Digital Cameras: How to Buy the Right One

[Suhit Gupta]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/guide103.html' target='_blank'>http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/guide103.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"There are two basic types of digital cameras—point-and-shoot and D-SLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex). Point and shoot digicams—or as we like to call them “aim and forget”—make up the vast majority of models sold (over 90 percent). The reason is simple: in a single gadget you have everything you need to take good photos. Just aim, zoom in on your subject, press the shutter and the camera does all the work. More sophisticated D-SLRs have interchangeable lenses that let you unleash your inner Annie Leibovitz—they offer higher quality, faster response time and more flexibility. They also are a lot heavier and cost much more. Your decision between the two is purely personal and totally dependent on your level of commitment to photography. No matter which way you go there are basics that hold true for all cameras. Learning them will help you make the right decision."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/upclose_big.jpg" /><br /><br />This is a good beginner's guide which goes through all the basics that one needs to know about when buying a camera. Although I really think that most people know most of this stuff already. Of course, we are headed into the most frenzied shopping season so it is always good to have a checklist.

[randalllewis]

While this advise is a good starting point, I've always had one more point to give to relatives and friends who have asked for digital camera thoughts from me. I have owned 7. Sheesh. I didn't realize that until just now as I was thinking back on it. My advise is always to remember that a digital camera is a camera (how profound) and therefore you should consider first those models that come from actual camera companies. There is more to a digital camera than a CMOS chip and LCD screen. Lenses and camera mechanics are the most important part of taking a picture. The UI (which includes menus but also buttons and other mechanical items) are slightly less important. I would always suggest someone look at Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Konica-Minolta, Fujita, and Kodak before Sony, HP, Casio and every other electronics company that thinks they can make a camera.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

The UI (which includes menus but also buttons and other mechanical items) are slightly less important.

Eeek. That's the most important bit. A camera you don't like to use won't get used. In this day and age any digital camera from a reputable company will produce decent results for most users. I mean, with all the bitching about noise and all that, has anyone actually seen how cheap ISO 400 print film (that we all used to use for family shoots for so many years) looks like?

[randalllewis]

The key word is "slightly." I agree that menus and the buttons and all are key parts of the user experience, but a camera is supposed to be an optical device. I want mine made by a company that has some expertise in optics. Someone could and probably has made a camera with a giant LCD screen, an on switch and a giant shutter button and nothing else. That may make for a great user experience but take really poor pictures if the lenses are low quality. No, the optics are the most important part of a camera...make sure you get a camera with glass from someone who knows what they are doing. Then try out those models to see which fits in your hands best, which has enough buttons, or too many and make your selection.