If you're looking for a good compact digital camera, and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, this article is for you. It is not so difficult to choose a good camera with the right kind of information.
Does Brand Matter?
Yes, brand matters. A company with a reputation for quality and reliability is more likely to give you a satisfactory product, one that meets your needs. Finding a decent "no name" product can be a very hit and miss process -- if you "miss," you've wasted your time and possibly your money.
This article focuses on Canon cameras -- primarily because I've had very positive experience with Canon products, those I own myself and those belonging to family members. My own Canon Powershot model is well-made, easy to use, produces good quality photos, and I've never had any trouble with the camera. All that adds up to a good reason to stick with what I know.
Lens Quality
For any camera, lens quality is the first factor in determining picture quality. Before purchasing my own Canon I read some very extensive technical reviews, and narrowed down my choice to two possible brands. Then I looked at the large variety of standardized test shots as part of that review, and the quality of the Canon shots impressed me, confirming my experience with a previous Canon digital camera.
In my experience, Canon lenses produce the crisp color and well-defined detail that turns a good photo into a "wow!" photo. Comparing photos from my Canon, and a camera of a different brand, there was no contest -- in color reproduction, focus, detail and overall impression the shots from the Canon were far superior.
Features
Canon cameras are all equipped with a basic set of technologies, from the smallest point-and-shoot model to the more advanced SLR-types. You can expect to find a nice range of features on every Canon camera without spending a fortune; if you just want a compact model you can still take good quality photos.
These technologies include things like
Optical image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake.
Intelligent contrast correction and red-eye reduction reduce the need for editing.
Scene and face recognition technology help to improve exposure and white balance.
Face self-timer -- the timer goes off when you have moved into the picture and it detects another face. (This is a newer feature; double-check to make sure it's on the camera that interests you).
Optical Zoom -- preserves quality and resolution when zooming, as opposed to digital zoom. (Available zoom levels will vary from one model to another.)
For ease of use and general setup I have found the Canon models to be quite satisfactory; the controls are reasonably intuitive and there is a decent manual to explain more advanced features. Do use the manual for any camera you buy; if you don't you could miss out on half the features!
Choosing a Specific Model
Having chosen a brand (whether that's Canon or you already have a favorite brand), you can narrow down on a specific compact model. Do you want a totally automatic point and shoot camera? Or would you like the option for some manual settings, too? Do you want to keep it basic, or are you willing to pay for extra "bells and whistles"? Decide on the maximum you're willing to pay and then look at the models that fit within your range.
Here's a small tip. Most camera companies bring out new models frequently, with minimal changes between the new model and the previous version. With lots of cameras on the market from the previous release the price may drop slightly, to your benefit if you don't need the "very latest" model.
I recommend that you check out the Canon Powershot SD880. This is a compact model, light enough to carry all day in a coat pocket or on the wrist strap. It works as a point-and-shoot, and also has multiple shooting modes with some basic manual settings. This is a nice camera that a beginner can grow into, or it could work as a "grab it and go" addition to a professional photographer's bag of tricks.
Visit Review Canon Cameras for more complete information on the Canon Powershot SD880.
{ 0 comments... Views All / Send Comment! }
Post a Comment