Digital cameras: tips for
buyers
If you’re thinking to
purchase a digital camera either for yourself or as a present but
are unsure about what exactly to look for, here are some important
tips on the things to consider.
1)
The number of pixels (which are expressed as
megapixels) not interpolated.
The greater this number the greater the quality. 3 megapixels
are the minimum requested to obtain decent results. If you can get
anything greater than this, then excellent. However, be careful if
the word interpolated appears anywhere. These cameras are not
great and are best avoided.
2)
Quality of the lens.
To achieve good results, the camera needs to have good quality lens.
In addition, as with traditional cameras, you can choose digital
cameras with changeable lens (which can enhance the quality of the
images you take). Alternatively, you can have cameras provided with
an optic zoom or digital zoom (the latter is similar to having
interpolated pixels, so if you have a choice buy something else).
Depending on what you would like to do with the camera, you may also
like to purchase a camera with a macro function (or similar) so that
you can easily take pictures of small objects and details (e.g.
flowers).
3)
Colour display.
This allows you to see immediately the picture that you have taken
(therefore it is better to purchase only a camera that includes
it).
4)
Memory.
This is needed to store the pictures. Having a lot of memory allows
you to takes more pictures before you download them on your PC and
wipe the memory clean again. 128 MB is a reasonable size.
5)
Dimensions.
One of the great things about these cameras, is that they can be
very light (unless you buy a professional one) and can always be
carried with you so that you can take pictures whenever you want,
even in the most unexpected moments.
6)
Batteries.
If you can, try and get lithium batteries. They are a bit more
expensive, but they can be recharged many more times.
7)
Brands to consider.
Nikon, Pentax, Canon, Sony, Kodak, HP, Olympus
(the first two mentioned are probably the best ones).
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