Get snap-happy with these cameras
Make sure you arm yourself with a top camera this summer
BenQ S1420 Camera
The S1420 comes equipped with Optical Image Stabiliser capability that prevents blurring, compensating for unintended camera movements or slow shutter speeds, to deliver crisply rendered, crystal-clear images.
Fave features
- The camera's 26mm wide-angle lens gives users an expanded field of view, ideal for large group shots that won't leave anyone or any detail out.
- It boasts functions like the LOMO effect that enables users to add LOMO-style effects to their photographs - such as darkened corners, off-kilter exposure and over-saturated colours.
Cost Dh599
Available From all leading electronics stores
Fujifilm FinePix X100
Inspired by the grace and form of classic cameras from the past, the Finepix X100 combines all the latest technical digital innovations in a beautiful, more traditional-looking model.
Fave features
- Echoing the functional aesthetics of analogue film cameras, the manual dials have been carefully positioned to give the photographer easy control over creative shooting.
- Aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation can be checked even before the camera is switched on.
Cost Dh5,000
Available Grand Stores Digital, Sharaf DG (Dubai Mall, Times Square, City Centre), Jacky's (City Centre, Dubai Mall)
Nikon Coolpix S1100PJ
Nikon has unveiled the world's first digital camera with a built-in projector, which means you get all the tech specs of a great digital pic-taker, with the ability to project and share images straight away. Beats simply flicking through your images!
Fave features
- Supports projection of computer data when connected to your PC, increasing the ways in which the built-in projector can be used for both personal and business application.
- The inclusion of a quick movie-record button enables quick and simple high-definition movie recording at a frame size of 1,280 x 720 pixels.
Cost Dh1,499
Available From Jacky's stores
Samsung PL170 and PL120
Offering a unique combination of high image quality and special features, together with Samsung's dual-screen technology.
Fave features
- Its dual image stabilisation automatically compensates for unwanted camcorder movement.
- In addition to the 3-inch viewfinder on the rear of the camera, there's an additional 1.5-inch LCD screen on the front, allowing you to quickly line up self-portraits.
Cost On request
Available From all leading electronics stores
Olympus TG-610
Capture high-quality photos from the top of a wave to the top of an icy mountain with the TG-610,a water, shock and freeze-proof camera.
Fave features
- Tough outer shell makes it waterproof to five metres, freezeproof to 10°C (14°F) and shockproof from 1.5 metres.
- A sliding double-lock mechanism protects battery, card slot and ports, while a metal barrier safeguards the lens.
Cost Dh1,499
Available Klik stores in Mirdif City Centre and Market Souk (Abu Dhabi); Olympus store in Dubai Mall
Canon PowerShot SX230
This buy is the perfect travelling companion as it's equipped with GPS technology so you can tag your pictures and track your journey, allowing you to retrace your steps once you return home.
Fave features
- Comes with the smart auto system that enables the camera to automatically select the best shooting settings based on subjects and environmental factors.
Cost Dh1,399
Available At Jacky's stores
Canon EOS 600D
A compact, lightweight digital SLR provides all the tools you need to capture beautiful stills and HD movies, making it the perfect choice for aspiring photographers wanting to experiment with their photography.
Fave features
- An on-screen feature guide provides descriptions of many of the camera's functions, as well as advice on how to use them, as you flick through options.
- Great for shooting pets, children or wildlife, the EOS 600D allows high-speed shooting at 3.7 frames per second, enabling you to capture fast-moving action.
Cost Dh3,999
Available From all leading electronics stores
Canon IXUS 115HS
A stylish and slim IXUS - in a variety of cool colours - that effortlessly blends stand-out looks with great performance, even in low light.
Fave features
- Canon's Smart Auto mode automatically detects up to 32 different scenes and takes care of everything for you so all you have to do is point, shoot and enjoy capturing the moment.
- The high-speed Burst Mode takes a rapid burst of shots and freezes the action to either capture the perfect moment or a whole sequence of shots.
Cost On request
Available From all leading electronics stores
Canon PowerShot D10
Whether snorkelling or scuba diving, now you'll never miss an underwater photo opportunity again with Canon's waterproof PowerShot D10 that features intelligent technology.
Fave features
- The D10 is durable enough to go anywhere as it's not only waterproof, but also cold resistant and shockproof.
- Comes with Face Detection Technology that tracks the faces of moving subjects and lets the shooter enter the frame seamlessly with the Face Detection Self-Timer.
Cost Dh1,199
Available From Jacky's Electronics
Kodak Easyshare M530
A simple digital camera that features a unique stylish slim body with a 12MP 3x wide optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD.
Fave feature
- One-button upload makes uploading images a breeze.
- Comes with Kodak EasyShare Software, which offers a complete solution to transferring, online sharing, emailing and organising pics.
Cost Dh599
Available From all leading electronics stores
Get the most out of your camera!
Move in closer Each time you spot a subject, snap a pic and then move in closer for another shot.
Be quick If it's possible that your subject may move, fly away or stop smiling, shoot straight away.
Compose your picture with care Consciously place your subject where you think it most belongs in the shot, rather than just accepting wherever it happens to land in the photo.
Be selective Think about what you're really interested in and concentrate on just that, keeping anything that would detract completely out of the picture.
Focus on your subject Practise shooting with different apertures and monitor the results afterwards to learn how depth of field (the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene) affects your photos.
Experiment with shutter speed One of the most fun aspects of photography is that you have the power to slow time down or catch a split second, so familiarise yourself with your camera's speed settings.
Look at the light Be aware of how your subject is lit, taking note of the way in which shadows fall. As a general rule of thumb, it's best to shoot with the sun behind you.
Watch the weather Look outside and decide whether you want to have the sky in your picture. If it's overcast, simply keep the sky out of your pictures as much as possible so that you avoid both muted tones in your subject and washed-out skies in your background.
Keep camera settings simple While you may wish to experiment with all the settings available, in the beginning, find the simple set up that works best for you in most situations.
Be bold Once you're comfy with your camera, start experimenting with settings. Take your camera out for the day and snap away in a variety of settings, so you can see the effect each one gives. Soon, you'll be confident using a variety of options.
