ELM Bulletin - March 31, 2005
Selecting the "Perfect" Digital Camera
Digital cameras combine the convenience of instant photography with image quality near or surpassing that of 35mm film cameras. Even a relatively modest 2 mega-pixel camera can yield images that are supremely suitable for photo albums or smaller framed prints. It has been estimated that over the 2004 Christmas season digital cameras were the most popular item to give, receive, or keep. With this in mind we would like to sidestep our regular personal computing theme and offer a guide to selecting the "Perfect" digital camera.
Most digital camera manufacturers (and almost all sales outlets) compare digital cameras based on their mega-pixel count and their zoom capability with the corresponding implication that higher mega-pixel and zoom numbers indicate a superior camera. While these are valid comparisons what can be overlooked is how practical the camera will be to use. After all, if a camera doesn't let you take the picture you want when you want it is not fulfilling its purpose.
Here is a simple list of criteria that many have found useful in selecting their own digital camera:
1/ Resolution - Is the resolution of the camera adequate for your needs? Typically a 3.2 mega-pixel camera can produce very fine 5 x 7 and acceptable 8 x 10 prints but allows for minimal cropping of the original image while retaining image quality. An 8 mega-pixel camera yields a significant ability to crop an image to its desired layout and still retain enough data to produce acceptable images of almost any reasonable size.
2/ Zoom - Most current 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 12 times closer and can make up for a lower pixel count by getting you even closer to your subject and eliminating 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 a combination of lenses with little or no loss of quality. Digital zoom processes a portion of the captured image to enlarge it and is identical to enlarging images on a computer. Very often there is a noticeable drop in image quality when using digital zoom but it can be useful in some instances.
3/ Flash - Almost all cameras above the basic entry level cameras are equipped with some form of flash. If most of your photographs will be taken outdoors the flash will not need to be as powerful as it would need to be if most of your photographs are taken indoors. Flash power is generally rated by range in feet and/or metres but it would be 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 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.
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. Since an 8 mega-pixel image has four times more data to process than a 2 mega-pixel image this time can vary greatly with the resolution of the pictures being taken. If you do a lot of flash photography the flash recycle time will also be worth evaluating since it will have a great impact on the shot to shot time as well.
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. 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. Take your time, study what is available and make your own choice. This will be your camera and if its capabilities make you happy 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:
Digital Camera Resource Page ~ A good source of camera reviews and sample images on a wide range of digital cameras ~ http://www.dcresource.com/
Megapixel.net (Canadian) ~ A good general photography site with a large number of reviews and sources ~ http://www.megapixel.net/
The Luminous Landscape (Canadian) ~ An excellent resource for any photographer which combines reviews of digital and traditional cameras with in depth technical discussions on the photographic art form ~ http://luminous-landscape.com/
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this or any other issue.
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