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This story was printed from CNET Asia.
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Digicam Buying Guide

By CNET.com staff,CNET Asia staff
10/08/2006
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/buyingguides/digicams/0,39059880,39380882,00.htm

If you're used to shooting with a film camera, you'll notice some differences when you switch to a digital model. Here's a quick summary.
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.
As much as we'd like to give a one-word answer, this is one of the trickiest questions in digital photography. So we'll provide a short and a long answer.
There's a lot of variety in the world of digital camera lenses, from tiny, built-in fixed-focal-length plastic lenses to big, glass, removable zoom lenses with special optical coatings. We've broken these lenses down into four broad categories so you can determine which lens type is best for you.
Digital cameras generally save pictures on flash memory cards, but there are certain models that come with large internal memory for storage. The maximum storage capacity and prices of the various media cards can vary, so here's a quick overview of the common flash memory formats in the market today.
Most digital cameras use their own proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, although some budget models still rely on AA-sized cells for power. Find out what works best for you.
Most digital cameras can do more than just take pictures. Here are some of the extra features you may find in the model you have your eye on.

How do digital cameras differ from film?
If you're used to shooting with a film camera, you'll notice some differences when you switch to a digital model. Here's a quick summary.

1. Camera's power source

Some digicams use proprietary batteries designed specifically for them.

Film: Takes disposable batteries that range from AA-sized to the less common CR123.

Digital: Uses proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, although some lower-end models still rely on the commonly available AA-sized cells for power.

2. Recording pictures

A CCD is like film that you can reuse over and over again.

Film: Uses film, which comes in various frame sizes and different sensitivities to light. For instance slow (ISO 25-64), medium (ISO 100-200), fast (ISO 400-1,000) or ultrafast (ISO 1,600-3,200).

Digital: Uses a fixed, light-sensitive, silicon chip that comes in two varieties: CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). This chip determines the frame size and light sensitivity of the camera. You can simulate the effects of using different types of film via settings within the camera. Of the two, the CCD sensor is more commonly used in digital cameras. The CMOS sensor is typically found in a dSLR camera.

3. Framing shots

Some cameras have LCDs that flip out and/or twist, to help you frame difficult shots.

Film: Uses an optical viewfinder.

Digital: Uses an optical viewfinder as well as an LCD screen to view the scene. Many camera vendors today substitute the optical viewfinder with an electronic viewfinder (EVF), much like the ones used on camcorders. Photographers who are used to optical viewfinders don't always like EVFs. The EVF shows you the same view that the lens sees, but are often hard to focus and poorer in quality. So try before you buy.

4. Storing images

Different cameras accept different kinds of flash memory media, so do check the specifications.

Film: Imprints images directly on the film, which is single use and supplies a fixed number of frames per roll.

Digital: Stores images as digital files on either reusable, removable flash memory cards which come in various capacities, or the camera's internal memory (if available). The file format can also impact on the size of the image, and hence on storage space.

JPEG
The most commonly used image file format, JPEG is small and fast for capture, but has file compression that may introduce artifacts that degrade image quality.
RAW
Professional photographers and serious photo-enthusiasts usually prefer to shoot in the RAW format. It is typically smaller in storage size than TIFFs and more flexible for post-capture retouching. However, RAW is not offered on all cameras and special software is required to read them.
TIFF
Large files that can slow down your shooting and fill up your media but have no compression artifacts. This option is commonly found only in high-end cameras.

You can read more about different image file formats here.

5. Displaying pictures

Digital camera LCDs allow you to view all the images you've taken.

Film: You have to develop the film before you can scan the photos or negatives to display on a monitor or a TV.

Digital: Displays images on the LCD. In addition, many cameras allow you to connect to a TV or an external display for viewing. Alternatively, you can download the images to a PDA, notebook, video-capable music player or mobile phone for playback. You can additionally upload the pictures to an online photo album site (sometimes even wirelessly if the camera comes with Wi-Fi) to share with the geographically remote.

6. Printing photos

Unlike with film cameras, you can print digital photos at home.

Film: Delivers to a photolab in order to get prints or digital files.

Digital: You can download image files to your computer for printing on your inkjet printer. Or, if you have both a PictBridge-compatible camera and printer, you can make prints without a computer. Another option is getting normal prints from an online printing service or a local photofinisher that accepts digital files.

