The Photo Marketing Association show was last week in Orlando, Florida and there were dozens of new cameras announced for the consumer level. If you have been putting off purchasing a new camera because you wanted to wait for the latest models, now is the time to consider making that purchase. This is also a great time to buy the older models at a closeout price.
Here are the important features that you want to look for:
Megapixels – The higher the megapixel, the larger you can print your images AND the more you can crop out of the photo and still get a sharp image. With a six megapixel image you can make a 5×7 out of a quarter of the image, by comparison you can’t print an entire two megapixel image any larger than 5×7. However, megapixels don’t make the camera, there are some crummy 6 megapixel cameras on the market.
Optical Zoom – I would be willing to argue that this is the most important feature on a digital camera. The more powerful the optical zoom, the better you can compose the shot. Powerful optical zoom also allows you to take close up pictures from farther away. This can make for great candid and wildlife shots.
Brand – There are a lot of cameras out there at budget prices, but with digital cameras you get what you pay for. Be careful of budget brands that you have never heard of. Stick with the usual names associated with cameras and film such as Kodak, Nikon, FujiFilm, Canon, Minolta, Pentax and Sigma.
Features – Look for a camera with a few more features than what you use on a film camera. Since you aren’t wasting film, you will want to experiment with your digital in ways you always wanted to with the film camera. If your camera is too limited, you may find yourself buying another digital camera sooner than you expected.
Accessories – My general rule with technology is that gadgets yield more gadgets. You will want to get at least one extra memory card (at least 512 megabytes), a media reader, a camera case, a small tripod, a lens cleaning cloth, and rechargeable batteries for your new camera.
Great research sites:
- DP Review
- Steve’s Digicams
- Imaging Resource
Best price comparison sites:
