Compare Digital Cameras
Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes. There is also the colour factor as at one time most cameras where black or silver now they come in a multitude of colours. Then there are the different brands which all have there own technology. You also need to know about zoom lenses, resolutions, playbacks features. There are so many new features and qualities incorporated in today’s digital cameras that buyers especially first timers can be overwhelmed and stressed wondering which camera is best suited for there needs and which of the many gadgets on the camera will be of real use. As the technology grows it can get more and more complicated and not only do you need to learn all this but also how do you compare digital cameras to find out which is the best for your needs?
So what is it you actually want out of your digital camera? Do you want the latest slim line ultra thin compact that fits into your back pocket? Or do you want a more expensive compact with better technology ore bells and whistles for taking on holiday to capture all your best moments on the beach. If so you will probably have to consider a digital camera model that is also shockproof and waterproof. You may want to make photography your hobby and want the latest high zoom cameras which are more expensive than the compacts. Or you may even want to take up digital photography as a profession in which case you will want the top of the range professional digital camera.
There are plenty of things to consider in the equation like what is your budget? What resolution do you need, how much memory will you require, do you need zoom lenses, do you want to shoot underwater, the list goes on and on. So once you have done the initial enquiries and decided the type of digital camera you want the next step is to find the manufacturer that best suits you needs. To do that you need to compare digital cameras. This will either be at a shop which sells the cameras, but will they give you a fair estimation or have they ever compared digital cameras?
Another way to compare digital cameras is to go online and loo at the reviews. But again this may be flawed as the people giving the reviews may also be selling the cameras and their view may also be biased.
One way to find unbiased opinions is usually through digital camera magazines. Usually they will have monthly reviews of cameras in the same groups. They will list all the features and prices and actually test the cameras and give an unbiased opinion. They usually also have an editors choice so even if the camera is not the best in the field it will be the one the magazine editor is most comfortable with. They do not just choose cameras on price alone. Quite often higher priced digital cameras will come down the list of choices. One such site I have found on the internet that does this is www.popphoto.com. They have lots of reviews and test most new cameras so are up-to-date. Another such site that reviews digital cameras is www.dcmag.co.uk.
It is nice if you can find a website online that shows the different digital cameras in a range on a chart. Then you can compare everything at a glance. Some of the things to loo for on these charts are obviously the price, features, performance, build quality, value for money, and an overall assessment. There should also be a verdict from the reviewer with a write up of what is good and what is not so good in a particular camera. Of course some other key information should also be listed when you compare digital cameras. This list should at least include most of these features:-
- Megapixels
- Zoom range
- Shutter speed
- Storage type
- Battery type
- Sensor dimensions
- Lens focal length
- Exposure modes
- ISO range
- Format
- Dimensions
- Weight
A great site to check out and compare digital camera is at a site called digital photography review www.dpreview.com. They have a buying guide with a digital camera review. You choose which digital cameras you would like to review side by side by adding them to a list and with one click you will have a side by side comparison chart at your convenience.
Once you have chosen the type of camera you want, compared the different manufacturers against each other then you can go to some of the digital camera forums and find out what actual camera users are saying about the camera you have decided on. A digital camera forum will give the most creditable review of all because these are the actual users of the camera. They are enthusiastic about digital photography and there opinions are not diluted. They tell the truth even it is not what you want to hear.
It is essential for you to feel comfortable with your digital camera. With this information, you can now figure out what you really need and want before you buy and when you compare digital cameras then you can go to your nearest digital camera shop and try out the camera that best suits your needs.
Some resources you can check out are
www.whatdigitalcamera.com
www.popphoto.com
www.dcmag.co.uk
www.dpreview.com
Don't take another digital picture until you read this book! Someone has finally gotten into the "secret files" of top photographers and is sharing the information for the first time ever!
