Digital Camera Guides: � Buying Guide to Digital Cameras in summer 2008

There are so many camera models on the market today. How can one begin to decide what to buy? Here are some steps and guidelines for buying a digital camera.

First, determine which of the three categories of camera you need:

1. Compact point and shoot. These cameras are usually in the removal of 8-megapixel (MP) and image stabilization, face detection and slow small. They are more suitable for casualUsers because they are small, portable and easy to use and robust in general. Failure to comply with a number of features and function, such as cameras, or is more advanced. Some of these cameras are waterproof and / or waterproof. If you buy for someone outside, asking to look for these functions. Cameras in this category, mainly in the retail for $ 150-250.

2. Advanced point and shoot. Even as prosumer cameras, these devices are often similar reflexwith a slightly smaller body and interchangeable lens. Often with large margins in the high-angle zoom lens (10x to 15x is not uncommon). Cameras in this area run from $ 250 to over $ 500 When you drag in a prosumer above $ 400, consider a digital SLR (DSLR). The discount will be given the cost of the camera to a digital camera is connected to the lack of interchangeability of the lens.

3. Digital SLR cameras. These cameras have interchangeable lenses and usuallyhave the sensor and the software better. Although not the smallest, which can be used both in automatic and manual mode, and you have a high degree of creativity available. Digital SLR Prices and specifications have never been better. The initial $ 500 � $ 600 cameras are large and have $ 700 � $ 1,500 mid-range camera is incredible, would take 2 or 3 years, the camera cost $ 3000 or more. This market is hot. Nikon and Canon are traded in many placesModel � and at the same time, Sony has cut around the corners with the price, performance and capacity in the Alpha line, which comes from the old Minolta design.

Thus, now that you have selected the category of your camera. What follows is a guide to more precise selection of a camera in one of the categories above.

Select a slimline point-and-Shoot

Basic requirements � 3x optical zoom or better. Image Stabilization. Face detection. 8 megapixels orbetter.

Special Features � Movie mode, waterproof. Only the requirements of A, if you need it. New this year is "Smile Shutter" to make the images should be when the subject smiles. I have not tried this � Sounds gimmicky to me.

Things to ignore � wireless digital zoom. Most wireless is not "wireless", used by a laptop computer. If you become really popular in the next year.

Recommendations � There are over 150 models available. Choose a color, Producerand the point of the price you want. Expect to spend up to $ 150 to $ 250. Cameras under $ 100 are probably the old models, but could very well work for your situation. Take an old model that 6 megapixels or more, perhaps many have.

Select a Prosumer Point & Shoot

Basic requirements � 10 or more megapixels, 10x optical zoom, image stabilizer.

Special Features � Some movie mode and high-def output display on an HDTV.

To ignore things � DigitalZoom.

Recommendations � Kodak 15x-zoom 10-megapixel device for less than $ 300. Canon is also a 10x zoom in a model under 9MP for $ 250. Olympus has a waterproof 8MP model for less than $ 250.

Choosing a DSLR

Basic requirements � published 10 or more megapixels, Live View (for models in 2008). All brands are good, full manual and automatic mode.

Special Features � at high speed, metal bodies, in camera(Stabilization Sony / Alpha), high-ISO images (photos in black � by Nikon held at this point), dust-and weather-resistant organisms.

Ignore things � in a sense, ignore the megapixel. 10 or more is good in these times. If you do not systematically 16 "x20" prints plan or higher, not hung up on megapixels.

Recommendations

Best D-SLR Entry Level:

� Sony Alpha A300 kit. 10.2Megapixels in stabilizing the camera. With slow starter,amazing $ 599 Wow, if the only problem of the compatibility of the lens. If you do not have a Canon or Nikon glass, go for it. In the stabilization of the camera is amazing. I toured with him for the old Minolta prosumer and functionality is very good, with 2 + reacts laptop marksmanship.

� Canon Digital Rebel XTi 12.2 MP Kit lens for $ 749 Start.

� Nikon D60 Starter Kit 10.2MP, with $ 649 target.

Best Mid Level Digital SLR cameras:

� Sony A350X 14.2Mp (WoW), image stabilizationPurpose kit for $ 799

� Nikon D90 12.3MP, capacity HD movie! All in one kit for $ 1299th It would be killer low-light image quality.

� Canon 50D 15.1 (yeah!) $ 1599

Also, the high-end SLR cameras are probably not so much for the gift for lovers as professionals or serious, on their own purchasing, so no details here.

Resources

The best place for reviews Digital Camera Review(dpreview.com). Your camera reviews highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each model, and often compare them to their colleagues in the same category. If you want to spend up to $ 500 or more on a digital SLR, you should find some "research around. When you're ready to buy, check, visit your local photo shop. They may not be able to weaker electronics business or build a website, but their service and support, especially worthwhile for the first time DSLR owners, it is theAdditional costs. The longer you run a business in your stay.

Other factors contributing to the purchase

I do not want to leave the house without a good monopod for my SLR. Also consider additional memory cards and batteries. A good camera bag with room for glasses would be appreciated by fans of the reflex. Such protection as a UV filter / and polarization are also good � make sure to know the size of the lens. It may be advisable to wait for additional lenses or damage to a personGift card to Amazon, beach camera or local photo shop, so that they can connect the camera and their needs before getting used additional lenses.

I hope you have a good idea of what they're looking for when choosing a digital camera for Christmas business. Good hunting!

from : http://camerabattery.ugetblog.com/2009/12/11/digital-camera-guides-buying-guide-to-digital-cameras-in-summer-2008/