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:
Resolution6 megapixels or greater
Camera typeCompacts
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 formatJPEG
InterfaceUSB, composite video-out
Type of battery usedLithium-ion rechargeable battery
Flash typeBuilt-in
MultimediaVideo-clip recording with sound
Cool features to look forFace 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 typeCompacts 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 usedLithium-ion rechargeable battery
Flash typeBuilt-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 usedCompacts 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
InterfaceUSB, composite video out connection, component-out
Type of battery usedLithium-ion rechargeable and AA-sized batteries
Flash typeBuilt-in, hotshoe for external flash
MultimediaVoice 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 typeSupports 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
InterfaceUSB 2.0, FireWire and composite video-out connection.
Type of battery usedLithium-ion rechargeable and AA-sized (often only with optional battery pack/grip) batteries
Flash type Built-in, hotshoe for external flash
MultimediaVoice 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:
Resolution6 megapixels or greater
Camera typeCompacts
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 formatJPEG
InterfaceUSB, composite video-out connection.
Type of battery usedLithium-ion rechargeable or AA-sized batteries
Flash typeBuilt-in
Cool features to look for Face detection; image stabilizer; automatic scene modes; autofocus assist lamp; video capture with sound.

How many megapixels do I need?

As much as we'd like to give a one-word answer, this is one of the trickiest questions in digital photography. So we'll provide a short and a long answer.

1. The short answer
For any images you plan to print or retouch, we recommend you stick to a camera with at least 6 megapixels. Web- and email-only photos should be fine at resolutions below that. For prints 8 x 10 inches or larger, look for digicams with an 8-megapixel resolution or higher.

2. The long answer
It depends on what you're doing with the picture and how you're doing it.

Hint: If you're going to display or print pictures at smaller-than-actual-pixel size, resolution doesn't matter much--opt for the camera with the best color.

The images below were shot with a 10-megapixel and a 5-megapixel camera, respectively, and scaled down to smaller-than-actual sizes. Aside from slight color differences, they should look pretty similar.

10-megapixel
5-megapixel

Hint: A higher resolution image generally lets you crop in closer and get better prints.

Let's say you want to blow up a detail shot or print a picture, that's where the extra resolution comes in handy, for both printing and Web display. As you can see from the images below, the 6-megapixel shot (left) is just not as sharp as the the 8-megapixel (middle) and 10-megapixel (right) shots.

6-megapixel
8-megapixel
10-megapixel

What kind of lens do I need?

There's a lot of variety in the world of digital camera lenses, and each lens type influences the overall design and feature set of the camera. In recent years, we have seen major camera manufacturers working with renowned lens makers such as Leica, Carl Zeiss and Schneider to incorporate better optics in their products. We've broken digital camera lenses down into four broad categories so you can determine which lens type is best for you.

1. Fixed-focal-length lenses

Digicams that use a fixed-focal-length lens usually lets you select macro or landscape focus mode.

Cameras using fixed-focal-length lens are quite rare now and can be found only in a few current models. They are not very popular with consumers these days as manufacturers roll out more shooters with optical zoom lens.

Commonly found in: Compacts

Advantages:

  • Allows for smaller camera form factors.
  • Easy and quick camera operation.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Lenses usually offer relatively wide angle of view, which is good for landscapes
  • and group shots.

    Disadvantages:

  • No zooming capabilities.
  • Usually lowest optical quality available.


    2. Retractable zoom lenses

    When this camera is turned on, its retractable zoom lens extends from the body.

    These zoom lenses retract into the camera body when the camera is off and extend when it's on.

    Commonly found in: Compacts and Prosumer cams

    Advantages:

  • Allows for long zoom capabilities in a compact camera design.
  • Lens is usually protected by a built-in or removable cover.

    Disadvantages:

  • Can be bulky when the lens is fully extended.
  • Lens extension may increase camera startup time.


    3. Internal zoom lenses

    When zoom is activated, the internal zoom lens will shift accordingly to the zoom range.

    These zoom lenses function without protruding from the camera body.

    Commonly found in: Ultracompacts

    Advantages:

  • Allows for superslim and ultraportable design.
  • No protruding parts.
  • Lens is usually protected by a built-in or slide cover.

    Disadvantage:

  • Limited zoom range.


    4. Fixed zoom lenses

    You can attach lens converters to most fixed zoom lenses for wide-angle, close-up or telephoto shooting.

    These zoom lenses are fixed to the camera body and do not retract into it when the camera is turned off. It is often found on prosumer camera models.

