Digital Camera Buying Guide 2010
Digital Camera Buying Guide – Christmas 2010
With Christmas fast approaching I thought I’d update my ‘Digital Camera Buying Guide’ for those looking to purchase in the coming weeks.
I think it should be noted that there has never been a better time to purchase a digital camera. Digital photography is very popular at the moment and subsequently there is fierce competition between the major players.
For a prospective buyer it can be quite daunting to be confronted with all the technical jargon mentioned by digital camera manufacturers. However, I hope this guide can simplify things somewhat.
Digital Compact? Bridge Camera? Digital SLR?
When someone asks me which digital camera I’d recommend to them then the first question I ask is “what are you interested in taking photos of?” I’ve seen many people being put off using their camera as they’ve not had the correct advice at the time of purchase. So, here are your options.
Panasonic TZ10 Black
Digital Compact Cameras
Digital compact cameras have come a long, long way. Since the resolution of cameras has stabilised around the 9-12 megapixel range, manufacturers are having to compete on other features to differentiate themselves from competitors.
One recent phenomenon has been the introduction of the Face Detection Mode pioneered by Fuji. Initially this only featured on high-end models (£200+), but now you can find Face Detection on models around £100. In this mode your camera will automatically detect faces in the scene and expose for skin tones rather than contrasty surroundings thus making your subject look more natural. For a more in-depth explanation then please visit here.
Another feature I’d look at is whether the camera has a lithium battery. A lithium battery means that you don’t have to keep purchasing batteries. Furthermore, as they’re thinner than consumer batteries (AA, AAA) your camera will be neater. Unlike the older generation of batteries, you can recharge the battery at any point without the need to discharge first.
Ben’s Recommendation – Digital Compact
1.Kodak Easyshare M550
m550_box_web
If you are looking for a digital compact for around £100, the Kodak Easyshare M550 is great value for money. At this price cameras usually only have a standard 3x optical zoom; however, the M550 boasts a 5x optical zoom which will give you extra range at the telephoto end. A high 12 megapixel resolution ensures you can enlarge up to A3+ and the lithium-ion battery gives you an excellent number of shots per charge.
This camera is available HALF PRICE at The Camera Centre, bundled with a Kodak 4GB SDHC Card and Kodak Case, for only £99.99 (R.R.P. £199.99). Visit http://www.thecameracentre.net/shop/ for more details.
2. Panasonic TZ8 Digital Super Zoom
panasonic_lumix_dmc-tz8_black
If you have a bit more in your budget then you may wish to look at the impressive Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ8 Super Zoom whose main features are listed below:
25mm Wide-angle 12x Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens in a Compact Body
Intelligent Resolution Technology and 16x Intelligent Zoom
iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode with POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
HD Movie (Motion JPEG)
The Panasonic TZ8 is available from The Camera Centre. For full information please visit http://www.thecameracentre.net/shop/.
Fuji Finepix HS-10
Bridge Cameras
As the name suggests, a bridge camera is a compromise between a Digital Compact and Digital SLR.
Advantages
Much longer optical zoom than a standard compact camera. Modern day bridge cameras offer as much as a 24x optical zoom.
Ability to preview/review images using either the LCD screen or electronic viewfinder
Negates the need to carry lots of lenses due to the large optical zoom
Has the appearance of a Digital SLR
Disadvantages
Lens is not removable so ensure the optical zoom range is sufficient for your needs.
Minimum aperture value won’t be as fast as prime, removable lenses. However, with the high ISOs on modern day cameras then coping with low light situations is easier to handle.
Like a Digital SLR, bridge cameras are physically bigger than digital compacts.
Tip: If you own a bridge camera, or are considering purchasing one, ensure you buy a UV filter to protect the lens elements from dust/scratches. It’s much cheaper replacing the filter than sending the camera to the manufacturer for a new lens!
Ben’s Recommendation – Digital Bridge Cameras
1. GE X5
ge_x5
14 Megapixels
15x Optical Zoom
High Dynamic Range
For more information on this camera and to purchase click here
2. Fuji Finepix HS-10
Fuji Finepix HS-10
30x Optical Zoom
Triple Image Stabilisation
3.0-inch Tilting LCD
Full HD Movies
For more information on this camera and to purchase click here
Nikon-D5000-DX
Digital SLR Cameras
The recent surge in interest of digital photography has driven prices down significantly. A very capable Digital SLR is now the same price as a top-end digital compact used to be. If you have an existing set of lenses for a particular type of camera, it would make sense to purchase a camera body that is compatible with your existing kit. However, if you are getting a digital SLR for the first time, you have a free choice.
I’d personally recommend the new cameras from Sony; for example the Sony Alpha 230, 380 and 500. Their bodies boast built-in anti-shake which means you don’t have to buy expensive image stabilised lenses which is the case with Nikon and Canon outfits.
Advantages
Full control over your photographs with manual exposure modes
Ability to change lenses means you can upgrade and specialise in a particular area of photography you’re interested in; for example, macro photography
Hot-shoe mount allows you to slide on a more powerful flashgun to the top of the camera. The built-in unit has a low guide number which limits its capabilities.
Host of compatible accessories
Disadvantages
Higher investment required
Bulkier
Standard kit lenses are usually around 18-55mm which means you’ll inevitably want to buy a second lens, so this should be budgeted for.
Ben’s Recommendation – Digital SLR
It’s very hard to recommend one specific Digital SLR camera due to them having interchangeable lenses. Manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon and Sony lock you in as their cameras only work with their corresponding lens mounts.
If I was starting from scratch I would probably go for a camera from the Sony Alpha range. The main reason for this would be because, unlike Canon and Nikon, they incorporate image stabilisation into their digital bodies. This saves a fortune down the line when buying secondary lenses as you can buy non-image stabilised lenses due to the camera performing this task for you. To get stabilisation with Canon and Nikon, however, you must invest in some very expensive lenses which can often be twice the price of the non-stabilised version.
asonycm205156859
he new Sony Alpha 290 is a great entry-level digital SLR camera. For full information and to purchase this product then please click here.
I hope this article helps you on your way to choosing a new digital camera.
-Ben