Digital Camera Review - Find the Best Quality and Value
A digital camera review will help identify the best camera value by
evaluating: 1) specs, functions and features, and 2) test and performance
results. But before pouring over dozens of reviews, set some parameters.
OK, Lets Cut to the Chase...
First decide whether it's to be a point-and-shoot, Prosumer or digital SLR
camera. Is ease of use, slip in a pocket, go anywhere important? Or are super
zoom, advanced exposure controls and professional results vital? Also establish
a budgeted price range.
Once these basic criteria are set, quickly scan enough reviews to get an idea
of the cameras that appear to match the requirements. From this "short" list go
back to the reviews and evaluate how each camera rates for the following:
Design, Construction and Controls
Minor design differences are significant in daily camera use.
Carefully compare how each camera's review is rated for design elements. Size
and weight, body configuration, and location of buttons and controls can make a camera a joy to use or a real pain.
Evaluate the camera's construction. Are access doors for battery,
memory, etc. solid and stable? What does the reviewer say about the shutter
release, zoom and other buttons and knobs? How many photos will a fully charged
battery take? Is the LCD bright and clear in both low light and sunny
conditions?
The reviewer's evaluation of the camera's controls is critical. Can manual
adjustments be made for different lighting conditions? How about auto-focus
zones and exposure modes? Are controls simple and intuitive, or complicated
menus?
Sensors, Pixels and Processors
These are the heart of a digital camera and determine photo quality, so
closely compare how the reviewer rates them.
Generally larger sensors have more powerful and efficient photodiodes, and
will produce higher quality photo images. Both CCD and CMOS sensor technology is
advancing rapidly, but with each new development there are usually draw-backs,
so compare carefully.
Digital camera marketing would have us believe it's all about more
megapixels. But it's more complicated than that. Evaluate how each camera's
review rates pixel quality, not just quantity. Some cameras will actually take
better pictures with fewer pixels.
What the camera's processor does with the data collected from the sensor is equally important. It must properly interpret color balance and
interpolate pixels for sharp natural looking pictures. It must be able to do it
quickly or you'll wait too long between shots.
Lens Optics
In many ways lenses for digital cameras are simpler and less expensive than
for conventional 35mm cameras. Even so, sensors and processors can't produce a
better photo than what's visible through the lens. Compare the ratings
because cheap lenses can distort images and colors.
In conclusion, decide on the basics, scan enough
reviews to pick a handful of finalists, then scrutinize those reviews. While studying
the reviews you're likely to find other camera candidates because a good reviewer will make comparisons to similar models. If you
take your time you'll find just the right digital camera for your needs at a
reasonable price.
A list of top rated digital cameras can be found at our
Digital
Cameras Ratings page.
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