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The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday - but never jam today.
Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) |
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7 comments:
Digital cameras have become a necessity these days and people are
preferring them over the film cameras because of their ease of use and
connectivity to computers and instant preview now that everyone has
computers. The only thing is if we need to take a print we need to go
to the studios.
Digital cameras have come a long way from floppy based ones like the
sony mavica to the memory card based powershots and cybershots to the
high end DSLRs.
So now that you want to get a digital camera i would like to clearly
distinguish the facts and fallacies of what you need to look for when
buying a digital camera.
Resolution:
Fallacy - First thing to look for when buying a digital camera is the megapixel count.
Fact - Megapixel count is important but not the most important factor.
The number of million pixels that your camera can detail in a single
shot is called the resolution. The more million pixels the more bigger
the print. The fact is that nowadays the megapixel has become a word of
fancy and everybody seems to be flaunting about their 8mpx and 10 mpx
cameras. So is it really important? Anything above 6 mpx is not really
necessary unless u are going to put a lifesize print or maybe poster to
stick on your room walls.
Zoom:
Fallacy - Higher the digital zoom better the camera
Fact - Higher the optical zoom better the prints.
Digital zoom has nothing to do with a the lens. It is achieved by the
software. Digital zoom is as good as stretching a roti to make it look
big. Ultimately you get holes in the roti ;) likewise the picture gets
lots of noise and quality decreases. Optical zoom is good for your
camera as it has something to do with the lens. More or less like using
a binoculars to look at a far away object. So more the optical zoom the
more you can get closer to the object without losing the resolution.
Shooting modes:
Fallacy - More the shooting modes better the camera
Fact - All the shooting modes can be substituted by a good manual more in the camera
The shooting modes just augument taking snaps quickly for a particular
scene. They are indeed good for people who cannot wait and test the
various modes and tweak the dials. But someone who looks for a more
professional touch and who knows that the object will be stationery ;)
till the manual mode has been set perfectly can go for it.
Battery:
Fallacy - External battery is better for the camera
Fact - This is debatable
The internal batteries are good for compact cameras that you can carry
in your pocket. The only limitation is the number of battery cycles the
camera can last. On an average 350 full recharge cycles will be the
limit for the internal batteries and then they’ve to be replaced. Now
replacing might become a problem for imported cameras wherein the model
might not have released in the country and we have to wait for a
compatible internal battery till then. In cases like these external
batteies help. Heavy duty 2000-2700 mah NimH batteries are really good
for a long lasting charge. You can carry them along wherever you go and
no need to worry about the charging station as is the case for internal
batteries. The external batteries are available even in the remotest
places and we never are in a bottleneck because of that.
Some other points to bear in mind:
A fast write speed memory card is really essential when you are taking
snaps and videos rapidly. Anything above 50x write speed is good.
A large LCD screen is good but at the same time drains your battery pretty fast.
USB 2.0 is a must because older versions of USB take hell a lot of time
when transferring the snaps and videos onto the computer.
Video zoom is pretty useful when you want a close up of whatever you are shooting.
Flash Hotshoe support helps if you want to add on external flash.
Now based on my research into various digital cameras i can confidently classify the various brands as follows
Elite brands - Canon, Nikon, Sony, Casio
Very good ones - Olympus, Kodak, Samsung
Not so doing good ones - Benq, HP, Pentax, Epson
For professionals DSLRs like the Canon EOS series and Sony Alpha series would be a very good deal.
For the semi pros Canon S2,S3,S5 Sony H1,H2,H5.
And for the amateurs and point and shoot fans the Canon SD,A series and Nikon L and S series should do.
As a conclusion i can say that the things i have mentioned above are
based on my research and purely my views and opinions. Any further
suggestions or doubts are welcome to be put forth to me.
Choosing a digital camera
BUDGET
Before choosing a Digital Camera decide your budget as cameras are revising there price downwards so it is not a problem if you are keeping your budget as low as Rs. 4,000/-
USE
Now decide
1. What are you going to use it for?
a. Be a NatGeo photographer (wrong choice let the film cameras’ do some work);
b. Show Off (You too have it); Family friends Birthday Parties, marriages (not professional work), tours, trips, etc.
if your choice is any one in ’’b’’ then a 2 mp to 3 mp camera will suffice (mp = Mega Pixel)
1 mp is too blurred & 4+ mp (Jitni cheeni utna meetha ;) )
2. Do you need it?
Yes you really do as one roll of film costs more than Rs.350 (Roll, Developing, and Printing)
SEARCH
Ok now you have two reasons & a budget (80% of work done) to buy a digital camera now comes the search.
Google baba ki jai!
Yahoo bhaiya jinda bad!
ebay (you get support in India)
Sify mall
India times shopping
Ask friends
What do I search for in the camera.
