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Digicam Buying Guide

What kind of digital camera is best for me?

In order to choose the right camera--one with the right set of features at the right price--you'll need to figure out what you'll be doing with it. Match your needs to one of these user profiles.

1. Snapshooter

I want to take photos that I can email to friends and family, post on the Web, or print in sizes smaller than 8 x 10 inches on an inkjet printer. I'd like a digital camera that is easy enough for the whole family to use and small enough to take anywhere.

The specs that matter:

Resolution	6 megapixels or greater
Camera type	Compacts
Price	S$200 to S$400
Lens type	3-5x zoom lens
Storage media	Internal memory, Memory Stick DUO, xD-Picture Card or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard
Photo file format	JPEG
Interface	USB, composite video-out
Type of battery used	Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Flash type	Built-in
Multimedia	Video-clip recording with sound
Cool features to look for	Face detection; image stabilizer; direct-to-printer (PictBridge) output capability; in-camera red-eye removal; automatic exposure fix; scene modes.

2. Trendsetter

I crave for the latest technology and aim to impress my friends and business associates with the shiniest toys. But it shouldn't be too complicated to use.

The specs that matter:

Resolution	8 megapixels or greater
Camera type	Compacts and ultracompacts
Price	S$600 to S$1,000
Lens type	3x to 10x zoom lens
Storage media	Internal memory, Memory Stick DUO, xD-Picture Card or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard
Photo file format	JPEG, TIFF, RAW (only in higher-end models)
Interface	USB, composite video-out connection, component out, Wi-Fi
Type of battery used	Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Flash type	Built-in
Multimedia	720p HD video recording, MP3 playback
Cool features to look for	Ultracompact design; advanced face detection; dual image stabilizers; Wi-Fi connectivity; onboard editing capabilities; large LCD display; ultra wide-angle lens.

3. Frequent traveler

I travel often, whether it is for work or holiday. I want to capture landscapes and the daily life of people in other culture. I need something relatively compact yet powerful and suitable for rugged use.

The specs that matter:

Resolution	8 megapixels or greater
Camera type used	Compacts and prosumer cams
Price	S$400 to S$700
Lens type	3x to 20x wide angle zoom lens
Storage media	Internal memory, Memory Stick DUO, xD-Picture Card or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard
Photo file format	JPEG and/or RAW
Interface	USB, composite video out connection, component-out
Type of battery used	Lithium-ion rechargeable and AA-sized batteries
Flash type	Built-in, hotshoe for external flash
Multimedia	Voice recording, audio playback, VGA video recording
Cool features to look for	Face detection; onboard editing capabilities; world clock; large LCD; image stabilizer; long battery life; built-in help features; weather resistant.

4. Serious amateur

Image quality is my top priority. I want a camera that produces sharp pictures and accurate colors. I also want manual control over the camera and use it with various accessories and lenses. I'll be using a high-quality photo printer to make prints 8 x 10 inches or larger.

The specs that matter:

Resolution	10 megapixels or greater
Camera type	Prosumer cams and dSLRs
Price	S$800 and up
Lens type	Supports lens converters or interchangeable lenses or zoom with widest focal range possible
Storage media	CompactFlash, Memory Stick Duo, Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard or xD-Picture Card
Photo file format	JPEG, TIFF, RAW
Interface	USB 2.0, FireWire and composite video-out connection.
Type of battery used	Lithium-ion rechargeable and AA-sized (often only with optional battery pack/grip) batteries
Flash type	Built-in, hotshoe for external flash
Multimedia	Voice annotation
Cool features to look for	Compatibility with existing 35mm camera lenses and accessories; face detection; customizable user modes; dynamic histogram display; image stabilization; high ISO settings; flexible LCD; Live View; remote control.

5. Budget buyer

I want to find a basic digicam costing less than S$250 that will let me post snapshots on the Web; email them to friends; print them in small sizes (no larger than 8 x 10 inches) on my inkjet printer; and get me up and running quickly without requiring me to read the manual.

The specs that matter:

Resolution	6 megapixels or greater
Camera type	Compacts
Price	Less than S$250
Lens type	3x zoom lens, fixed lens (on some older models)
Storage media	Internal memory, CompactFlash, Memory Stick Duo, xD-Picture Card, or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard
Photo file format	JPEG
Interface	USB, composite video-out connection.
Type of battery used	Lithium-ion rechargeable or AA-sized batteries
Flash type	Built-in
Cool features to look for	Face detection; image stabilizer; automatic scene modes; autofocus assist lamp; video capture with sound.