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The Basics: Digital Cameras

The prices of digital cameras have dropped in recent years to a point that they are about as affordable and flexible as similarly equipped film cameras. Most digital cameras will provide the same quality or better for a similar price, so there is no important reason for the average photographer not to buy a digital camera.

Instead of recording images on film as regular cameras do, digital cameras capture images with a CCD (charge-coupled device, a light-sensitive circuit) and record them on magnetic media. The number of images you can store at once depends on the amount of memory you have (storage media come in sizes from 16MB to 256MB and more) and the resolution of the images you are taking. The magnetic storage disks or cards are removable, and you can transfer images via special connectors to a computer for manipulation, e-mailing, Web-site posting, viewing on a TV, incorporation into an A/V or multimedia presentation, or printing. Some printers can connect directly to your digital camera for direct printing without a computer.

There are three basic body styles to consider. The compact or ultra compact digital camera fits inside your shirt pocket. There is a “wow” factor to these cameras, and they are convenient, but you will be paying a premium for the size or lack thereof. The standard camera is bigger, provides better quality for the money, and is usually able to provide all the features that a typical “point-and-shoot” photographer needs. The digital SLR camera provides the best quality shots of the three. The lenses can be changed, and the camera provides a great deal of flexibility. The cost is higher than either the compact or standard digital cameras.

A pixel is a picture element, such as the dots that make up your TV screen. A megapixel is a million such dots. The more megapixels you have, the bigger or sharper your photo will be. The more megapixels a camera has, the more expensive it will be. Figure out your usage to determine the number of megapixels you need. If you are emailing images or ordering 4×6 pictures, a 3-megapixel or 4-megapixel camera should work just fine. If you want larger prints or more flexibility, a 4- to 6-megapixel camera should be what you are looking for.

Current digital point-and-shoot cameras can produce photo-quality 8×10-inch prints that rival traditional film prints, and the capacity of the storage disks can far exceed the number of pictures you can take with a roll of 35mm film. However, the ease of working with the images and the quality of the prints are dependent on the speed of your computer, the type of software the camera works with, and especially the quality of your laser or inkjet printer. These should all be taken into consideration when you’re buying a digital camera.

Optical zoom is another consideration. Zoom lets you magnify your subject, giving you more control while framing your shot. The number of zoom indicates how close your subject appears, so that 3X zoom makes your subject appear three times closer than it is. We recommend at least 3X optical zoom for the best flexibility. Digital zoom is also pushed by manufacturers, but it should not be a consideration when purchasing. Also, ignore any called a “zoom factor,” which combines both.
How to Shop

Probably the most important questions to ask are what kind of pictures do I take and how much do I want to spend. Take a look at some digital cameras in your price range to see if those models can fill your needs. If a model that is featured here appeals to you but is a bit too expensive, or perhaps lacks a particular feature you’re looking for, keep in mind that there is often a companion model just above or below the one reviewed. You might save money by deleting an unnecessary feature.