Digital Camera

If you are in the market to purchase a digital camera, you have surely seen several different types of cameras. It isnt exactly clear what the differences between the types are, and it can be confusing trying to choose the digital camera thats right for you. In this article, we wil discuss the different types of cameras so that you can better understand what to look for in purchasing a digital camera.

Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

Most consumer cameras on the market today fall into the category of Point and Shoot digital cameras. These cameras usually provide resolutions of between 2 and 4 megapixels (million pixels). These cameras are the digital version of your typical 35mm consumer camera.

A point and shoot digital camera is designed to do just that - take snapshots. They provide limited flexability with options, although many newer models have some limited options for special effects. The image quality from a point and shoot digital camera is generally good enough for common uses, such as auction photos, and even 4 X 6 prints.

If you just want a standard, entry level digital camera for family snapshots and auction photos, then a point and shoot digital camera is a budget conscious choice.

Semi Professional Digital Cameras

A semi professional digital camera is a more advanced version of a point and shoot digital camera. Typicaly, these cameras provide resolutions between 5 and 6 megapixels (million pixels). They also often offer the user additional settings and greater control over the camera. The image quality of these cameras is good enough to produce clear prints up to about 8 x 10.

A semi professional digital camera may be the best option for you if you seek greater creative control than you can get with a point and shoot model. The increased flexability does come with a price. Most semi professional models are priced much higher than point and shoot models.

Digital SLR Cameras

If you are a serious or professional photographer, no less than a Digital SLR model will do. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. Digital SLR cameras are very similar in operation to their 35 mm SLR countereparts. Also, many camera companies (such as Cannon and Nikon) have built their digital SLR models to be compatible with 35 mm SLR lenses. This is a great benefit to professional photographers who can select a model that is compatible with their existing lenses.

Digital SLR cameras provide an amazing ammount of creative control over the camera and the resuting images. Also, these cameras provide resolutions over 6 Megapixels and can produce prints of poster size without noticable pixelazation.

A Digital SLR camera (without lenses) is a pricey investment indeed. Currently, you can expect to spend $1500 or more on the camera alone. Accessories and lenses cost extra.

For more articles, information, and product reviews on Digital Cameras and Digital Photography, visit: Digital Cameras and Digital Camera Guides

Digital cameras have really taken off in popularity in recent years. It’s not uncommon anymore to see several people at an event with a digital camera. Here are some things to keep in mind when getting your digital camera prints converted into keepsakes.

Digital Camera Print - Where should you go?

Owning your own photo quality printer is definitely the fastest option. There are even people who take a small portable inkjet printer with them and make prints on the road.

Is it cheaper to print you own Digital Camera Print?

The large chains have jumped into this fray in a BIG way. Wal-Mart, Blacks, Business Depot, and many others. With all this competition comes low pricing. A typical 4×6 print from a big chain is cheaper than the retail cost of the do-it-yourself paper that the same chain sells in their photography center. And at home you still have to pay for the ink!

Keep the following in mind…

Low digital print price. All the major players have priced their 4×6 size very competitively. The larger sizes though, like 5×7 or 8×10, are usually higher in cost than what you can do at home.

Digital Photo Drop Off. Can you upload your digital pictures to the photo print company via the internet which is very convenient or do you have to deliver them on a CD?

Photo Print Delivery. Does your photo lab let you pick them up in the store, or do you have to wait for the post office or a courier? Picking them up at the store should be a no-cost option. If you can pick them up, make sure the location easy to get in and out of.

How fast can you get your digital photos? One photo lab has a reputation of having most orders ready in one business day. Another is a bit cheaper, but takes a week.

Digital Photo Quality. You may have to talk to relatives, friends, and co-workers about this one. Find others who have already tried various printers. One photo lab’s web site states that they will not print a picture with too low a resolution (nothing under 150 DPI allowed). This can be inconvenient, but assures you of a quality print.

Doing your homework ahead of time can ensure that you will get the best digital prints and the best prices so that you get maximum enjoyment out of your digital camera.

Joe Duchesne is the webmaster for Gotocompare.com a computer hardware site that includes good information about Digital Cameras and lots of other hardware.

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