders it blank.
If you are a shutterbug do yourself the favor of buying several smaller cards. Four 256MB cards and a static resistant case for them is far far safer than a 1GB card that stays in your camera full time.
6) Humpty Dumpty complex.
Don’t ever forget that digital cameras are far from indestructible. Screens can develop black lines zoom motors can quit on you or get fouled with dirt or pocket lint. Battery doors can break. Choose your new camera wisely and treat it with respect and you will be recording your digital memories for years to come!!
Want to share some technology tips? Please let me know!
YOUR DEAN’S TEAM TECH REPORTER
MARC MILBAUER