    Commonly found in: Prosumer cams and Compacts

    Advantages:

  • Long zoom range (up to 20x magnification).
  • Comes with lens thread for adding lens converters (wide-angle, close-up, and
  • so on), filters and even ring flash units.
  • Some cameras offer more precise zoom and manual focus control via rings on
  • the lens instead of buttons or dials.

    Disadvantages:

  • Bulky camera design.
  • Comes with removable lens cover which gets lost easily


    5. Interchangeable lenses

    You can attach a wide range of lenses to a digital SLR body.

    Digital SLRs use interchangeable lens systems, which mean you can detach the entire lens from the camera body and replace it with any other compatible lenses. If you already own several lenses for a 35mm film SLR camera, you might want to find out if there's a digital SLR body available that is compatible with it.

    Commonly found in: dSLRs

    Advantages:

  • Deliver the best-quality optics.
  • Provide the most flexibility to capture various kinds of images.
  • Don't have to buy a new camera to upgrade the quality of the lens.
  • Some higher-end lenses come with built-in stabilization system to allow for shooting at two stops
  • slower without risk of blurring photos.

    Disadvantages:

  • Expensive to buy or replace.
  • Long-zoom lenses with large apertures tend to be big and heavy.
  • Focal lengths generally differ for the same lens mounted on a film camera, which can be confusing and
  • cause vignetting.

    What are my storage options?

    Flash memory cards--which come in various formats, sizes and capacities--are commonly used to store images in a digital camera. The number of pictures you can save on a memory card generally depends upon the image resolution and quality settings you have selected on the camera. Higher compression file formats such as JPEG also allow you to fit more pictures on a card, although image quality will suffer somewhat.

    Before you buy a camera, carefully consider the type of media it takes, as you may own (or plan to buy) an MP3 player, PDA, or other devices that take the same kind of memory card. This way, you can save by using the card on more than one device.

    You can also find out more about fake memory media and how to spot them here.


    32 x 24 x 2.1mm

    1. Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard (SD/MMC)
    Pros: Very popular across consumer electronics devices; small; fast; wide range of capacities up to 4GB; competitively priced; small size permits compact devices.

    Cons: Not compatible with old MMC slots.

    Commonly found in: Compact digital cameras but recently found its way into dSLRs.


    32 x 24 x 2.1mm

    2. Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC)
    Pros: High-capacity version of the SD format, capable of supporting up to 32GB in storage size and 6MB/s in data transfer speed; relatively affordable.

    Cons: Supported only by the latest cameras; not backward-compatible with older SD host devices (e.g. older SD card readers).

    Commonly found in: Compact cameras, prosumer models, and recently, dSLRs.


    20 x 31 x 1.6mm

    3. Memory Stick Duo; Memory Stick Duo Pro
    Pros: Pricing is now more competitive; compatible with other devices such as older Sony Ericsson phones and PSP.

    Cons: May require an adapter for use in Memory Stick slots; still cost more than SD cards.

    Commonly found in: Most Sony digital cameras.


    20 × 25 × 1.78mm

    4. xD-Picture Card
    Pros: Smaller format means smaller devices.

    Cons: Relatively new and still proprietary format; hasn't yet ramped up to the capacities of SD, CompactFlash, or Memory Stick; supported by Fujifilm and Olympus only; slightly more expensive.

    Commonly found in: Fujifilm and Olympus cameras.


    5. Large internal memory
    Pros: No need for additional flash memory media; faster internal data transfer speed.

    Cons: Requires USB cable to transfer images.

    Commonly found in: Compacts and ultracompacts.


    36.4 x 42.8 x 3.3mm

    6. CompactFlash
    Pros: Comes in very large capacities (up to 32GB now); fast; competitively priced.

    Cons: Larger form factor than other flash memory formats.

    Commonly found in: dSLRs and prosumer units.


    36.4 x 42.8 x 5mm

    7. Hitachi Microdrive
    Pros: Fast data transfer speed.

    Cons: Expensive; storage capacity for CompactFlash has already caught up.

    Commonly found in: dSLRs and prosumer units, but hardly in use these days.


    45 x 37 × 0.7mm

    8. SmartMedia
    Pros: 0.76mm thin.

    Cons: Old format replaced by xD-Picture Cards; slow; largest storage capacity produced was 128MB.

    Commonly found in: Older units of digital cameras from Fujifilm and Olympus.


    21.45 x 50 x 2.8mm

    9. Memory Stick; Memory Stick Pro
    Pros: Compatible with Sony consumer electronics devices.

    Cons: Not widely supported by camera manufacturers other than Sony.

    Commonly found in: Older units of digital cameras from Sony and Konica Minolta (selected models).


