With the complex array of options available today, simply picking a digital camera and buying it could take more time than one can envisage. It all depends on what the user needs, what kind of use the camera is going to be put to and what features the user is looking for.
Here are some points that one might like to consider before deciding on which camera is best suited for his use.
1. How much can I afford?
The best strategy would be to decide how much you can or would like to spend on the camera. The rest of it is easily done once the budget is fixed. Some of the basic functionality available in cameras as per their expense are listed below(The price is mentioned in Indian Rupees, Rs. 50 = 1 USD):
→ Low budget cameras - These are likely to be suitable only for general purpose home use. There are ultra cheap cameras at very low prices, but these use low quality sensors and these definitely don’t make a good buy. Example: Canon PowerShot A430
→ Rs. 10K – 15K – These cameras offer a little more than just the point-and-shoot features. These allow you to set exposure levels, more of manual control, different shooting modes to experiment with, macros, etc. Example: Casio Exilim Z60
→ Rs 15K – 20K – Compacts, ultracompact, Superzoomes, slim form factors, etc. fall into this category. These cameras have additional features like higher megapixel count, are small enough to fit in your palm and stylish enough for any social gathering, have great optical zoom lenses, etc. Example: Nikon S10
→ Rs. 21K – 30K – This category has the latest and the best compacts and ultracompacts. They have great functionality and great looks too. These are the once that you can flaunt and use too. This category also has the best Superzoom cameras in the market. Example: Canon’s S3 IS
→ Over Rs 30K – This category has cameras that fall between Superzooms and D-SLRs, and of course, the D-SLRs too. Superzooms preferred for automatic settings. Some correct for camera shake—which is greater the more you zoom in—via image stabilization. The D-SLRs are the pinnacle of digital cameras and the users include amateurs, pros, and, those who need top-of-the-line equipment, regardless of cost. Example: Sony AlphaA-100
2. What would I use it for?
→ Home use cameras – These are the most basic cameras that anyone can use for general purpose shooting during family occasions, gatherings, etc. Example: Kodak EasyshareC433
→ Vacation Cameras – Ultracompacts are best for this as they are easy to carry and offer great features that can capture your vacation such as presets like snow, beach, night shots, waterproof cameras etc. Example: Pentax OptioW20 is a great underwater camera, and the Olympus Mju700 can be used as an all-weather camera.
→ A Wannabe Shutterbug? - Amateurs driven by the interest to click head to buy DSLRs. The great zeal for getting their visions printed, they look for more of manual control than a point and shoot camera. Example: NikonD80
→ Would a hands-on help learning? - Well, if not all some cameras can make you curious by those mystic icons and rolling numbers on the display. Mid-range cameras allow you to control the light which enters the camera, the exposure time, let your camera see what you want to see with the manual focus. Not really minding your fat wallet thin out, you can try one of the telephoto zoom and bridge cameras which would give you the feel of a DSLR. Though these cameras are simple point-and-shoot, Its your curiosity which helps you learn what those manual settings are. Example: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50
3. Accessibility?
→ Don’t get carried away by the numerous advancements in those shiny little gizmos, because you should give a thought whether they are going to be accessible and any use to you.
→ Size Does Matter – Most of the higher-end cameras are of a bigger build and cannot be carried around everywhere like the compact digital point and shoot cameras. The DSLRs need to be carried in a separate bag unlike the ones clipped to your belts. So, it totally becomes your call to choose the right one for the occasion.
→ Batteries - Li-Ion batteries have been preferred a lot these days, as it makes the camera lighter and lasts for a considerable number of shots before it dies down. On the other hand, AA batteries win the argument, as they are cheap and available everywhere with ease. So, again, it is a matter of choice.
→ How much can I click? - The problem of this technology warfare is the compatibility. You have a million different memory cards and devices supporting them. Sometimes forward compatibility of your existing memory cards is in questions. Make a wise decision with choosing the new camera or when upgrading to a DSLR.
4. What should I look for in a camera?
→ Don’t judge a book by its cover – the same holds good for cameras.
→ Megapixel count - This seems to have become the golden word in digital cameras. People get misdirected by the idea that more megapixels command better picture quality. The megapixel count only explains the maximum size of an image your camera can shoot without losses.
→ Zoom – All the digital zoom does is to stretch the image and pixelate it further thereby blurring the image. The only kind of zoom that matters is optical zoom. Most consumer point and shoot cameras have a minimum of 3x optical zoom, and might even go upto 4x, 6x or even 10x. Superzoom cameras can do upto 10x normally and DSLRs go by the kind of telephoto lens you plan to fit.
→ Modes - If you’re not big into cooking your own soup, you can buy a camera that has more inbuilt shooting modes. But sometimes it is good to have a lot of shooting modes in the cameras, as they might come handy when you’re short of time.
→ Exploring the features - Experimenting with manual features is the only way to learn what your camera can do. Cameras normally configure themselves to a default mode where every aspect is close to perfect but if you want to add a bit of a personal touch to your pictures, setting the exposure level manually or by setting the shutter speed, ISO level and aperture size yourself will make a difference.
→ Accessories - Besides the basics like batteries, memory cards and camera bags, your camera’s support to accessories will be a major differentiating factor. Some of those are underwater housing cases, light filters, external flash units etc. D-SLR users should make sure that the camera they’re buying supports lenses and accessories are readily available in the market.
5. More tips?
→ Keep a few models in mind - Once you have figured what camera you are looking to buy, do a little research on the internet and get a few similar models. That should help you compare and contrast the choices, to get the one that suits your requirement.
→ Taking a few test shots in the shop would help but doing it without the flash gives a better picture of what your camera is capable of, and concentrate on clicking colors like red, orange, pink, etc to get a an idea on the camera’s performance.
→ Getting a good package – If you’re picking up additional products like a memory card, camera bag, batteries, etc. try to get a good deal of the whole thing as a package.
P.S. Check out Student’s Budget Pro Camera Gear and Professional Photos with Ordinary Camera before making your decision.
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