There are soooo many choices. With all the styles and features, and prices are all over the map, digital camera comparisons can be mind-boggling. Pixels, memory, optical and digital zoom, camera size and cost are all factors to compare. So how do we sift through all the hype and find the best digital camera?
First step: Identify your primary prerequisites. A camera is normally something we will own and use for several years. To find the best camera for your needs, certain basic decisions need to be made before you start comparing features. These include:
Second step: Compare specific features?
Compare Pixel Quantity and Quality
In general, more is better. Each pixel is a tiny square of light and color. Digital photos can be compared to mosaics ? more pixels mean smaller squares and sharper pictures. But comparing pixel quality is just as important.
Tiny photodiodes in an image sensor is the technology that creates the pixels. The sensor functions as the camera's eye and some digital camera sensors measure only a few millimeters. Other cameras with larger sensors usually have better quality diodes, resulting in sharper, clearer pictures.
Don't Skimp on Memory
A single digital photograph can require several megabytes, though file type, compression rate and subject matter all affect file size. Most digital cameras don't have nearly enough built-in memory, so when doing a digital camera comparison plan on buying more. A general rule of thumb is to have at least 256-512MB of memory ? more if taking high resolution or a lot of photographs.
Check memory compatibility when you compare digital cameras. Compact flash is the most universal and cost effective. MultiMedia cards are smaller and also work with other devices. Secure Digital are MultiMedia cards with an added write-protect switch. xD Picture cards are small and adaptable to most compact flash applications. Others such as Memory Sticks, SmartMedia and MicroDrives have limited applications, but may be best for the camera you want.
CCD Compared to CMOS
Charged Coupled Devices (CCD) and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors (CMOS) are digital camera image sensors. They can be compared to the shutter and film in a traditional camera.
Developed in the mid 1970's, the CCD is the heart of most digital cameras. With millions of light collecting cells, its image perception can be compared to the human eye. The CCD sensor's quality makes it the preferred choice for high-end digital cameras.
CMOS sensors were developed in 1998 with technology comparable to processor chips. Advantages are lower cost, less power required and multi-tasking ability. Disadvantages include signal noise and resolution issues. As the technology improves, CMOS sensors will make digital cameras more affordable and be the best choice for entry level cameras.
Beware the Zoom-Zoom
In your comparison of best digital cameras, be aware of the zoom issue. Digital zoom isn't much more than a marketing gimmick. It crops the image on the sensor, reducing total pixels and degrading resolution. Optical zoom magnifies the image before the sensor reads it, retaining full resolution.
Other important features?
Digital camera ratings often discuss other features, but getting these right will enhance the enjoyment of your digital camera experience for years to come. Find more detailed comparisons at our digital camera technology page.
Digital cameras information from A to Z: camera types & features, how they work, accessories, photo printers, comparisons and more - plus digital photo processing tips and info at digital camera technology, Your Complete A-Z Resource for Digital Cameras, Accessories and Information.
This article may be re-printed in its entirety, with no changes and this resource box included. ? 2005 A-Z Digital Cameras All rights reserved
Barrington South Lincoln Stretch rentals .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare"Automated Testing" is automating the manual testing process currently in... Read More
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
This is the third in a series of articles highlighting... Read More
There are plenty of articles out there about how to... Read More
Do you know how many fonts are currently installed on... Read More
IntroductionMac OS X is the most technologically advanced operating system... Read More
If you're a computer expert, you'll probably already know about... Read More
Millions have enjoyed recorded music since 1877 when Thomas Edison... Read More
For six years, my Samsung PC 13.8 inch SyncMaster conventional... Read More
Everywhere you look today people are listening to personal audio... Read More
When browsing the internet you are likely to come across... Read More
The DNS (Domain Name System) servers are what your computer... Read More
Tip #1. Do a Google search. Don't be to general... Read More
Are you stymied by the vast offerings in cheap mp3... Read More
Microsoft Business Solutions is on the way to popularize it's... Read More
Perhaps not yet, but the handwriting might be on the... Read More
If you ask most people what frustrates them most about... Read More
Computers are everywhere, and vary in specification, brands, sizes, shaped,... Read More
This article describes the basic properties of color, what the... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
In Windows Xp, you can install two operating systems on... Read More
JPEG, GIFF/JIFF, BMP, and TIFF are the most commonly used... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
1. Before sitting down for coding, you must have formal... Read More
Downers Grove limo Chicago ..Digital Video Disc or as it is sometimes referred to... Read More
The battle is heating up for market share, home movie... Read More
The following practice, if done regularly, may help you to... Read More
Those small USB drives have so many names, pocket drives,... Read More
Addressing a D2X Digital SLRCoolpix 8800 search, this article provides... Read More
Understanding digital camera prices makes finding the best camera value... Read More
Digital cameras ratings are great tools for deciding which camera... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
There are many sources of heat that can raise the... Read More
Your Bible At Your FingertipsIt is fairly easy to find... Read More
When you turn on your computer, does it act like... Read More
As the web has evolved, so have the methods of... Read More
Flash mp3 players come with an exciting array of features,... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
Below you will find some useful information and comments about... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
Getting started with video editing is very simple you only... Read More
Having two operating systems is not as difficult as many... Read More
In the years of the dot com boom and bust,... Read More
Each of the items in the checklist below is part... Read More
Sometimes your PC will start acting strange for no apparent... Read More
Viruses, software failures, power failures, human errors, hard drive failures... Read More
IntroductionMac OS X is the most technologically advanced operating system... Read More
One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco... Read More
Getting a new computer should be an exciting and gratifying... Read More
Personal Technology |