Sensor Digital Depth
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A Guide To Buying Digital Cameras Online
Buying digital cameras can be a daunting task. The huge variety of cameras on the market is enough to give you a headache when trying to decide which will work for you. Not only must you decide on a manufacturer, once you have that narrowed down you must then decide on a model. Every time I turn around it seems as if there are new models available, each with bigger and better features. Understanding what all the jargon means makes the process even more mind boggling.
Usually manufacturers only highlight those features that are the most well known, hiding other information. Delving into technical details is not something manufacturers do since these details tend to go over the heads of most consumers. Yet it is important to not be swayed by flashing marketing campaigns. By understanding a few of the technical terms you should be able to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to making the final decision on buying a digital camera of your choice. Making an informed decision is the goal and the following information should help you achieve that goal.
One of the most common terms is "mega pixels." Now, I am sure you recognize the word but I am guessing most people don't know what a "mega pixel" is. A mega pixel is comprised of one million pixels. Now, a pixel is the smallest part of a digitized or digital image. Basically, pixels are the small squares that form a picture on a camera screen. The greater the pixel count of an image the higher the resolution of that image.
Now, it is a common belief that you need a large number of pixels in order to have a better image. This is actually a wrong perception. Pixels only determine how large your picture can reasonably be. For example, if you have a 10,000 MP camera your image will not be crisper than if you had an 8000 MP camera. However, a 10,000 MP camera is better if you desire to print out large images. Hopefully with this knowledge under your belt you will be better equipped to figure out exactly how many mega pixels you want in the camera you purchase.
Another area I want to talk about is camera sensors which determine photo efficiency. Sensors capture the image before transferring it to the camera's memory. It is important to pay particular attention to the type of sensor the camera has, especially if you are planning on using your photographs professionally. To narrow the definition down: sensors allow you to take multiple pictures instantly.
There are two types of sensors that are found in cameras, so read this before buying any digital cameras online. These are either CCD and CMOS. The CCD is Charged Couple Device. More expensive models usually have the CCD sensor. These sensors give a great image quality and are perfect for professional photographers. Typical point and shoot cameras contain CMOS sensors (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) which do not provide the best image quality. Basically if your goal is to do simply point and shoot photographs, like the majority of photographers, you will do well with the CMOS sensor. Professional photographers will definitely need the CCD sensor.
The type of camera you eventually decide on will also be dependent on which kinds of photographs you hope to take. There are a variety of cameras that have special features for specific types of photography. For example, if you are planning on do a lot of wild life photography I recommend you purchase a camera that has Center-Weighted metering. Center weighted metering is when the camera takes a light reading from the whole frame, but it pays attention to the center of the image. The camera stays focused at the center of the object allowing you to get the perfect shot.
On the other hand, if nature photography is more your thing, when buying digital cameras I would recommend a camera that has a wide angle lens and memory exposure lock. Memory exposure is responsible for the depth of a photograph. The wide angle lens brings the depth visible. Always make sure that you carry a light camera if you are mountaineering or going for an adventure trip.
Buying Digital Cameras is just the beginning when becoming a digital photographer, so make sure you take a look at Dan Feildman's blog, which is full of interesting tips to help you take even better photos.
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