    What kind of battery is best?
    Most digital cameras use their own proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, although some budget models still rely on AA-sized cells for power. Find out what works best for you.

    Proprietary batteries come in all shapes and sizes, to best fit a given camera.

    1. Model-specific
    Batteries designed specifically for a particular model or product line.

    Chemistry: Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Lithium-polymer (Li-polymer) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)

    Advantages:

  • Lasts longer than alkalines.
  • Makes ultracompact designs possible.
  • Allows for more intelligent battery gauges that more accurately
  • measure remaining capacity.
  • Better for the environment than disposables.
  • Less expensive in the long run than disposables.

    Disadvantages:

  • Expensive to replace.
  • Requires a dedicated charger which will add on to the gear.
  • Can't use in other cameras or electronic devices.
  • Loses charge over time.


    2. Universal rechargeable batteries

    Most universal rechargeable batteries for cameras are AA size.

    These rechargeable batteries usually come in AA size with different charge capacities, ranging from 1,100mA to 2,700mA.

    Chemistry: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)

    Advantages:

  • Longer-lasting than alkalines.
  • Better for the environment than disposables.
  • Many compatible brands available.
  • Less expensive in the long run than disposables.

    Disadvantages:

  • Usually requires at least two AA-size units to power a camera, which adds to weight.
  • Loses charge over time.
  • Requires a charger which will add on to the gear.


    3. Disposables

    Disposable Lithium batteries last far longer than their alkaline counterparts.

    These single-use batteries adhere to standard conventions and typically come in AA size.

    Chemistry: Lithium, alkaline

    Advantages:

  • Lithium batteries last longer than some rechargeables.
  • Readily available in stores; convenient to replace.

    Disadvantages:

  • Alkalines don't last long in high-powered devices like cameras.
  • Not good for the environment.
  • Lithium batteries are expensive to replace.

    What else can my digital camera do?

    Most digital cameras can do more than just take pictures. Here are some of the extra features you may find in the model you have your eye on.

    1. Video-clip recording

    To capture a video clip, select the video mode icon and press the shutter release button.

    Many digital cameras can capture video clips. While most of them cannot produce the quality of a dedicated video camera, some are substantially better than others. The best video recording quality currently available from a compact still camera is 720p HD (640 x 480-pixel resolution) at 30fps with sound. Note that these video files may take up substantial storage space, so you may need to invest in a higher-capacity memory media. Some cameras allow you to record a continuous clip up to the capacity of your memory card, while others shoot only 30 seconds or so at a time. Not all cameras that shoot video capture sound, so pay attention to the specs if you want your clips to be talkies. Only a handful of cameras can zoom while shooting video, so check the product information before buying if that capability is important to you.


    Some cameras double as an MP3 player and come with earphones.

    2. Music playback

    A few cameras can play MP3s and other audio files, and come with earphones. These models are generally aimed at gadget lovers more than shutterbugs or audiophiles, so don't expect top-notch photo quality or extensive audio controls from them.

    Most digital cameras let you make a few basic changes to your images in-camera.

    3. In-camera editing

    Many cameras allow you to resize, crop, copy, or make other changes to your images before you download them to a computer. Some even let you edit video clips in-camera on a small timeline.

    A mode for every scene you can think of.

    4. Scene selection modes

    Some cameras have special scene selection modes to capture fireworks, underwater pictures, and other special types of images. For more creative controls, you can also look for cameras which come with built-in photo frames to give your picture that special touch.

    Traveling to Sao Paulo with a digicam? You can leave your guidebook at home.

    5. World time/alarm clock/world travel guide

    Some cameras borrow from the world of mobile phones and PDAs to provide features such as alarm clocks and time displays of various cities around the world. We don't recommend choosing a camera just to get these extras, but they can come in handy if the model you buy happens to have them. Some manufacturers allow you to download maps/travel guides of the city you are traveling to and install it in the camera. Just carry a couple more batteries if you don't want to lose your way.

    Certain cameras allow you to transfer images to another compatible device wirelessly.

    6. Wireless transfer

    A few consumer cameras allow you to send images wirelessly to a compatible device or to your desktop. Remote capture is also available on certain shooters. Some professional SLRs are compatible with wireless transmitters that you attach to the camera.

    The purchase of a digital camera is not a simple process. You have many factors to consider, including all the features we've discussed. While we hope this guide gets you started on your purchase, you should not invest without reading our reviews. We've evaluated many cameras over the years; don't miss our recommendations on specific models.