I feel, after visiting so many web sites and reading so much recommendation, and also by often visiting photography forums, that I must talk on this subject. For the bulk of the purchasing public, there are two classes that we fall into when getting started or upgrading in digital photography, the “Absolute Beginner” or the “Amateur” ( or significant newbie occasionally labelled as semi pro ). Now for the newb, or somebody getting started in photography itself ( not just digital ), the choice of cameras today is sort of overpowering. So where do you potentially start and how does one make that choice for purchasing a camera for yourself or another person. Actually it is sort of easy and there are three criteria you must look at : 1. Quality – if you would like the camera to last at least a few years and not get bothered by a hint of whacking about, go for quality. Features – do you need quality video capabilities? How large do you need to print the photos that come from the cameras files ( how many mega pixels ) ? Do you need to have at least some manual features so you can get a bit creative? Or do you simply need a “Point-and-shoot” digital camera? Three. Price – you’ll have a budget in mind of how much you would like to spend. Do not be inexpensive ; if you need pretty good quality prints, by spending not enough on a particularly inexpensive camera, you will waste paper, printer ink and / or good cash at your local lab. Purchase a camera to be a camera, and nothing else.
Digital zoom is a needless selling tool ; it is the same as zooming in on the photograph once you get it onto your PC.
10-20X digital zoom is sufficient but I have seen video cameras with 1000X digital zoom, have you attempted holding the camera steady at these sort of magnifications, even with a tripod? Essentially , write down precisely what you need and need from the camera, go to a credible dealer and purchase a good branded camera that has what you want for your requirements and budget, do not be swayed by the salesman into buying more than you have a requirement for. When you begin to look at Semi pro Digital SLR’s or sophisticated digital cameras, the choice is less but no less confusing. The same recommendation goes here as in the prior section, think about what you want the camera for, how you suspect you can progress in this hobby and your position. The “prosumer” sophisticated digi-cameras available today are gradually encroaching on the quality of the DSLR, though in my viewpoint, they may never catch them. The optical zooms are wonderful, the sensors, even tho smaller than the DSLR are robust and produce surprising photographs, and some have “built-in” image stabilisersGreat. Again, my recommendation would be to go for quality. These cameras are way more costly any way and you need one which will last and tolerate a hint of knocking from your “getting creative in photography” moments. Get to understand what you have, learn the way to use it effectively and learn the photography side of photography, not the technical side.
