Digital Cameras
You’ve lived so long with your old but trusted film camera bought way back in the 90s. Everywhere you go, you see people taking pictures with their digital cameras and the thought of buying one crosses your mind. With newer and better models coming off the assembly line almost every month or so, you really need to get to know some of the best compact digital cameras for your photography needs so that you can use it for as long as you possibly wish (without getting too outdated).
Digital Camera Buying Guide
1) Resolution
In camera terms, this is usually expressed in terms of megapixels (1 million pixels) with supposedly the higher the number, the more detailed and better quality pictures that can be taken. Sadly this is the wrong assumption as the quality of the pixels are more important than just mere numbers. That said, however you should aim for at least 5 MP digital camera as they are the best for printing 4" x 6" and above photos using a good quality photo printer.
2) Zoom
There are 2 types of zoom - digital and optical. The function of the digital zoom is to enlarge the size of the pixels (not image though) using electronic tricks but at the same time lowers the quality of the image. The real focus should be on optical zoom which increases the size of the image (and therefore picture quality). Optical zoom depends on the lens and is usually 3x, 4x or higher so the higher the number, the better.
3) Viewfinder & LCD Screen
If you’re not familiar, a viewfinder is the small window that you used to see before you snap on the shutter. It is the only method of seeing the image before being captured on film camera. Besides the viewfinder, most digital cameras come equipped with LCD screen at the back to let you see the full image of your subject before snapping. The bigger the size of the LCD screen, the better. Aim for at least 2.5" screen for maximum viewing capabilities.
4) Image Stabilizer
Sometimes when you snap the shutter, your hands may shake at the last moment and the result is blurred images. Image stabilizer helps to produce sharp images even if your hand shakes a little. Go for a camera that offers image stabilizer system over those that doesn’t.
5) Face Recognition Technology
Some of you might not notice it but when you are trying to take pictures of your friends or family members, without face recognition technology, the backdrop might appear sharp but blurred for faces images. What this technology does is to focus on peoples’ faces so that you get sharp faces every time. That’s why you take peoples’ photos right? The best digital cameras should come with this technology.
6) Manual Or Automatic Focus?
Although automatic focus is the norm in today’s digital camera due to ease of use, it’s also advisable to choose on one that offers manual focus as well because in situations in which the camera can’t get a focus lock such as close ups, you can still get the shot if you use the manual focus function.
7) Price
Always the big consideration when it comes to buying. A cheaper compact digital camera with reasonable basic functions but fewer extras is more desirable to many than an expensive one that offers a lot of fluffy extras. Since this market is hyper-competitive with manufacturers competing against one another with better and newer functions and technologies, it is really a buyer’s market. Never overpay for a digital camera. A price of $200 - $300 is an attractive buy.
Digital Camera Reviews & Ratings
We found the best digital camera reviews from the folks at CNET, Consumer Reports, Digital Camera HQ, Digital Camera Resource, DP Review, Imaging Resource and Steve’s Digicams. Professional reviewers have over the years reviewed thousands of digital cameras from top-notch makers such as Canon, Casio, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Polaroid, Samsung and Sony. Digital camera ratings based on print quality and ease of use determines the best digital cameras in their class.
Best Digital Camera (Entry-Level)
Digital Camera Reviews #1: With hundreds of satisfied digital camera reviews from consumers plus digital camera experts recommendations is the best rated Canon Powershot 7.1-MP A560 Digital Camera. If you’ve been waiting for a digital camera big on features yet light on the money, then you’ll love this Canon digital camera. This best digital camera from Canon features 7.1-megapixel CCD sensor, 4x optical zoom with DIGIC III imaging engine and Face Detection to capture crisp, detailed images as unforgettable memories. Big 2.5-inch TFT active matrix LCD display lets you see the big picture sharp while 14 shooting modes and high ISO 1600 sensitivity gives you the flexibility to create perfect images in any light condition. At less than $150, it’s truly worth every penny.
Best Digital Camera (Compact)
Digital Camera Reviews #2: Topping the list with superb digital camera reviews from consumers and experts is the best rated Canon Powershot A720 IS 8.0-MP Digital Camera. Capture the moment with this high performance Canon digital camera that will simply take your breath away. This best digital camera from Canon features 8.0-megapixel CCD resolution with 6x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilization technology utilizing DIGIC III imaging engine to create a truly superior finish rival to that of high-end digital cameras. Large, bright 2.5-inch swivel, vari-angle LCD screen with 16:9 display format makes seeing everything easy. Includes 19 shooting modes for myriad of shooting options. High ISO 1600 sensitivity makes low-light photography a reality.
