scarlet-rain
5th September 2007, 10:35 PM
Need a new camera, but don't know which one to get?
Well, the first step is to pinpoint what your needs are. I'll discuss point-and-shoot vs. SLR, too. Don't worry, I'll explain what both of these are later. If you already have a good idea of what features you will need, skip to the Brands and Camera Models section (at the end of the article).
Do you value the quality of your photos? Do you plan on taking action shots or taking photos in low light often?
If yes, you might need an SLR camera, as they are more advanced than the average point-and-shoot camera. Have you ever noticed that when you take a photo of someone with a point-and-shoot camera and the person moves (even slightly), the photo ends up blurry? That's because the camera's shutter speed is too slow, and the place you're taking the photo in is too dark. This usually happens because the camera is in automatic mode and has tried to compensate for the lack of light. Although some point-and-shoot cameras allow you to fix this problem manually, SLR cameras are usually better at doing so.
Would you like to be able to fit your camera in your pocket or handbag?
If yes, you're almost definitely going to be looking for a 'point-and-shoot' camera. Point-and-shoot cameras are typically light and compact, whereas SLR cameras are large, bulky and usually require a special camera bag to hold the camera and possibly additional lenses.
What is your budget for your new camera?
If your budget is around $450 or below, you'll want to buy a point-and-shoot camera. These types of cameras are cheap, as oppose to SLR cameras which are quite expensive (upwards of about $1000).
Would you prefer to pick up your camera and take a photo straight away, than to fiddle with the settings to possibly get a better shot?
If yes, then you will probably need a point-and-shoot camera. Point-and-shoot cameras are designed for just that: pointing and shooting. They're very user friendly and don't require the user to know much about cameras in order to use one. SLR cameras, on the other hand, have many more features and allow much more room for customisability, but can be very confusing if you don't know what you're doing.
Would you consider photography to be your hobby? Do you know what 'aperture', 'shutter speed' and 'ISO' are?
If you answered no to these questions, you'll certainly need a point-and-shoot camera. If you answered yes, or you're serious about photography, you might want to buy an SLR camera, as they will give you plenty of room to develop your technique and photography skills. If you use your camera occasionally, and most of your photos are of family or friends, I'd recommend you buy a point-and shoot camera.
Would you like to be able to print your photos at large sizes?
If so, you'll need to look for a camera with greater than 6 megapixels. Most point-and-shoot cameras can satisfy this requirement. If not, it shouldn't matter how many megapixels the camera has. Remember folks, more megapixels does not necessarily equal more quality. Digital camera manufacturers often use technical shortcuts to increase the amount of effective megapixels and thus fool the user into thinking that the camera takes better quality photos, when in reality it does not.
Camera types
There are two main types of cameras available on the market: point-and-shoot and SLR.
SLR
Example:
http://images.golivewire.com/ib/138756_t.jpg
Advantages:
Allows more customisability
Lenses are changeable to allow more flexibility when taking photos
Allows a lot of room for development in photographic skill
A potentially good investment for a budding photographer
More accurate viewfinder allows user to see the image in realtime, as it would be captured
Battery life is usually much longer than a point-and-shoot camera due to the use of Li-ion batteries
Disadvantages
Bulky and heavy
Expensive
Difficult to use if you have little knowledge about cameras
If you're looking at buying an SLR, there are a few things you'll need to know. Firstly, there are three general categories of SLR cameras: Entry-level SLR, midrange SLR and Pro SLR. Unless you're willing to spend $6000 on the camera body alone (no lenses) and you make a living out of photography, you won't be looking at the pro SLRs. Entry level SLRs like the Canon 400D and Nikon D80 are cheaper yet still allow plenty of room for the average photographer's skill development. Most, if not all lenses are compatible with other brands and SLR categories, too. For information on how to shoot using SLR, click here (http://www.radioaukiman.com/forums/showthread.php ?t=215).
