Buying a digital camera as we discussed in part 1, is now a question as to whether to buy a point and shoot camera versus a single lens reflex camera (digital SLR.) Digital SLR’s are for the serious hobbyist and professional photographer who want total control over each picture. With the digital SLR’s, you have to focus the shots yourself as nothing is automatic and these cameras can also be connected to telescopes and microscopes as well.
With point and shoot digital cameras, you do not have to worry about focusing as everything is done automatically. You also do not have to fuss with adjusting the color or lighting as most point and shoot digital cameras automatically will flash as needed. In addition, point and shoot digitals hook up easily to the computer, even without software in most cases, although the cameras do come with it. Basically, the point and shoots are just easy to use and there is not too much you have to think about – just point and click.
Digital Camera Purchasing Decisions
When you buy digital cameras, after making the choice between the point and shoot and the digital SLR, the main points to consider are resolution (mega pixels) and optical zoom. These two are the largest determinants of picture quality. For the most part, these options will be the ones that dictate price so it is important you know how much you are willing to spend before you shop in person. Obviously when you buy a digital camera, the better the resolution and optical zoom, the better the quality of pictures will be.
Experts recommend ignoring ‘digital zoom’, it is not a true zoom as such and its use compromises picture quality. Storage capacity is upgradeable. Larger memory cards can be purchased as required and are quickly changed over, so there is no limit to the number of pictures you can take.
In summary, when purchasing a digital camera, your first decision is whether you want a point and shoot automatic camera or a digital SLR that requires constant manipulation. Next pre-determine your budget so that salespeople in the store will not manipulate you. Compare features such as shape and size, and durability; however your main criteria should be resolution and digital zoom.
Choose a digital camera with the largest digital zoom and resolution figures you are prepared to pay for, from a manufacturer with good reviews.
Before you go off to buy digital cameras, ask yourself exactly what you plan to use a digital camera for. How you use it can determine which camera you get if you don’t want to purchase something that has too many bells and whistles you won’t ever use. In addition, you need to decide how much money you are willing to spend on the camera before a salesperson pins you down.