Digital Camera In Action

Semi automatic compact digital cameras have more features than point and shoot cameras. Of course, they will be more expensive. 

Compact cameras range always above the 3 megapixel range – these days, it 10 megapixels are common – so you will be able to play with the images, print and enlarge to your hearts content.

Compact cameras have zoom lenses and you will be able to get closer to your subject even if you cannot physically move close to it – if you were taking pictures of a football match, for instance.

Movie capabilities seem to be also the norm in compact digital cameras. So you will be able to shoot video, even if it is only a few minutes. This type of camera should be able to accommodate all your needs and let you develope your technique and become a skillful photographer.

Choose a camera with the highest level of megapixels that fits your budget, but remember 6 megapixels are usually enough for normal printing needs and you will only need 12 megapixels if you plan to print postr size. Tha zoom is nice if you plan take wildlife pictures but you may not need it and if you don’t want to pay extra for it, it is fine.

There are other characteristics to consider:

• Size and weight – cameras are smaller every time for a reason. Being able to take the camera in yyour pocket is a bonus.
• Memory and storage – memory cards are convenient but there are many types and not all of them cheap. Don’t forget you will wnat to connect the card to your computer to download pictures and you may need an adaptor.
• Batteries – rechargable batteries are usually the best option but remember you must be able to recharge them – you may need adaptors – and consider buying a spare battery to have always one charged, especially if the battery is exclusive to your type of camera.
• LCD and viewfinder – a large LCD is great if you like to view your pictures immediately but you will find the viewfinder invaluable in bright light.
• ISO – This refers to the sensibility to light of the camera’s sensor. You need a high ISO when you are going to take a pictur of a subject that will not stand still in bad light.
• Other bells and whistles – intelligent modes, where the camera decide the settings, are good for those that don’t want to complicate their lives with scene settings, auto features – auto shut off is nice if you are one of those who always firgets to turn the camera off – or video.
• Everything proof – if you love to take pictures in difficult conditions – bad weather, underwater – or practice high risk sports –bungee jumping, kite-surfing – consider waterproof and shockproof cameras. The extra you pay is a saving in this case.

 
Canon Digital IXUS 95 IS Digital Camera - Silver (10 MP, 3.0x Optical Zoom) 2...

Amazon Price: £99.00
Customer Reviews:
» This takes acceptable pictures and is always handy because it will be unobtrusively in your shirt pocket. The pics look better if you select vibrant colour from the menu as on standard colour they lo...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38EB-K Digital Camera - Black (12.1MP, 18 x Optical Zoo...
Amazon Price: £218.80
Customer Reviews:
» I have never enjoyed a camera as much before now; this is a perfect choice for an amateur who wants to take good photos.

If you want to play with settings, this is also possible, but I use it on a...

Panasonic Lumix TZ8 Digital Camera (12.1MP, 12x Optical Zoom) 2.7 inch LCD - ...
Amazon Price: £198.40
Customer Reviews:
» So im pretty mucha point and click type of guy, however i got in to the fiddly bits of this camera so fast with the dvd tutorial that comes with it! amazing picture quality seems quite solid, good ...

Panasonic Lumix TZ10 Digital Camera (12.1MP, 12x Optical Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD -...
Amazon Price: £241.50
Customer Reviews:
» it's a nice compact camera.
I bought it mainly because I've read on many forums it was maybe the best in its category togheter with canon s90. I chose the tz10 for the zoom and the price.
I also hav...

Lowepro Apex 10AW Digital Camera Pouch To Fit Canon Ixus 80,Ixus 85, Ixus 95,...
Amazon Price: £5.08
Customer Reviews:
» A bit chunky compared with Ixus own-brand leather case, but I like the pockets for spare chips etc, & padded protection for screen. Got it as a free gift with camera - brilliant!

» This is probably ...

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Digital Camera - Black (14.1 MP, 14x Optical Zoom) 3...
Amazon Price: £232.60
Customer Reviews:
» I think this is a great camera. I had the previous model and wanted to upgrade it. I have always bought Canon camera's and rate them highly. This one is a lot more compact than the previous model an...

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS Digital Camera - Silver (12.1 MP, 4x Optical Zoom) 2...
Amazon Price: £116.70
Customer Reviews:
» This is a great little camera and one of very few with an optical viewfinder. It's a sensible size (not too small), fits well in the hand, and uses AA batteries which means you can keep recharged sp...