Buying a Digital Camera?

 

OK, this is probably something I have typed countless times in many many MSN/Gtalk (and painfully enough, even FaceBookChat) conversations. So I figured I’ll type it out plain and simple and the next time someone asks me, just direct them to this post. So if you’re reading this, yes you probably got directed here by me. Hehehe!

 

OK, before we start, your requirements shouldn’t be a ‘nice small 7megapixle camera’. First look at what you’re going to do with it. Are you going to use it to take photographs at home and maybe family/friends’ trips and outing? Are you a bit more keen on starting photography as a hobby but unsure on your 1^st purchase? Or are you going Pro? Once you know what you’re going to be doing with your camera it is so much easier to get a recommendation that will suit you.

 

In my opinion highest resolution of the sensor really isn’t the most important factor when purchasing a camera. I have seen some photographs taken with 3.2mp cameras which are in fact clear than some 5.0mp cameras..

 

I’d say it’s the sensor’s actual quality that matters, and that’s something you probably wont be able to judge unless you have used the camera or spoken to someone who has. Of the cameras I have used I would say most brands have a few model ranges that shoot very well.

 

A friend of mine bought a Canon A580 about a year and half ago, and that has been one of the best camera’s I have seen of that range/class. The clarity of the photographs and the sharpness can compete with a semi-pro camera or even a SLR in some cases. I saw one for sale at a store for S$200 few months ago, and thought WOW! Now thats a steal! The 580 is probably out fo production now, and I doubt if its successors have dropped in quality.

 

Then there’s Kodak. A brand I would probably advise someone to stay away from. Probably because of my C340. Though some photographs came out well,  in some cases they have been quite disappointing when it came to sharpenss and image quality. And towards the end of its usage (Its still working, but not with me) I was getting quite disappointed with it. Even slightly dysfunctional batteries (AA) would cause the camera to go bonkers (even if you use a good pair right afterwards). But a friend bought a C360, and that showed quite an improvement over the predecessor but not THE best.

 

Sony! A brand I was particularly impressed with due to my DSC-V1.. It just blew me away! Crisp clear photo quality and mpeg video recording! And the video quality really was unbelievable! Oh, and not to mention VERY effective night-vision! The problem I had with that was battery life. Since it used its own unique battery and not rechargeable AAs it had its limitations on usage time.

 

But all these attributes that I prioritize me may not be that important to another camera buyer. For example I have a friend who spent about $400 on a camera that would otherwise be around $200-250, simply for its small size and extra large screen. She was even looking at a camera with a touch screen, before she bought this. Now these qualities are ones that I personally really don’t care about. When buying a P&S I would prefer to get one with a smaller screen (and preferably a viewfinder) simply because it consumes less power, hence longer usage hours. And I would always choose photo-quality over compact size of a camera. I don’t mind carrying something big as a shoe if it gives me the best quality photograph.

 

So always take into note that asking ONE person for a recommendation is not the best idea! Chances are he probably hasn’t even heard of the camera you’re asking about. Google the model. A simple search can give you a LOT if forums and sites that give you reviews on multiple aspects. So go through them if you have the time. It’ll be worth it.

 

Summing up, what camera should you buy? Well, like I just said it really depends on the user. Understand what you want, see which brand gives you exactly what you want, do a bit of price surveying, and you probably wont look back on your purchase.