It has been a busy couple of weeks here at ELM, what with updating our T4 TimeSaver among other work, so this month's ELM Bulletin refreshes information presented in the March 31, 2005 issue "Selecting the Perfect Digital Camera." I hope you enjoy it for the first time all over again.

Most digital camera manufacturers and sales outlets primarily compare digital cameras based on their mega-pixel count and their zoom capability implying that higher mega-pixel and zoom numbers indicate a superior camera. While these are valid comparisons what should not be overlooked is how well does the camera enable you to take the pictures you like.

Here is a simple list of criteria that I have found useful in selecting my own digital cameras:

1/ Resolution - Is the resolution of the camera adequate for your needs? Most current digital cameras produce excellent 5 x 7 and very fine 8 x 10 (or larger) prints. Lower mega-pixel numbers have minimal impact on image quality but do reduce the level to which an image can be cropped and still produce acceptable results. An 8 mega-pixel camera can create images of similar quality to 35mm prints yet offers a greater ability to crop an image to a desired layout and retain enough data to produce acceptable images of any reasonable size.

 

2/ Zoom - Most digital cameras have zoom lenses of modest capability which allow you to get 2 to 4 times closer to your subject without actually moving (a feature excellent for landscape and portrait photography). Some cameras have high powered zoom lenses that enable you to get 10 to 18 times closer to your subject and reducing the need to crop the image after the fact. Almost all digital cameras offer a combination of optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom functions the same way as a pair of binoculars in that the image is magnified by the camera lens with no loss of quality. Digital zoom enlarges the central portion of the captured image and can reduce image quality.

 

3/ Flash - Almost all digital cameras are equipped with a flash. If most of your photographs will be taken outdoors the flash need not be as powerful as it would if most of your photographs are taken indoors. Flash power is generally rated by range in feet and/or metres but it is a good idea to test the flash before purchasing the camera as these ratings can vary between manufacturers. (Many camera stores allow the buyer to return a camera within a reasonable amount of time if it proves unsatisfactory.) Also ensure that the flash provides even lighting throughout the picture and a consistent amount of lighting for each picture taken.

 

4/ Noise - Noise is the digital camera equivalent to grain in a film camera and is dependant on the quality of the image sensor built into the camera. Noise is most commonly seen in darker regions and flat areas (areas of little change in the amount of detail) and is more prevalent at higher ISO settings (most digital cameras can approximate a variety of ISO settings similar to those available in popular film formats). Noise can often be more noticeable on cameras with higher mega-pixel ratings due to the smaller sensors being used. Many cameras offer internal noise reduction and while useful this does increase the shot to shot time when it is used. Many current Digital Single Lens Reflex (dSLR) cameras show very little evident noise even at the high ISO settings of 1600 or 3200. This enables you to use available light rather than your camera's flash and reduces your "noticability."

 

5/ Speed - A digital camera is essentially a computer built for the single purpose of acquiring and processing images. Like a computer its ability to perform its task in an efficient manner is dependant on the hardware and software built into it. Most cameras have a very acceptable shot to shot time of under a second or two. If you primarily photograph static subjects such as landscapes or buildings the shot-to-shot time of a camera will not be as critical.

 

6/ Batteries - Cameras generally accept either the manufacturer's proprietary built in rechargeable battery or standard AA or AAA batteries. While proprietary batteries generally allow a camera to operate for a longer time before recharging they cannot be easily replaced. Standard cells are available almost everywhere and can be replaced very easily but may not take as many pictures as you would like. Rechargeable batteries can also be used in most digital cameras allowing you to keep a fully charged set of batteries on hand at all times.

 

7/ Ease of Use - Many factors will determine whether a given camera is easy or difficult to use. If you have large hands you might find a larger camera more useful than someone whose hands are smaller. Likewise, if you wear eyeglasses, you might prefer a camera that provides dioptre adjustment to the viewfinder so that you can take your glasses off and see more of the image as you compose it. (Glasses wearers might also prefer cameras with greater eye-relief, where you can wear your glasses and still use the viewfinder like normal.) Others might wish only to use the camera's LCD screen to compose and review their images. If at all possible try the camera out under situations close to your anticipated use before you purchase it so that you will be less likely to be surprised by its capability when confronted by that once in a lifetime opportunity.

At the beginning of this email we have said that we would help you to "Select the 'Perfect' Digital Camera." Ultimately the "Perfect" digital camera is the one that works when you need it to in the way that you expect it to and gives you the results that you desire. The perfect camera for you may not be the perfect camera for someone else. If all you do is take quick snapshots of the family your "Perfect" digital camera will not be the same camera as the person who wants to reproduce in detail the scenery they saw on their last vacation. Our final hint is this:

8/ Take Your Time - Even now a digital camera remains a significant investment and there is an amazing level of choice. Go to a camera store and get a feel for what's available. Talk to friends who use cameras a lot. Take your time, study the market and make your own choice. Enjoy using the camera. This will be your camera and if it enables you to take the pictures that you want to take then it is your "Perfect" camera.

Below are links to some useful websites that will help you both select a digital camera and get the best results from it, I used both of these extensively in purchasing my cameras:

Digital Camera Resource Page ~ A good source of camera reviews and sample images on a wide range of digital cameras ~ http://www.dcresource.com/

 

Steve's Digicams ~ A good source of camera reviews and sample images on a wide range of digital cameras ~ http://www.steves-digicams.com/

Of course buying a digital camera is simply the first step in a long and  enjoyable time of taking photos. Here are several websites that display photographs by others and which I have used to expand my own personal style:

Photo of the Day (Chris Empey Photography) ~ Based in the Niagara region, Chris displays many of his photographs and often includes valuable discussions of his technique ~ http://potd.chrisempey.com/

 

The Luminous Landscape ~ A good resource as it combines reviews of digital cameras with in depth technical discussions on the photographic art form ~ http://luminous-landscape.com/

 

Each New Day a Miracle ~ By now you've probably noticed that I'm into photography as well as computers. Some of you have graciously complimented some of my photos in the past, here is a link to my website if you'd like to see more ~ http://www.eachnewday.com/Albums/Photographs/index.html