The Savvy Shopper's Guide to Digital Cameras

The Savvy Shopper's Guide to Digital Cameras

by Molly Newman, Associate Editor, Digital Scrapbooking Magazine

Is a new digital camera making an appearance on your holiday wish list this year? With so many options to choose from, it's tough to navigate the maze of competing models and find the one that's just right for you. These tips will help you focus on the right features and ask the right questions... and ensure your new camera will be a gift that keeps on giving for years to come.

Don't get tripped up by the size trap. With even entry-level digital cameras boasting resolutions of 10 MP or more, you might believe that more megapixels always means a better image. But a better indicator of image quality is the camera's sensor size. Larger sensors pick up more light, allowing you to shoot at faster speeds in lower-light situations. Plus, jumbo-sized sensors produce finer detail at any screen or print size. Check out: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Say goodbye to shake. Many new D-SLR cameras include on-board image stabilization among their features. Image stabilization banishes camera shake, meaning your shots (especially of fast-moving subjects like kids and pets) will be crisper and sharper every time. With this feature built into the camera body, there's no need to invest in pricey image-stabilized lenses. Check out: Sony Alpha D-SLR A350

Are you going retro? If you have a large collection of older SLR lenses, make sure the D-SLR you're checking out is compatible with the lenses you already have. Most manufacturers support the use of older lenses with new D-SLR bodies; Nikon is the only major manufacturer that does not.

Don't be a kit captive. D-SLRs are often sold as complete kits with a body and lens included. These lenses, though, are often low-end and too slow to be of much use. A better choice is pairing a D-SLR body with a lens that really suits your shooting needs, whether it's made by the camera body's manufacturer or a dedicated lensmaker such as Tamron or Sigma. Check out: Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 EX DC Macro HSM

Editors Note:  all photos from Digital Photography Review (DP Review) which is a great resource for in depth camera reviews.

Comments

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