Digital Cameras

Choosing a camera can often be a frustrating experience. Just like conventional cameras, digital cameras can range in quality and cost from an inexpensive "Instamatic" to a high-end "Hasselblad", and of course all those variations in the middle seem exactly alike. Most buyers want something that will take good quality images, but doesn't cost more than their computer. This month, we'll try to sort out digital cameras, and hopefully, make the decision a lot easier.

There are many factors to consider when buying a digital camera. In addition to the conventional camera components, digital cameras have the equivalent of a small computer and scanner in them. They are somewhat similar to a video camera. Both have a lens which focuses the image onto a Charge Coupled Device (CCD), which then converts the image into electrical pulses. These pulses are then saved to a video tape, or in the case of a digital camera, into memory. Please note that there are also digital video cameras, which capture video instead of single images.

Before starting to shop for a camera, decide what you really need in a camera. A few things to consider:

* IMAGE QUALITY: Look at the actual image from the camera, before using a retouching program. Is it washed out? Is it blurry? Are the colors true? Many reviews will have samples of actual output. Look at them closely, and remember that much of the time, these are in a studio setting and are probably "best case" situations.
* RESOLUTION: Unless the images will be used for printing in magazines and such, the resolution on most midrange cameras should be fine. Consider what the camera will be used for: web pages, quick shots for presentations, pictures for figures for publication, etc. If most of the shots will be for web pages and presentations, don't spend $10,000 for a professional camera because a print quality shot is needed once a year.
* WEIGHT: The size of a camera can be important if portability is an issue. A larger, heavier camera is not as easy to take along. Cameras range from a few ounces to several pounds. Some, like the Casio cameras, are small enough to fit in a pocket.
* NUMBER OF IMAGES: How many images can a camera take before you need to download the images onto your computer? The number of images may not be a problem if you are shooting near your computer, but if you plan to take your camera away from your computer, make sure it will store enough images. Several cameras use a PCMCIA type card, which is removable. These cards are not inexpensive, but they do give the flexibility of allowing you to change cards and continue shooting.
* FLASH: Unless you have good lighting, or plan to shoot outdoors, a flash is a good idea. Many midrange cameras are about the equivalent of an ISO 100, and don't shoot well in dim light. Upper end cameras vary a lot in the ISO equivalent, so you may or may not really need a flash.
* LENS: Most midrange cameras have a single lens that may or may not zoom; some have snap on attachments to create a macro or zoom lens. If you need the ability to shoot objects at very close range(<~1.5 feet), make sure your choice has the macro option. If you want the ability to change lenses, you'll need to get a high end camera which is basically a 35mm SLR type camera with a scanner put in where the film usually goes. These cameras allow the use of many different lenses, as well as other accessories, but of course the lenses are an added expense.

These are just a few things that may narrow down the choices a bit. Other things may be just as important: can it attach to a tripod? does it have a SCSI interface? does it have a PCMCIA card? what software does it come with? and don't forget what does it cost? We've included a list of manufacturers and some reviews of cameras to help make a more informed decision. There is also a comparison chart with a few of the issues above, and links to the individual pages for each of the cameras we've compared.