1. first and foremost an optical zoom (you can zoom digitally when you are downloading the photo to your pc) digital zoom is just an eyewash and you will never use it if u have an optical zoom the bigger the optical zoom the better.
2. then the mega pixel you have decided.
3. Battery AA type battery (pencil cell) is the best (Eveready 2100 rechargeable) (if no charging point available ’’Duracell’’)
4. support for external memory (the bigger the better I have 512 MB MMC) (MMC= Multi Media Card the ones used in mobiles)
5. extras, freebies, software’s, etc.
6. Digital Movie support (Mine supports 2 hrs of digital video with audio with MMC & 2 minutes on my 16 MB internal mem).
7. Flash (which can be switched off and on).
8. Red eye reduction.
9. Photography in different lighting conditions.
10. LCD Size you are comfortable with.
11. Optical view finder (to conserve battery by switching off the LCD)
there are many more please use your discretion
Buy IT
You found your dream camera now how to buy it.
Find a dealer or go to the websites mentioned above and pay using there secured channel do not deposit the cheque directly in the sellers’ account.
Payment
Pay for it using your credit card (if you have one) credit card people can get it insured for free for you if you request them.
Octroi
If you want to get it saved get it delivered to your friends’ house outside city limits. (I paid rs. 800/-)
well now you have you camera in your hand happy shooting...
There is much more to buying a digital camera than the camera itself. I myself brought one and broke the LCD and I dropped it and then realized the beautiful world behind when things go wrong!!!
I have a canon and just realized that they have a very good support network across country for your camera issues. So first thing you should also think about before you buy is.. how is the support available in your locality ? Do they service cameras brought abroad ? How much is the service charges ? Is it third party repair shop or company service centre ?
Next another major part of digital camera is the memory. What type of memory card you want with your camera ? The cost and availability are all different be it a memory stick, SD memory card, MMC card what every be it, what is the memory card size that the camera ships with ? I know most of canon ship with 16MB SD card but there are offers of starters kit which have 246MB plus rechargeable batteries. Even with this, you need to know can a memory card manufactured by any other company works with your camera ? Should you have to buy from the same company which may be costlier for accessories.
Next is rechargeable batteries ? Every camera manufacturer has his own standard batteries... many have proprietary batteries which can be replaced only from the manufacturer others use standard AA rechargeable batteries.
With rechargeable batteries it is NiMH is considered the latest standard and 2500mAh NiMH are the in thing for digital cameras but they cost a lot in India and in US some 25 USD while in India varies between 1500-3000 rupees.
Last but not the least is Video feature. Many of today’s top rated digital cameras have very good video capability including 35mm VGA at 30fps, but with video comes your memory card size bottleneck. It’s not just the size of memory card but even the speed of memory card, the y come is various speed (10x/60x/80x.. like sandisk/sandisk ultra II).
Once you look beyond the camera and research other things, you will definitely get maximum bang for your bucks. Also consider steve’s digital camera, it is considered as a very good place for digital camera reviews and latest news on this, just make sure you stop by this web site before you buy one.
Knowledge required can be acquired atleast to an extent that you can make a wise decision for investments on buying your gadgets. I am listing below the most useful features that should be taken care of before you decide on buying a particular digital camera.
1. Resolution: the game of Megapixels
A “pixel” is simply a tiny dot of colored light. The more dots of light a camera can capture when you click the button, the larger and more finely detailed a photograph can be displayed or printed without distortions.
To put it in familiar terms, a 3 megapixel camera will produce an 8 x 10 inch sized photograph with good clarity. Printed on any larger format and the print will be grainy at 3 MP resolution.
The greater the number of megapixels, the finer the resolution and the greater the files size used to store the captured image on the flash memory card and hard drive in your computer.
2. Lens - the eye of camera
As megapixels are important for resolution and size of an image, the quality of lens decides about the quality of the image. Lens alone is the costliest factor of the camera. The difference in the quality of picture in two same megapixels cameras is due to the lens only. Normally these lenses are not interchangeable.
3. Zoom – In and Out
There are two zooms which normally we are not aware of, these are – Optical Zoom and digital Zoom
a. Optical Zoom - Optical zoom lenses are expressed by a number and the letter “X”. It refers to the number of times closer the lens brings you to the scene. Most digital cameras start at 3 times or 3X optical zoom. It is the feature of the camera that allows you to capture a scene and show close up detail without physically having to stand close to it.
b. Digital Zoom - While using digital zoom, we normally reduce the quality of the image from the original resolution. This may be a problem if your camera is a low resolution camera say only 3MP a 3X digital zoom will reduce the image quality by three times to 1MP, which will not be good at print and only could be shared on web.
