Choosing a camera can often be a frustrating experience. Just
like conventional cameras, digital cameras can range in quality and
cost from an inexpensive "Instamatic" to a high-end "Hasselblad", and
of course all those variations in the middle seem exactly alike. Most
buyers want something that will take good quality images, but doesn't
cost more than their computer. This month, we'll try to sort out
digital cameras, and hopefully, make the decision a lot easier.
There are many factors to consider when buying a digital camera. In addition
to the conventional camera components, digital cameras have the equivalent of
a small computer and scanner in them. They are somewhat similar to
a video camera. Both have a lens which focuses the image onto a Charge
Coupled Device (CCD), which then converts the image into electrical pulses.
These pulses are then saved to a video tape, or in the case of a digital
camera, into memory. Please note that there are also digital video
cameras, which capture video instead of single images.
Before starting to shop for
a camera, decide what you really need in a camera. A few things to consider:
IMAGE QUALITY: Look
at the actual image from the camera, before using a retouching
program. Is it washed out? Is it blurry? Are the colors true? Many
reviews will have samples of actual output. Look at them closely, and
remember that much of the time, these are in a studio setting and are
probably "best case" situations.
RESOLUTION: Unless the images will be
used for printing in magazines and such, the resolution on most midrange
cameras should be fine. Consider what the camera will be used for:
web pages, quick shots for presentations, pictures for figures for
publication, etc. If most of the shots will be for web pages and
presentations, don't spend $10,000 for a professional camera because
a print quality shot is needed once a year.
WEIGHT: The size of a camera can be
important if portability is an issue. A larger, heavier camera is
not as easy to take along. Cameras range from a few ounces to several
pounds. Some, like the Casio cameras, are small enough to fit in a pocket.
NUMBER OF IMAGES:
How many images can a camera take before you need to download the images
onto your computer? The number of images may not be a problem if you
are shooting near your computer, but if you plan to take your camera
away from your computer, make sure it will store enough images.
Several cameras use a PCMCIA type card, which is
removable. These cards are not inexpensive, but they do give the flexibility
of allowing you to change cards and continue shooting.
FLASH: Unless you have good lighting, or
plan to shoot outdoors, a flash is a good idea. Many midrange cameras are
about the equivalent of an ISO 100, and don't shoot well in dim light.
Upper end cameras vary a lot in the ISO equivalent, so you may or may not
really need a flash.
LENS: Most midrange cameras have a single lens
that may or may not zoom;
some have snap on attachments to create a macro or zoom lens. If you need
the ability to shoot objects at very close range(<~1.5 feet), make sure your
choice has the macro option. If you want the ability to change lenses, you'll
need to get a high end camera which is basically a 35mm SLR type camera with
a scanner put in where the film usually goes. These cameras allow the use
of many different lenses, as well as other accessories, but of course the
lenses are an added expense.
These are just a few things that may narrow down the choices a bit.
Other things may be just as important: can it attach to a tripod?
does it have a SCSI interface? does it have a PCMCIA card? what
software does it come with? and don't forget what does it cost?
We've included a list of manufacturers and some reviews of cameras
to help make a more informed decision. There is also a
comparison
chart with a few of the issues above, and links to the individual
pages for each of the cameras we've compared.
