Are you confused on which camera to buy this holiday? Here are some tips for you to purchase the right camera that meets your need.
Before anything else, you should know what you want and what you need. Determine which category of camera you need:
Category specifications:
1. Slimline point and shoot.
If you are looking for casual cameras with good quality, consider asking for these features: Image stabilization, face recognition, small lenses, roughly around 3x zoom and generally around 8 Megapixels.
Features are limited in this category and many not have as many capabilities as larger or more advanced cameras.
Retail price: $150-$250
2. Advanced point and shoot. (Prosumer cameras)
Digicams in this category are slightly smaller than the normal Digital SLRs.
Where do they differ?
Aside from the size, it has no lens interchangeability. Zoom ranges from 10x - 15x.
Retail price: $250-$500
So if you are looking at a Prosumer above $400, think about moving up to a Digital SLR (DSLR).
The minute difference of price only differs to the lack of Prosumer lens interchangeability.
3. Digital SLR.
Also considered as “Large Cameras" - derived from the old Minolta design.
A gadget you commonly see paparazzi's and professional photographer's use.
Amateur photographers are also starting to use it nowadays.
Features in this category: Not as small as the other 2 categories, considered as robust with highly advanced features (sensor and software), operated in both automatic and manual mode, and the best of all it has interchangeable lenses, Entry level of $500-$600 is great enough considering it's features, $700-$1500 midrange cameras are Phenomenal!
Alpha brands such as Nikon and Canon would be the best choice for you get top performance and quality.
Sony would also be a good option since they are leapfrogging to the top of the line.
So, have you decided as to which category suits you? If so, let us proceed to a more specific guide to choosing a camera in one of the above categories.
Choosing a Slimline point and Shoot
Basic Requirements - 8 Megapixels or more, Face Recognition, Image Stabilization, and 3x Optical zoom or better
Special Features - Waterproof, Video or Movie Mode, TV output. Only use these feats if necessary. Some minor updates I have heard would be "Smile Shutter".
This will supposedly take pictures when the person smiles or so they say. Does it sound interesting? Anyway, visibility reveals the truth.
Recommendations - There are roughly 150 models available. Choose the best brands for quality sake, the color, and point out the price range of your choice. Picking up an old model that has 6 Megapixels or more can be a great deal. (Canon, Nikon, sonny, Olympus, Kodak)
Choosing a Prosumer camera
Basic Requirements - 10 Megapixels or more, 10x-15X Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization.
Special Features - some have movie mode and High-Def output.
Recommendations - Olympus has a water resistant 8MP model for $i200. Canon, Panasonic Lumix, Kodak and Sony has 10MP or more which ranges from $300-$400.
Choosing a Digital SLR
Basic Requirements: 10 Megapixels or more, Live View. Full manual and automatic modes. High ISO shooting (Nikon would be the best option for better pictures in dark), dust or weather-proof bodies.
Recommendations
Best Entry Level DSLRs:
Sony Alpha A3000K
-In-camera stabilization, starter lens, and adding 2+ stops to your hand-held shooting capability. If you have no Canon or Nikon "glass", go for this one. Only issue would be lens compatibility. Retail at an amazing $599 price.
Canon Digital Rebel XSi and Nikon D60 kit with starter lens ($625-$720)
Best Mid Level DSLRs:
Sony A350X 14.3MP, Nikon D90 12.3 MP (movie compatibility), Canon 50d 15.1MP
Retail: $780-$1,550
Resources
Check the best site for camera reviews @ Digital Photo Review (dpreview.com)
More specific information about each model is provided and often compares them to their peers on the same category.
Additional Tips:
For SLR enthusiast, monopod would be good to bring along. Also consider extra batteries and memory cards. A good camera bag for storage of your lenses would be a good thing. Filters such for UV protection and polarizing could also be useful.
Hopefully this article has given you an idea in choosing the right digital camera for you. Enjoy your shopping and have a happy hunting!
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