Best Digital Camera (Ultra Compact)
Digital Camera Reviews #3: Setting itself clear of the nearest competitors with top digital camera reviews from professionals and consumers alike is the best rated Canon PowerShot SD870IS 8.0-MP Digital Camera. Discover advanced photography with this Canon digital camera that will have you beaming with confidence. This best digital camera from Canon features 8.0-megapixel CCD sensor, 3.8x optical image stabilized zoom on Canon UA lens with DIGIC III processing engine coupled with Face Detection Technology and high ISO 1600 sensitivity to capture detailed, breathtaking images at any light condition for all to enjoy. Large 2.5-inch 230k-pixels PureColor LCD display with scratch-resistant coating makes viewing a breeze.
Digital Camera Reviews #4: Propelling its way to glory with overwhelmingly superb digital camera reviews from experts and users is no other than the best value Canon PowerShot SD1000 7.1-MP Digital Camera. Simplicity is its name and that’s what you get with this Canon digital camera. Slim, streamlined and beautifully designed, this best digital camera from Canon that’s value for money features 7.1-megapixel CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom with DIGIC III image processor plus Face Detection to create true-to-life and beautiful photos every time. Large 2.5-inch 230k-pixels TFT PureColor LCD screen with anti-reflective coating coupled with 17 shooting modes and ISO 1600 sensitivity makes viewing up close sharper for that great shots to come later. At less than $200, no wonder it’s the best selling model.
Digital Camera Reviews #5: Making a name for itself with equally impressive digital camera reviews from pros and consumers is the best rated Sony CyberShot DSC-T100 8.0-MP Digital Camera. Style & performance combined to create this gorgeously slim Sony digital camera that will have your friends awe in envy. This best digital camera from Sony features 8.0-megapixel CCD resolution, 5x optical zoom with SteadyShot Image Stabilizer & Face Detection to produce sharp and professional looking images to share with family and friends. With 3.0-inch touch screen LCD display, view images in full screen 16:9 format with impressive clarity and color. High ISO 3200 sensitivity makes low-light shooting a distinct possibility.
Best Digital Camera (Prosumer)
Digital Camera Reviews #6: Two thumbs up with outstanding digital camera reviews from experts and consumers is the best rated Canon Powershot G9 12.1-MP Digital Camera. Standing tall with unmatched quality and functionality is this Canon digital camera that makes it a force to be reckoned with. This best digital camera from Canon boasts an audacious 12.1-megapixel resolution with 6x optical image stabilizer zoom so you can be sure of getting sharp, colorful images of unmatched clarity. Let your imagination run wild with RAW mode that puts full control in your hands. Sophisticated design with top-notch construction makes it an aspiring photographers best companion.
Best Digital Camera (Ultra-Zoom)
Digital Camera Reviews #7: A winner by a long shot with superb digital camera reviews from professionals and consumers alike is the best rated Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS 8.0-MP Digital Camera. For the ultimate in advanced photography, look to this Canon digital camera for complete excitement. This best digital camera from Canon features 8.0-megapixel CCD resolution & ultra-powerful 12x optical zoom with DIGIC III image processor coupled with Face Detection and high ISO 1600 sensitivity for rich, stunningly elegant, detailed images in any lighting condition. Large 2.5-inch high resolution vari-angle LCD display screen lets you shoot from any angle with ease.
Digital Camera Reviews #8: Clicking its way to fame with its fair share of excellent digital camera reviews from pros and consumers alike is the best rated Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 8.0-MP Digital Camera. Experience the magic with this Sony digital camera that makes photography come alive in more ways than you expect. This best digital camera from Sony features 8.1-megapixel Super HAD CCD, Carl Zeiss 15x optical Super SteadyShot Image Stabilizer Zoom with Face Detection technology to produce stunning images that you’ll cherish for life. Large 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD gets the big picture up close sharp before shooting. High ISO 3200 sensitivity with Clear RAW Noise Reduction lets you shoot in low light with less blur and noise.
Digital Camera Reviews #9: Creeping up with rave reviews from digital camera experts is the top rated Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 8.1-MP Digital Camera. Combining 8.1-megapixel resolution with unprecedented 18x optical zoom with Mega Optical Image Stabilizer to create incredibly clear, sharp and crisp images. Intelligent Auto Mode features Continuous Autofocus, Face Detection & Intelligent Scene Selector combined to produce beautiful pictures anytime, anywhere. Comes in 2.5-inch LCD screen.
Resources: Digital Camera (Wikipedia)