Cut the Hype and Make the Best Digital Camera Comparisons
There are so many choices. With styles, features, and prices
all over the map, digital camera comparisons can be mind-boggling. Pixels, memory, optical and digital zoom,
camera size and cost are all factors
to compare. So how do we sift through all the hype and find the best digital
camera?
Camera Comparison Tips & Tricks
Carefully evaluate
reviews and ratings. Both professional reviewers and every day users can offer
valuable insight. The following tips will help in finding the best digital
camera value.
First identify your primary prerequisites. A camera is
normally a long term investment. To find the best
camera for your needs, certain basic decisions need to be made before you
start comparing features. These include:
- Suitability – do you
want a camera for candid snapshots or serious photography?
- Quality – compare
quality of both the camera and the photos it takes.
- Size – models to compare
include miniature, compact and full-sized cameras.
- Price – compare cameras
in a price range set by your needs and budget.
The next step is to compare specific features…
Compare Pixel
Quantity and Quality
In general, more is better. Each pixel is a tiny square of
light and color. Digital photos can be compared to mosaics – more pixels
mean smaller squares and sharper pictures. But comparing pixel quality is just as
important.
Tiny photodiodes in the image sensor create the pixels. The sensor functions as the camera’s eye and some digital
camera sensors measure only a few millimeters. Cameras with larger sensors usually have
higher quality diodes and produce sharper,
clearer pictures.Don't Skimp on Memory
A single digital photograph can require several megabytes, though
file type, compression rate and subject matter all affect file size. Most
digital cameras don’t have nearly enough built-in memory, so when doing a digital
camera comparison plan on buying more. A general rule is to have at least 256-512MB of
removable memory – more if taking high resolution and/or lots of photographs.
Check memory compatibility when you compare digital
cameras.
Compact flash is the most universal and reasonably priced. MultiMedia
cards are smaller and also work with other devices.
Secure Digital are MultiMedia cards with an added write-protect switch. xD Picture cards are small and
adaptable to most compact flash applications. Others such as Memory Sticks,
SmartMedia and MicroDrives have limited applications, but may be best for the camera
you want.
CCD Compared to CMOS
Charged Coupled Devices (CCD) and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors
(CMOS) are digital camera image sensors. They can be compared to the shutter and
film in a traditional camera.
Developed in the mid 1970’s, the CCD is the heart of most digital cameras.
With millions of light collecting cells, its image perception can be compared to
the human eye. The CCD sensor’s quality makes it the preferred choice for
high-end digital cameras.
CMOS sensors were developed in 1998 with technology comparable to processor chips. Advantages are lower cost, less power required and multi-tasking
ability. Disadvantages include signal noise and resolution issues. As the technology improves, CMOS sensors will
make digital cameras more affordable and be the
best choice for entry level cameras.
Beware the Zoom-Zoom
In your comparison of best digital cameras, be aware of the zoom issue.
Digital zoom isn’t much more than a marketing gimmick. It crops the image on
the sensor, reducing total pixels and degrading resolution. Optical zoom magnifies the image before
the sensor reads it, retaining full
resolution.
Other important features…
- Shutter lag – how quickly can you take another picture? Should be a
second or less.
- Start up time – when turned on, the camera should be ready in 1-2 seconds.
- Manual override – allows you to adjust exposure and focus
settings.
- Auto-focus – should be nearly instantaneous in most lighting conditions.
Digital camera ratings often discuss other features, but getting these right will enhance the enjoyment of your digital camera experience for years to
come. Find more detailed comparisons at our
Digital Camera Technology page.
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