Shopping for a new digital camera can be quite frustrating with the hundreds of choices available. Digital camera reviews clarify this confusion by comparing camera features and options, then rating how each camera compares with similar models.
An effective comparison of best digital cameras requires two things: 1) the camera's specs and features, and 2) performance ratings. Spec sheets and ratings are plentiful, but to efficiently compare digital cameras it's important to set some guidelines.
Decide on how the camera will be used, the quality and size of final prints, and necessary features. Write these down and rank camera reviews and ratings against these standards. Whether looking for a professional or snapshot camera, scan the reviews and narrow your choices down to a few cameras before making final comparisons.
OK, Lets Cut to the Chase...
Re-visit the reviews for this short list and evaluate the digital camera ratings in more depth for the following criteria:
Design, Construction and Controls
Minor design differences can become significant in daily camera use. Carefully compare how each camera's review is rated for design elements. Size and weight, body configuration, plus location of buttons, knobs and other controls can make a camera a joy to use or a real pain in the neck.
Evaluate how well the camera is put together. Are access doors for battery, memory, etc. solid and stable? What does the reviewer say about the shutter release, zoom and other buttons and knobs? How many photos will a fully charged battery take? Is the LCD bright and clear in both low light and sunny conditions?
The reviewer's evaluation of the camera's controls is critical. Can manual adjustments be made for different lighting conditions? How about auto-focus zones and exposure modes? Are controls simple and intuitive, or complicated menus?
Sensors, Pixels and Processors
These are the heart of a digital camera and determine photo quality, so closely compare how the reviewer rates them.
Generally larger sensors have more powerful and efficient photodiodes, and will produce higher quality photo images. Both CCD and CMOS sensor technology is advancing rapidly, but with each new development there are usually draw-backs, so compare carefully.
Digital camera marketing would have us believe it's all about more megapixels. But it's more complicated than that. Evaluate how each camera's review rates pixel quality, not just quantity. Some cameras will actually take better pictures with fewer pixels.
What the camera's processor does with the data collected from the sensor's diodes is equally important. It must properly interpret color balance and interpolate pixels for sharp natural looking pictures. It must be able to do it quickly or you'll have to wait too long between shots.
Lens Optics
In many ways lenses for digital cameras are simpler and less expensive than for conventional 35mm cameras. Even so, sensors and processors can't produce a better photo than what's visible through the lens. Compare the ratings because cheap lenses can distort images and colors.
In conclusion, decide on camera basics and budget range, scan enough reviews to pick a handful of finalists, then scrutinize the reviews and ratings on those cameras to find the perfect choice.
A list of top rated digital cameras can be found at our digital cameras ratings 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 cameras ratings, 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
detailed home cleaning Park Ridge ..A picture is worth a thousand words, so goes a... Read More
The digital camera is not something of a magic box... Read More
It was widely reported in the press (15 September 1997)... Read More
Nude photography is the genre of art photography, whose subject... Read More
There are way too many tape, disk and stick formats... Read More
You may have already started to make money from your... Read More
STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.Making your own digital photo... Read More
Quality digital cameras are becoming affordable for just about everyone... Read More
HP has started making digital cameras only recently. However, the... Read More
There are also some excellent online courses available and some... Read More
In a device such as a digital camera it is... Read More
Understanding light is one of the very basic principles of... Read More
ContentEven if you feel that you already know what kind... Read More
So you recently bought a digital camera or perhaps your... Read More
Have you read the manual that came with your digital... Read More
Gone are the days when you would need to employ... Read More
By now I'm sure you've used Either a digital or... Read More
Outdoor photographers shoot year round. That includes the hot summer.... Read More
Some compact cameras are small enough to fit in your... Read More
Digital Imaging is a process where an electronic photograph, scanned... Read More
Some of the best images can be captured during the... Read More
Digital Camera Basics? The VocabularyShopping for a digital camera can... Read More
Disposable wedding cameras (also called single-use cameras) will never replace... Read More
Taking pictures of your new baby is a great way... Read More
Let's get something straight right out of the box. If... Read More
express cleaning service Des Plaines ..Every device needs a driving force to operate, just as... Read More
The vast beauty and richness of the desert can be... Read More
Children are naturally photogenic. Ive worked in studios and children... Read More
Understanding light is one of the very basic principles of... Read More
For years I wondered how big the bucks were that... Read More
Looking at the digital camera, a person can visualize it... Read More
Using a tripod is essential when taking photos - and... Read More
It doesn't matter if your emailing photos of your grandson... Read More
One of the oldest companies, Olympus has had a long... Read More
There are way too many tape, disk and stick formats... Read More
1. Myth: Digital photos are pixilated or fuzzy. Reality: most... Read More
There is one simple technique any body can do to... Read More
Before you rush into buying your digital camera this holiday... Read More
The digital camera is not meant only for capturing images... Read More
Why Pinhole Photography?It's fun. It's creative. It's educative about the... Read More
The digital camera is not something of a magic box... Read More
With modern technology in the form of SLR digital cameras,... Read More
The article given here was written for Adobe Photoshop 5,6,7,CS,... Read More
Digital photography promises much. Store your photographs on your computer,... Read More
A common problem with old photos is that they often... Read More
Some compact cameras are small enough to fit in your... Read More
What I learned from a mentor that enabled me to... Read More
Quite often I will have clients bring in old photographs... Read More
Knowing which megapixel camera to buy can be intimidating. There... Read More
A digital SLR camera or a single lens reflex (SLR)... Read More
Photography |