Choosing the Right Camera

The rapid development in digital camera technology today can make surveying the market rather difficult.What exactly should you look for when you are looking for a new digital camera? What criteria are actually important and what criteria are less important? Below, you will find some advice that may come in handy when you go to see your local photo store salesman. 

Megapixels

The term megapixel is today pretty well known. When you have bought a new digital camera the first questions your friends and family are likely to ask is:
 
‘How many megapixels?'
 
The megapixel value gives you some information on the resolution the camera is capable of taking photos in.  Consequently, the megapixel value tells you something about how large prints or enlargements you can produce of your image files. A 10 megapixel camera can produce images that consist of approximately 10.000.000 dots (pixels). The higher the resolution of the camera the more detailed images it is capable of producing. However, high resolution means that your image files will be correspondingly large and difficult to work with. Ultimately, the result will be that your hard disk will soon be full.  

Choosing the right camera is the first step towards truly enjoying photography. This is a digital single lens reflex camera (dSLR). This type of camera is produced in a variety of models, sizes, and prices. Consequently, there is a camera to match every need.

 
Lenses

What type of lens the camera is equipped with is a question that is often overlooked. This is simply too bad, as the lens is often more important for image quality than the number of megapixels. When you are shopping for a new digital camera it is, consequently, a very good idea to ask the salesman about the lens. There are many respected producers of camera lenses.

Shutter Lag

Some digital cameras have a slightly annoying problem that you need to pay attention to when purchasing a new camera. When you take photos with these cameras, there is a delay from you press the exposure button to the camera actually takes the photo.  This problem is called “shutter lag”, and it can cause you considerable frustration when shooting children playing, people skiing or any other subject in motion. You should consequently avoid cameras with shutter lag.

As you are most likely going to spend a lot of time in the company of your camera, making the right choice is important. Go to your local photo store and have a chat about your needs and wants.

 
Is the Camera User Friendly?

Even a 10 megapixel camera equipped with a top-of-the-line lens without shutter lag is of little use if it is not easy and intuitive to use.  Are the controls large enough to allow easy use? How are the menu functions set up? Is the camera actually too large or too small? Does it fit well in your hand? Are all controls placed logically? Do the icons make sense? Is it easy to understand what the manufacturer intended them to convey? Does the camera come with any software, memory cards or batteries? Does it take long for the camera to start up when you press the 'on' button? Usability is a criterion that is often overlooked. It is decidedly worth paying attention to. 

If possible, try the camera out yourself before buying it. This is a compact camera. The main advantage of this kind of camera is the size.

Try It Out and Study Some Tests

Ask to be allowed to try out the camera for yourself, do this while paying attention to all the criteria listed above. When you have managed to single out one or more cameras that you like you should buy a photo magazine or check out the internet in order to study a few tests. Many photo magazines staff competent professionals who continually test new cameras. These tests may be useful in guiding your hunt for the right camera.
 
This link will take you to more information on what cameras we use at TTF. 
 
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