Point-and-shoot
Example:
http://images.golivewire.com/ib/138755_t.jpg
Advantages
Very easy to use and very user friendly
Most are lightweight and compact
Relatively cheap
Disadvantages
Limited customisability
Don't usually cope well with low light or fast motion
Image quality could be better
The lens is permanently attached
LCD viewfinders take a few moments to be digitally rendered to represent the image as it would be captured, and are not always accurate
Battery life is quite short as most point-and-shoot cameras use alkaline batteries and their LCD screens consume a large amount of the battery's life
Brands & Camera Models
You'll probably find that every photographer has a different opinion on which camera brand is best. Generally speaking, Canon and Nikon are most popular when it comes to SLRs, with Canon having the largest range in available lenses. Other major manufacturers of SLR cameras include Pentax, Fujifilm, Sigma (Sigma are more focussed on lenses than the camera body) and Olympus. Fujifilm have a line of cheap SLRs which are specifically designed for non-professionals. Some of the latest beginner SLR models include the Canon Digital Rebel XTi (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act= ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14256) (also known as the 400D in some countries), the Nikon D40 (http://www.nikon-d40.com/), the Sigma SD14 (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/cameras/default.asp), and Pentax KD100 Super (http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_det ails/digital_camera--K100D_Super/reqID--9997004/subsection--digital_slr). It is often cheaper to buy the second newest model in SLRs (for example, the Canon 350D as oppose to the Canon 400D), as when newer models are released, the price of older models drop, and there usually isn't enough difference between models to justify such a large price drop anyway.
In point-and-shoot cameras, Canon again seems to be one of the most popular brands. Popular point-and-shoot models include the Canon Powershot (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act= ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113), the Sony Cybershot (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servle t/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=16161), Nikon Coolpix (http://www.nikoncoolpix.com/main.html), Pentax Optio (http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/cameras/dig ital/optio_point_shoot/) and Olympus Stylus (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_dig ital_stylus.asp). From what I've seen, though, point-and-shoot cameras don't vary much between brands, so it doesn't really matter which brand you buy, just as long as it will satisfy your needs.
When it comes down to it, I think every camera should be judged individually on what features it has to offer, rather than what brand it's stamped with. After all, the features are what affect how your photos look.
If you have anything to add, please post your addition or PM me.
Well, the first step is to pinpoint what your needs are. I'll discuss point-and-shoot vs. SLR, too. Don't worry, I'll explain what both of these are later. If you already have a good idea of what features you will need, skip to the Brands and Camera Models section (at the end of the article).
Do you value the quality of your photos? Do you plan on taking action shots or taking photos in low light often?
If yes, you might need an SLR camera, as they are more advanced than the average point-and-shoot camera. Have you ever noticed that when you take a photo of someone with a point-and-shoot camera and the person moves (even slightly), the photo ends up blurry? That's because the camera's shutter speed is too slow, and the place you're taking the photo in is too dark. This usually happens because the camera is in automatic mode and has tried to compensate for the lack of light. Although some point-and-shoot cameras allow you to fix this problem manually, SLR cameras are usually better at doing so.
Would you like to be able to fit your camera in your pocket or handbag?
If yes, you're almost definitely going to be looking for a 'point-and-shoot' camera. Point-and-shoot cameras are typically light and compact, whereas SLR cameras are large, bulky and usually require a special camera bag to hold the camera and possibly additional lenses.
What is your budget for your new camera?
If your budget is around $450 or below, you'll want to buy a point-and-shoot camera. These types of cameras are cheap, as oppose to SLR cameras which are quite expensive (upwards of about $1000).
Would you prefer to pick up your camera and take a photo straight away, than to fiddle with the settings to possibly get a better shot?
If yes, then you will probably need a point-and-shoot camera. Point-and-shoot cameras are designed for just that: pointing and shooting. They're very user friendly and don't require the user to know much about cameras in order to use one. SLR cameras, on the other hand, have many more features and allow much more room for customisability, but can be very confusing if you don't know what you're doing.
Would you consider photography to be your hobby? Do you know what 'aperture', 'shutter speed' and 'ISO' are?
If you answered no to these questions, you'll certainly need a point-and-shoot camera. If you answered yes, or you're serious about photography, you might want to buy an SLR camera, as they will give you plenty of room to develop your technique and photography skills. If you use your camera occasionally, and most of your photos are of family or friends, I'd recommend you buy a point-and shoot camera.