4. Flash Memory Sticks or Cards
One of the nicest features of digital cameras is that no film is required for taking snaps. Because a digicam captures light with a chip the image is stored in digital form as a data file, just like we store data in our computer.
These data cards also known as flash memory that are postage stamp sizes are detachable and reusable. XD Memory Cards and Memory Sticks are most common data cards.
The type of memory used in the camera will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer based on which format / strength memory cards they provide with the camera. All formats would not be compatible with all cameras. So be careful while finalizing about your camera, understand clearly the memory card format of that camera. You can buy higher memory cards as add-ons alongwith your camera or later on.
5. Battery – the power behind the pix
Earlier we used to buy enough number of films before starting for a long journey. This is replaced by batteries now a days. And if you are using rechargeable batteries don’t forget to take extra batteries and the plug adapter as per the country you are visiting.
6. Aesthetics, Look, Feel, Comfort Factors
Take care of these small but very important factors that not become the irritation points later.
a. Size of the camera
b. LCD required or not (LCD cameras consume batteries at a very fast rate but assist you to see what you are capturing) and the size of LCD
c.
7. Price: set your budget
Once you decide on features, visit different good brand stores and do a survey to get the price range. Then set your budget, fix on to a brand and buy it.
8. Where to Buy – Online or Local Dealer –
You have two options – either go to an internet store and buy it, else buy from a local dealer near to you house or office. I will prefer to buy it from a store near to my area of work or house. But I will ensure that I buy from an authorized dealer only.
There’s a plethora of Digital Camera’s on the market today. Most popular ones being Sony, JVC,Olympus, etc. The most basic considerations when you want one can be put under these headings. Firstly, the use for the camera( i mean - Real Practical Use, there’s no point in saving money and getting a camera that you don’t use!!). Secondly, the features you need ( and the features the camera offers), lastly, money.
As everyone knows Digital Cameras have their rating in MP(Mega Pixel). A pixel is the basic unit of a digital photograph. Thousands of such tiny dots make up your picture when you take one. The costs between camera’s vary on this factor. Typically, you should be getting good photographs from 3 MP onwards. A 4.5 or 5 MP camera is perfect for a good shot. You can also use that for your normal photo print (if that’s all you intend to do with a camera). Note one thing though. Though the camera will say 6MP or 8 MP, there’s a hidden factor called Average Pixel count for all camera’s. It’s the same logic as bikes. When you say a 100cc bike you don’t get 100cc ,but 95 or 98 cc. it’s an approximation. Because out of 8 Million pixels, some pixels will be bad, etc. This is normal. The other issue to consider is whether the capturing device is a CCD (Charged Couple Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) chip. Normally CCD’s are used by expensive camera’s as their quality is good. but CMOS camera’s also are there in market and they are economical, but quality varies. To be clear, CMOS chip cameras are the ones the cell phones use, they are .5 MP. Also check on the special features each model will give. Another thing that’s in the news is the RAW format. This format applies no compression to the pictures (unlike all formats where a lot of compression is applied).The advantage is that you see the picture as the camera took it. No details are lost. Most camera’s of today will support the RAW format. Lastly, check you budget,as that’s where it all hits hard. i think you should ge t a decent one in the range of 8500 onwards. I think a Sony is a good option. Especially the DSC series, for people who are not that photo-savvy. Olympus is also a good alternative.
I would prefer a manual camera, that allows you to change your shot in your own way.
NIkon CoolPIX 885
The Nikon COOLPIX 885 is a compact, lightweight (225g) 3-megapixel digital still camera, it was developed as a successor to the highly acclaimed COOLPIX 880 . It is a mid-range model in the COOLPIX series featuring Nikon’s newly developed 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens (equivalent to 38-114mm in 35mm format). The 3.21-megapixel imager delivers ultrahigh-definition images up to 2,048 x 1,536-pixels. The Programmed AUTO and 12 Scene Mode settings will enable users to capture the essence of every picture in all sorts of lighting environments. One-button data transfer simplifies image data uploading. The new Small Picture function produces reduced-size pictures for e-mail and use on the internet.
The COOLPIX 885, available in metallic silver and charcoal black, comes with essential accessories including a disposable 2CR5 lithium battery 16MB Compact Flash Card, USB cable and software. With a lens adaptor, it can accept various Nikkor converter lenses, such as Wideangle, Telephoto and Fisheye. An optional LCD hood increases LCD monitor visibility when shooting in daylight. With so many features and accessories, and a remarkably easy-to-use design the COOLPIX 885 promises to win over countless new users to the increasingly exciting field of digital photography.
