Digital Camera Buying Guide

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels or dots the camera is capable of putting on a picture. The higher the value, the higher the quality of picture. Most new digital cameras are capable of an extremely high level resolution which enables you to rest assured that your pictures should come back at a fantastic quality.

Digital/Optical Zoom

There are two types of zoom available. Digital zoom electronically magnifies the image. This allows for greater magnification than optical zoom - unfortunately this can lead to degradation of the picture quality depending on the zoom used. Optical zoom creates a zoomed in picture by physically moving two lenses. A closer image is produced without any loss of quality as occurs when electronically magnifying the image (Digital Zoom)

PC Connection

While there are other ways of linking your digital camera to your PC, most cameras will link directly through a USB cable. they will generally come with software for you to install to your PC which will enable you to download and keep your pictures or films to your PC.

Night Shot

Night Shot allows you to record in low light conditions without a separate video light. Zero-Lux models use an infra-red light built-in to the camcorder so you can record quality footage in complete darkness.

Memory Cards

Memory Cards are the alternative storage for film in traditional cameras. There are many different types of memory cards available: compact flash, SD cards, xD cards and Memory Stick.

Once you have used all your space on your memory card you can delete, print or store your pictures onto alternative sources such as your computer or onto a CD.

Card Capacity

How many pictures can I store on my camera?

Red Eye Reduction

Red Eye Reduction is one of the most common photography problems. This usually happens when using flash in dark conditions. The majority of the latest digital cameras come with a flash setting that allow you to almost completely remove the red eye effect.

Auto Focus / Auto Exposure

Auto Focus / Auto Exposure refers to default a camera automatically focuses on whatever is in the middle of the picture. The camera works out the best exposure settings in the same way.

PictBridge

PictBridge allows a digital camera to be connected directly to a printer via a cable. This means that you can print pictures without the need for a computer. For this to work the printer also needs to be PictBridge compatible.

LCD Display

A Liquid Crystal Digital lets you see what you are recording in a natural way. You can achieve more angled shots by tilting the camcorder one way and tilting the viewfinder another (i.e. for filming at a kid's level). This feature also makes playback easier than with a small viewfinder.

ISO Sensitivity

ISO Sensitivity on a digital camera relates to film speed on a traditional camera. As a rule of thumb lower ISO values (ISO 50 - 100) produce greater detail and are ideal for use when the light is good. When the light is poor or you are taking an action shot higher ISO values are required (ISO 400 - 800).

Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth Technology turns your camera into a virtual multimedia centre. It’s an international standard in wireless data transmission so you can surf the web or send M-PEG e-Movies via email from your camcorder without wires or a PC.

Optical and Digital Zoom

Optical and Digital Zoom gets you closer to the action. Most cameras have an optical and digital zoom. Optical zooms moves the image closer by the internal workings of the camera lens. The image remains crystal clear. The Digital zooms take-over when the optical zoom runs out, processing the image digitally but with some loss of quality.

Pixel Count

Pixel Count (Resolution) refers to this as the number of individual pixels that go into making each image. Digital Cameras have millions of pixels (megapixels).

Typical maximum image size versus normal pixel count