Would you like to be able to print your photos at large sizes?
If so, you'll need to look for a camera with greater than 6 megapixels. Most point-and-shoot cameras can satisfy this requirement. If not, it shouldn't matter how many megapixels the camera has. Remember folks, more megapixels does not necessarily equal more quality. Digital camera manufacturers often use technical shortcuts to increase the amount of effective megapixels and thus fool the user into thinking that the camera takes better quality photos, when in reality it does not.
Camera types
There are two main types of cameras available on the market: point-and-shoot and SLR.
SLR
Example:
http://images.golivewire.com/ib/138756_t.jpg
Advantages:
Allows more customisability
Lenses are changeable to allow more flexibility when taking photos
Allows a lot of room for development in photographic skill
A potentially good investment for a budding photographer
More accurate viewfinder allows user to see the image in realtime, as it would be captured
Battery life is usually much longer than a point-and-shoot camera due to the use of Li-ion batteries
Disadvantages
Bulky and heavy
Expensive
Difficult to use if you have little knowledge about cameras
If you're looking at buying an SLR, there are a few things you'll need to know. Firstly, there are three general categories of SLR cameras: Entry-level SLR, midrange SLR and Pro SLR. Unless you're willing to spend $6000 on the camera body alone (no lenses) and you make a living out of photography, you won't be looking at the pro SLRs. Entry level SLRs like the Canon 400D and Nikon D80 are cheaper yet still allow plenty of room for the average photographer's skill development. Most, if not all lenses are compatible with other brands and SLR categories, too. For information on how to shoot using SLR, click here (http://www.radioaukiman.com/forums/showthread.php ?t=215).
Point-and-shoot
Example:
http://images.golivewire.com/ib/138755_t.jpg
Advantages
Very easy to use and very user friendly
Most are lightweight and compact
Relatively cheap
Disadvantages
Limited customisability
Don't usually cope well with low light or fast motion
Image quality could be better
The lens is permanently attached
LCD viewfinders take a few moments to be digitally rendered to represent the image as it would be captured, and are not always accurate
Battery life is quite short as most point-and-shoot cameras use alkaline batteries and their LCD screens consume a large amount of the battery's life
Brands & Camera Models
You'll probably find that every photographer has a different opinion on which camera brand is best. Generally speaking, Canon and Nikon are most popular when it comes to SLRs, with Canon having the largest range in available lenses. Other major manufacturers of SLR cameras include Pentax, Fujifilm, Sigma (Sigma are more focussed on lenses than the camera body) and Olympus. Fujifilm have a line of cheap SLRs which are specifically designed for non-professionals. Some of the latest beginner SLR models include the Canon Digital Rebel XTi (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act= ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14256) (also known as the 400D in some countries), the Nikon D40 (http://www.nikon-d40.com/), the Sigma SD14 (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/cameras/default.asp), and Pentax KD100 Super (http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_det ails/digital_camera--K100D_Super/reqID--9997004/subsection--digital_slr). It is often cheaper to buy the second newest model in SLRs (for example, the Canon 350D as oppose to the Canon 400D), as when newer models are released, the price of older models drop, and there usually isn't enough difference between models to justify such a large price drop anyway.
In point-and-shoot cameras, Canon again seems to be one of the most popular brands. Popular point-and-shoot models include the Canon Powershot (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act= ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113), the Sony Cybershot (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servle t/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=16161), Nikon Coolpix (http://www.nikoncoolpix.com/main.html), Pentax Optio (http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/cameras/dig ital/optio_point_shoot/) and Olympus Stylus (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_dig ital_stylus.asp). From what I've seen, though, point-and-shoot cameras don't vary much between brands, so it doesn't really matter which brand you buy, just as long as it will satisfy your needs.
When it comes down to it, I think every camera should be judged individually on what features it has to offer, rather than what brand it's stamped with. After all, the features are what affect how your photos look.
If you have anything to add, please post your addition or PM me.