Guide To Digital Cameras

A guide to digital cameras that will help the consumer to choose a digital camera can be found on the Internet or in the local book store, whichever a person is most comfortable with. Digital cameras have some features very much like the 35mm film types that people have been using for many years. Both of them have a lens, an aperture, and a shutter. The lens lets light inside to expose an image. The digital image is captured on a silicon chip instead of film. The aperture is a hole that can be increased or decreased to control the amount of light entering. The shutter controls the length of time the light enters the camera to record the image on the silicon chip with megapixels. The number of megapixels is important for the quality of the pictures taken, but it isn't the only feature one should consider. A 2 megapixel style can produce a good 5 X 7 print; a 3 megapixel, an 8 X 10; and a 4 megapixel, and 11 X 17 picture. Because the megapixel number is the first thing most buyers look for, manufacturers usually put that number on the front of the casing where it can be easily seen.

Photographs from these instruments are in a format that allows them to be inserted into word processing documents, or transmitted by e-mail to friends, or post them on a website where anyone can see them. They can be connected to the TV so the pictures can be viewed like a slide show. Even for the professional photographer digitals have more features that need to be considered before choosing a digital camera than do the film type. The so-called point and shoot styles are the least expensive and most popular among the digital designs, so they would be at the top of the list on a guide to digital cameras. They are fully automatic, and don't give the photographer much in the way of creative control.

When choosing a digital camera, the next highest design is 5 or 6 megapixels with higher resolution and more advanced features. These have through the lens focusing and creative controls, such as exposure control and shutter speed, and the ability to take several pictures in rapid succession. These appeal to the serious photographer who wants more control, and will make prints up to 8 X 10 in size and a superior quality to those made by the cheaper models. Of course there are models designed for professional photographers and serious amateurs, which cost between $1,500 and $8,000 and feature resolutions between 6 and 12 megapixels. This is a very large investment indeed. Fortunately, good digital cameras can be purchased for a whole lot less, and produce good photos.

Experts recommend that a shopper try out different models before actually choosing a digital camera. That gives the purchaser a chance to see how quickly pictures can be taken in sequence, (so a good shot isn't missed while waiting on the camera to complete its operation), how easily common settings can be reached, and how easily the just-taken images can be played back. Too much time spent finding out which button does what can waste a photographer's time. Also, size and weight are important for many buyers and where it can be stored. Weight can vary from as much as 2.6 pounds down to as little as 4.1 ounces. Carrying cases can be purchased for transporting from place to place, but some people prefer one small enough to carry in a pocket or handbag. These are all points that are covered in any guide to digital cameras.

Another matter to consider when choosing a digital camera is the batteries needed to operate one. They require one or more of several types: Non rechargeable alkaline AAs or rechargeable nickel metal hydride; high-capacity disposable CRV3s; or proprietary rechargeable batteries. These can range from $5.00 for four up to $35.00-$75.00 apiece to replace. The choice will be made depending on how many photos are going to be taken, and the kind of pictures the photographer wants. Good advice about which is best should be provided by the seller, but reading up on the subject in one of the books or on line that provide a guide to digital cameras will ensure expert information. While we are taking advice from experts in all sorts of mundane things of this world, it to God we look for important counsel. "Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to Godward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:" (Exodus 18:19)

Some photo instruments use floppy disks or compact discs, and those should be avoided when choosing a digital camera. While floppy disks are inexpensive, they won't hold many images and the pictures from the cameras that use them are not very good. The ones that use compact discs are bulky and slow. There are some that do not have an LCD display, and that is one thing a buyer should insist be present. That way the picture just taken can be viewed right away, and if it doesn't look like expected, a repeat shot can be taken right away. This is especially important at gatherings where people who are rarely together are in the same room, and the photos are taken for a permanent record.

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