Smart camera guide for social-networking addicts

by Shawn Low | 26 July 2011 7:47pm SGT

(Credit: Darren Green)

Social-networking addicts are tech junkies who constantly update their accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and other popular sites. Shutterbugs belonging to this unique category enjoy capturing their daily lives as they unfold, to quickly upload and share photos online.

While you could probably get a lot of mileage with your smartphone, an ultraslim compact camera would provide more in terms of image quality and creative control. While these compacts are svelte, they have larger image sensors than smartphones, therefore providing enhanced low-light performance even at high ISOs.

For those who want their images to stand out from the rest, snappers like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX-78 feature in-camera processing modes that allow you to quickly crop or retouch your images. Some have more unique features, such as Samsung's SH100 which is Wi-Fi enabled, that allows shutterbugs to upload images directly to social-networking sites. Others like the Casio Tryx come with preloaded software which lets users share images on social media quickly after connecting it to a computer.

Key camera specifications

Dimensions	Between 15mm and 21mm thin
Weight	100 to 160gm
Large LCD display	3 to 3.5 inch
Creative modes	In-built mono/stereo microphone or 3.5mm audio jackIn-camera image enhancements
Unique features	Wi-Fi enabled, in-camera social media software

Camera recommendations

We've rounded up cameras with video-recording capabilities worth considering.

Samsung SH100

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78

Casio Tryx

Fujifilm FinePix Z900EXR

Essential accessories

Eye-Fi Mobile X2 SD card

(Credit: Eye-Fi)

If your camera isn't Wi-Fi enabled, fret not, you can still share your images with Eye-Fi's Mobile X2 8GB SD card. Using its Selective Share option, users can select images and videos, and then upload them instantly to 29 social networking sites such as Flickr, Facebook and Twitter without the need of a wireless router.

Those who want creative control can use the card's Direct Mode to upload their images to iOS or Android devices and postprocess them with image-editing applications.

Wireless SD card reader

(Credit: Maxell)

Backing up your photos or transferring images between devices can be a hassle with multiple accessories. Instead, a three-in-one solution such as Maxwell's AirStash USB card reader can make life easier.

Functioning as a Wireless-N router with a built-in media server and power source, the AirStash can back up images wirelessly and allow users to share photos with other wireless devices.

Portable tripod

(Credit: Joby)

While we wouldn't recommend balancing your camera on uneven surfaces, conventional tripods can yield the same boring images. With the Joby GorillaPod, shutterbugs can get a different perspective while keeping things compact and portable.

The Gorillapod has bendable legs with flexible joints and can be hung on fixtures to help you capture images with a unique perspective. After use, it can be bent back to shape for easy storage.

Camera case

(Credit: YC Chan)

A good camera case can help protect your compact shooter by preventing scratches from other objects in your bag. The Pose camera case for instance, not only serves as a water-resistant carrier but also doubles as camera stand.

What's more, when fully inverted, it can be attached to railings, steering wheels and poles for more creative angles. The camera is mounted on the stand attachment via the tripod mount and can be easily detached from the case for handheld shooting.

Other useful accessories

Spare battery
Repeated use of an LCD display to review images can quickly drain your camera's battery life. Remember to pack an extra battery, especially when you're attending an important event. This is especially important if you are using Wi-Fi as the wireless transfers can be very power hungry.

Cleaning kit
Prolonged exposure to dirt, dust and moisture may affect your camera in the long run. It's always wise to clean your camera's lens regularly--using a blower to get rid of hard particles and cleaning oil stains with a microfiber cloth as this will help increase your camera's lifespan.

After every outing, remember to wipe down your camera with a dry cloth in order to remove excess moisture that could damage your camera's optics and electronics.

5 smart tips

Image-editing apps: For those who own tablets or smartphones, there are many apps available that can enhance, crop and make minor adjustments to your images. These apps also allow users to directly upload their processed images to popular social networking sites.

Faster uploading: Try setting your camera's image or video resolution to the lower settings which will give you smaller file sizes and faster upload speeds.

Mobile Wi-Fi: Did you know that many current smartphones can be transformed into wireless hotspots? If your phone supports this feature, you can switch on your sharing settings to allow Wi-Fi connectivity to your camera.

Share images simultaneously: If you have your images hosted online, you can share them simultaneously across your FaceBook, Twitter, Google Buzz, MySpace, LinkedIn andFoursquare accounts in a single post, with Tweetdeck. Tweetdeck can be used on many operating systems such as the Mac OS, Windows, and even on mobile phone OSes.

Print them: Why limit your photos to online sharing? Online printing services such as Snapfish lets users share photos in the form of mugs, T-shirts, posters, cards or books with friends and relatives at the click of a mouse.

Smart camera guide series

About the author

Fueled by his passion for all things photography, Shawn decided that a writer's position reviewing cameras is the perfect job.

He now does reviews, how-to guides, and scours far and wide to cover anything camera-related under the sun. When he's not behind the desk, the former freelance photographer enjoys wandering about documenting his life with his beloved medium format film cameras.

The RMIT business graduate ventures to work every day with camera in one hand, and laptop in another, taking over the Internet one review at a time.

Shawn Low, Writer