Finding the right digital camera is a simple matter of assessing your needs and budget
Digital cameras are a boon regardless of whether you are an amateur shutterbug or a professional photographer. According to Irfan Khan, Area Business Manager (MENA), Kodak, the migration of cameras and handycams into digital devices has altered the dynamics of photography.
"It has evolved from just capturing images into arranging an entire sequence of moments through digital images. Consumers can now capture images at free will, delete the ones they don't want and either save or print the crucial ones. Hence resulting in more images being captured now than ever before in human history," he says.
The convenience and advantages over conventional cameras have also made digital cameras among the top selling consumer electronic products globally. Michael Dsouza, Assistant Manager, Digital Imaging Department, Sony, says that digital cameras offer instant gratification, as you can view pictures taken instantly.
"You don't have to incur the cost of film and developing, and digital images can be edited almost instantly using the built-in editing software. The storage capacity on traditional film cameras also pales in comparison to digital cameras, which have flash-based memory sticks," says Dsouza.
While these features make digital cameras a great value-for-money proposition, picking the right one can be confusing given the options available in the market.
So what should you look for when buying a digital camera? Khan suggests that you look for features such as image resolution (megapixels), battery life, optical zoom, high ISO, ease of use and image stabilisation when you buy a digital camera for 'point and shoot'.
"High-resolution cameras offer sharper and cleaner pictures and also are more expensive. Most people do not use resolution to its full capacity - so pay only for what you use.
"Cameras are meant to be taken along on vacations and to parties so always select cameras that are smaller in size and lightweight (something that is pocket-sized). Of course, buying a certain brand is a matter of personal choice but always go for a trusted brand," advises Khan.
For beginners
Kodak has entry-level cameras such as the C and M series, which are designed for novices who are trying their hand at digital photography.
For instance, the Kodak EasyShare C613 zoom digital camera has a number of easy-to-use features. The camera software automatically minimises 'camera shake' to deliver a clearer resolution, while the 2.4-inch colour display offers viewing clarity.
You can also capture a sequence of events with continuous VGA video (640X480 at 15 frames per second), featuring audio capture, playback, and on-camera editing.
Other C series cameras include the C 743 zoom digital camera with 7.1 megapixels with a one GB memory card, and the C613 that has features such as three self-timer options and digital red eye reduction with the on camera picture-enhancing feature.
The ultra slim M753 with 7.2 megapixels and M873 with 8.2 megapixels come with a one GB card and a camera pouch.
The M753 allows you to capture the details with faster shutter speeds when shooting under low light conditions with ISO up to 1250. The M873 cameras also features faster shutter speeds when shooting under low light conditions with ISO up to 1600.
People looking for 'point and shoot' cameras should also look at models such as the Cyber-shot S650, S700, W35, W55, W80, W90, T20, T100 and W200. Features that are important for this category include megapixels, lens quality, processor engine, lens quality, battery life, LCD size and clarity, zoom and scene modes.
Amateur photographers can try Sony's Cyber-shot H7 and H9. These offer good lens quality, processor engine, super steadyshot, battery life, shutter speed, LCD size and clarity, scene modes, zoom and accessory range availability and compatibility," says Dsouza.
Kodak's mid-level and advanced level cameras include the Z series, which has powerful, professional quality zooms combined with auto settings and manual options.
"The Style series, which includes the V-series cameras make a style statement without losing the features that make them very attractive. The most innovative technology from Kodak is seen in the V-series, like dual lens, high 12X zoom, HD capture, large LCD screens and face detection, among other features," says Khan.
For the professional photographer Dsouza recommends the Alpha A100K and Alpha A100W digital cameras. Features such as lens quality, processor engine, super steadyshot inside the body, anti-dust mechanism, accessory range availability and compatibility and auto focus speed in these cameras make them ideal.
Other factors such as manual focus capability, shutter speed, battery life, zoom, LCD clarity, scene modes for white balance and colour settings, sturdiness and grip for the model, which these models offer, are also important features for professional photographers.
Panansonic also has a good range of cameras in the 'point and shoot' category, some of which were launched recently. The 8.1-megapixel DMC-FX55 and DMC-FX33 are new models from the company's Lumix range.
These models are equipped with the recently developed 'intelligent auto mode' technology, as well as the 28mm wide angle Leica DC lens that features 3.6X optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 100mm on a 35mm film camera) and f/2.8 brightness to deliver exceptional optical performance.
Panasonic's DMC-FX100 is another option. The camera combines a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens that features a 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-100mm on a 35mm film camera) with f/2.8 brightness and 1/1.72-inch large CCD. The camera is touted to be the world's first digital camera that achieves 12.2-megapixel high-resolution recording.
Apart from this Panasonic also has models such as the DMC-TZ3 and DMC-TZ2 in the 'high zoom' segment. These models feature a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens. The DMC-TZ3 boasts 7.2 megapixels and a large, 3.0-inch LCD, while the DMC-TZ2 has 6.0 megapixels and a 2.5-inch LCD.
The most recent offering from Panasonic is the DMC-L10, which is a digital single-lens reflex camera with an interchangeable lens. This camera is ideal for experienced photographers and professionals. It features an advanced 2.5-inch free angle LCD that offers 270-degree rotation and a versatile shooting style.
The 10.1-megapixel 'live MOS' image sensor also provides images with delicate gradation and wide dynamic range. The camera also has face detection and intelligent ISO control functions.
Linus Monteiro, Managing Director, Al Sayegh Brothers Imaging, distributor for Olympus in the UAE, says that 'point and shoot' users should look for guide function, weatherproof/ waterproof capabilities, image stabiliser, bright capture and low light and night photography options.
Some of Olympus models in this segment are the Compact 7.1-megapixel FE-210, UltraSlim 7.1-megapixel FE-230, 5x optical and 7.1-megapixel FE-240, 8.0 megapixel and 3x optical FE-250, weatherproof and 7.1-megapixel MJU-760, waterproof and 7.1-megapixel MJU-725SW, freezeproof/ waterproof and the 7.1megapixel MJU-770SW.
Olympus has also launched the Olympus FE-280 in the ultra slim category. This eight-megapixel model comes with a 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD. In the wide zoom segment Olympus has the FE-290, a 7.1-megapixel model that's 28mm wide, 4x optical zoom and three-inch LCD.
In the 'slim' segment, there's the FE-300, a 12-megapixel, 3x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD. The Olympus Mju-820 and Olympus Mju-790SW are also good options.
Models for amateur photographers include: the Olympus 7.1-megapixel, 18x wide optical SP-550 ultra zoom, digital SLR 10-megapixel E-410 and MP E-510, the digital SLR 10-megapixel model. In the ultra zoom segment, Olympus also has the SP-560 ultra zoom. This 8-megapixel, 27mm wide model comes with an 18x optical zoom and 2.5-inch LCD.
For the expert
Professional photographers can take their pick from the Olympus digital SLR 10MP E-510 and digital SLR 10MP E-410. Olympus also has a 10-megapixel, digital SLR model E-410, which is compact and lightweight DSLR with a 'Live Preview' capability.
The camera has a new image-processing engine, a 2.5-inch hyper crystal LCD and offers 32 shooting modes, among other features.
The range of accessories available also matches the range of cameras available from each of these brands for photographers. You can check different brands for lenses, rechargeable lithium batteries, chargers and a flash.
Olympus, for instance, provides digital lenses for digital SLR cameras, and a wide range of accessories. And once you are armed with these accessories and a great camera, all you need is a great location and you are set to capture beautiful images.
