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Media Platforms Design Team

To start off, it's important to understand the jargon surrounding digital cameras, and what criteria should factor in to your purchasing decision.

  • Megapixels: Megapixels, abbreviated MP, refer to how much information (or pixels) the camera will capture. Manufacturers often call out this specification, but it's not the selling point it once was, since most cameras are equipped with a minimum of 10 megapixels. A good rule of thumb: The larger the print you want to make, the more megapixels you'll need for better resolution. A 10MP camera should produce a good-quality, poster-sized print.
  • Digital zoom vs. optical zoom: The main difference? Optical zoom focuses in on a smaller area to provide a sharper image. Digital zoom, on the other hand, magnifies a smaller area without sharpening the focus (which photo editing software can also do). Both are typically part of a camera's description, but optical zoom is the more telling — and important — spec.
  • Classification: Compact point-and-shoot cameras are small and have a built-in lens that can't be removed. You can narrow down your selection even more by only looking at tiny ultra-compacts or super zoom, cameras with at least 15x optical zoom. There are also SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras, which are great for more experienced photographers who want the option to swap out lenses.

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Other important specifications that should play in to your decision include:

  • Size: Are you looking for a small camera you can drop in your purse and that's easy for travel purposes, or something larger that has a sturdier feel? Pick up cameras of various sizes and weights, and see which one feels the best in your hands.
  • Storage formats: Although most digital cameras have some form of removable storage, low-end units and those designed for kids have only fixed storage, so you must constantly download or delete pictures to free up memory. The most popular removable format is the SD card. To avoid constantly being tethered to the computer, stock up on these reusable cards).
  • Image capacity. This refers to the number of photos a camera can store. The number of pictures each memory card can hold varies depending on your camera's storage size, number of pixels, and compression technique. If you want lots of super-sharp photos and don't want to constantly run to the computer to clear memory, you'll need large-capacity or several spare cards. A 1GB SD card can hold around 350 6MP pictures.
  • Transferring options. If you want to share photos, definitely take the methods you can transfer photos from your camera on to a computer or printer in to account. Digital cameras send images to your system using one or more of the following methods:
    • Connecting a cable from the computer's USB port.
    • Attaching a memory-card reader to your computer, allowing you to easily slide in removable cards for instant downloads.
    • Using an infrared wireless connection that beams images to the computer.
    • Most current printers and cameras are now 'pictbridge compatible. This means you can plug your camera directly into your photoprinter and bypass your PC completely.

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Media Platforms Design Team

Besides for the basic functionality of the camera, many digital cameras offer a host of features. What features you should look for depends on your needs, but below are a range of features that may be important for you.

  • Image stabilization: Helps steady the shot. Stabilization is aimed at small user movement such as shaky hands or heavy breathing which is magnified when capturing distant object that have been magnified.
  • Face detection: Automatically locates your subject's faces so that the picture will be focused on your friends instead of tree behind her! It will hone in on the image and set exposure and color balance for a better focused image. Some cameras now offer smile detection (shoots when a subject smiles) and blink detection (identifies photos that a subject blinked) as well.
  • Fast shutter speed: The number of times the shutter opens and closes each second. The higher the number, the quicker you can take photos.
  • Multiple shooting modes: Most cameras allow you to take a single image, multiple photos rapidly in a row (burst mode), or allow you to get in the picture by setting the timer and dashing into the shot (self-timer).
  • Built-in flash: Lets you take pictures even when light is dim or nonexistent. Many models offer this.
  • Macro mode: Found in digital cameras with zoom, this lets you get close-up shots without losing focus.
  • Red-eye reduction: Closes your subject's iris to prevent devil eyes from appearing in your shots.
  • Voice annotation: Built-in microphones that let you speak directly into the camera — great for adding audio to your Web-site shots.
  • White balance: Adjusts the tint of your picture to match the source of light, making white objects appear whiter. Some cameras do this automatically; others let you manually adjust white balance.
  • Panoramic Assist: This feature takes multiple shots of wide scenes and joins them together to get one large image. Great if you are trying to get wide landscape shots or photos of the whole dinner table!

Expert Tips for Using a Digital Camera

  • Get to know your new camera. Take time to review its features and capabilities so you get exactly the results you want.
  • Consider investing in a tripod; these inexpensive tools help give you a polished, professional-looking image.
  • Check the memory on your camera or memory card before you start a session to make sure you have enough.
  • Before shooting a photograph, adjust your height so you're at the same eye level as your subject.
  • Use the macro mode to get clear, crisp close-ups of small objects.
  • Lock in the focus to get razor-sharp pictures. You can do this on most cameras by pressing the shutter down halfway, pausing for a beat, and then pushing all the way down.
  • Be mindful of lighting. Check your viewfinder for unflattering shadows or overly bright scenes that can wash out your subjects.
  • Use a flash when you're outdoors — it'll help eliminate shadows.
  • Prevent dark photos by staying within your camera's flash range. Most owners' manuals will provide that information.