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
maid service near Lake Forest ..Panasonic is a world-renowned consumer electronics company today. Its digital... Read More
Reality TV is experiencing an upsurge in popularity and its... Read More
Digital Imaging is a process where an electronic photograph, scanned... Read More
You may have already started to make money from your... Read More
If you're like me, you have hundreds of photographs sitting... Read More
Disposable wedding cameras (also called single-use cameras) will never replace... Read More
Your wedding day is without a doubt one of the... Read More
Are you buying your first digital camera? Well, you must... Read More
What Is... Exposure BracketingExposure bracketing is a simple technique professional... Read More
Most serious photographers and all professionals use a Single Lens... Read More
George Eastman, founder of Kodak is world renowned today. Digital... Read More
Are you having megapixel envy each time you walk by... Read More
It's hard to find sometimes but it's making a resurgence,... Read More
At a Photo Club meeting I attended recently, the President... Read More
You may have joined the photo-sharing craze to share your... Read More
Sometimes, usual photographs look so common and boring. Converting your... Read More
That's right, you go through all the trouble of making... Read More
Photography with the aid of a digital camera is beyond... Read More
If you are in the market to purchase a digital... Read More
I've been practising wildlife photography on safari for over twenty... Read More
When I promised readers that I was going to do... Read More
Gone are the days when you would need to employ... Read More
With modern technology in the form of SLR digital cameras,... Read More
Quite often I will have clients bring in old photographs... Read More
Portrait is defined as, "A likeness of a person, especially... Read More
top rated cleaning service Des Plaines ..Night photographs express a special something that cannot be seen... Read More
Taking pictures of your new baby is a great way... Read More
Women photographers are fortunate. Unlike other titles, photographer has no... Read More
Imagine taking your new digital camera on a vacation and... Read More
Most digital cameras today boast of greater resolution and picture... Read More
Every device needs a driving force to operate, just as... Read More
If you use a digital camera (I use a Canon... Read More
One of the most common problems when dealing with scanned... Read More
Good wildlife camera equipment on safari can make the difference... Read More
Wholesale disposable cameras are disposable cameras bought in quantity. Bulk... Read More
Last month we bought the Canon Powershot A80 online for... Read More
Once you have clicked photos through your digital camera, then... Read More
There are way too many tape, disk and stick formats... Read More
There is one simple technique any body can do to... Read More
A picture is worth a thousand words, so goes a... Read More
Let's get something straight right out of the box. If... Read More
When I promised readers that I was going to do... Read More
For years I wondered how big the bucks were that... Read More
Digital Photo Diary - memories that last a life timeThe... Read More
Let's start there (but not spend too much time on... Read More
You arrive at your photo shoot excited about the images... Read More
There are really great advantages in digital photography:You can shoot... Read More
So you have this great new camera. Now you're standing... Read More
Underwater digital cameras are fun and easy to use under... Read More
It was widely reported in the press (15 September 1997)... Read More
Photography |