Nikon COOLPIX 885 Major Features · 3.21 million effective pixels for 2,048 x 1,536-pixel images
· 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens (38-114mm in 35mm format)
· Digital zoom up to 4x magnification (12x when combined with optical zoom)
· Bright, clear 1.5’’, 110,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD monitor
· Nikon’s advance
d image-processing algorithm ensures faithful color reproduction
· Images can be saved as uncompressed TIFF-RGB or compressed JPEG (FINE: approx. 1/4, NORMAL: approx. 1/8, BASIC: approx. 1/16)
· Shutter speeds: 8 seconds to 1/1000 sec., Bulb up to 60 sec. in Manual
· 256-segment Matrix, Centre-Weighted, Spot or Spot AF Area metering
· Matrix Auto White Balance, 5-mode manual with fine tuning, preset white balance and White Balance Bracketing
· ISO equivalent 100, 200, 400 or Auto can be set in CSM mode
· Macro shooting capability as close as 4cm (1.6 in.)
· Best Shot Selector (BSS) function
· Single, Continuous, Multi-Shot 16 (16 frames 1/16 in size), VGA Sequence and Ultra High Speed (70 QVGA images at approx. 30 fps) capture modes
· AUTO Mode for point-and-shoot operation
· 5-Area Multi Autofocus for easier photo composition
· Movie mode captures up to 40 sec. of QVGA frames at 15 fps
12 Scene Modes -- choose from 12 different “scenes” (Portrait, Party/Indoor, Night Portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show, Close Up, Copy, Back Light)
· Advanced, built-in 5-mode Speedlight
· Quick Review button displays images during shooting for instant selection or deletion
· TRANSFER Button lets users automatically upload image data to a computer
· Small Picture function creates smaller size image data for e-mail attachment
· Automatic Noise Reduction function for superior images at slow shutter speeds
· USB interface for Plug-and-Play and compatible with devices that support USB Mass Storage class
· Ergonomic design features intelligent button layout and directional Multi Selector for easy handling, superb operability
· Compact and lightweight (225g/7.9 oz.) body with fully retractable zoom lens
· Extended battery life of approx. 90 min. with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL1*
· Compatible with Nikon Telephoto, Wideangle and Fisheye Converter Lenses, and Slide Copy Adaptor (requires optional Step Down Ring Lens Adaptor UR-E4)
· Comes with Lens cap, Wrist strap, Video cable, 16MB CompactFlash™ Card, USB cable, Nikon View 4 (COOLPIX) CD-ROM, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL1, Battery Charger MH-52
· New dedicated LCD Hood HL-E885 is available as an option
· Supports EPSON ’’PRINT Image Matching’’ technology
Highly Recommended at Price of Rs 30000/- definitely worth the price for anyone looking at serious photography
When buying a Camera to use with your Computer there are a few things you should consider. To explain it to you I will use my Camera to show you what to look for.
I have owned the Logitech Camera Family for two years. It may not be the most sophisticated Camera but it fits my needs.
I bought this Camera to use with my MSN Messenger Conference Meeting. I can see my Family and Friends, (if they have a Camera), and talk in real time. Imagine I can talk to my Son who works in South Korea! It is very reassuring to see a Child who is so far away. I love talking to my seven year old Grandson, (who lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada).
INSTALLATION:
On my Compaq Computer I can only install something new when I sign on. To install the Logitech I put in the disc as I was coming on line. After it was installed I plug in the cord to connect the Camera to the Computer. It worked wonderful from that moment on.
Other people I know can install new things any time. So you will have to find out what you must do to install any Camera.
THE SOFTWARE:
I am not a Computer ’maven’, (Jewish word for expert). I choose this Camera because the software is easy to use.
I look at the screen and can take picture of the person I am talking to. It stores the files on its directory and compresses it. I can export it or save in different format. My Computer came with a Pro Paint Shop feature that lets me correct, crop and choose the size of the picture I am saving. My Compaq package included
the speakers and a microphone so I only had to buy the Camera.
THE SCREEN SAVER:
The software comes with a live screen saver that captures live image when the screen is set to idling. There are some settings with the butterfly on it while it’s capturing live environment in full screen. Please make sure you have a powerful computer to use this feature.
THE RESOLUTION:
The maximum resolution is 640x480 and the color is 24bit. This is nice if you want to make movies or take pictures. You should know that the bigger it is the more disk space it will take if you use it a lot.
THE BAD NEWS:
I found that the cord was too short. I had to buy a few extension cords. One was for the Camera, another was for the parallel and the other one I needed for the power up. I already had one for the keyboard and one the mouse.
I cannot use this Camera to take wide angle Photographs.
MY CONCLUSION:
1. Only look at Camera’s you can afford.
2. Find one that has the power your Computer can take.
3. Expensive does not mean the best.
4. Watch for the Camera you want to go on sale.
I watched for it to go on sale and bought it for $60.00 Canadian Dollars.
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