Digital Camera Question! Please help!

Question

My sister has a Canon digital camera and while viewing the photos on it, you can flip the camera in the opposite direction (go from portrait to landscape or landscape to portrait) just with the flick of the wrist. Does anyone know what feature that is called? I'm looking into buying a new camera and would like that feature on it. Thanks!!

Answer 1

It's called an orientation sensor. These devices are built into most recent digital cameras. The information obtained from the sensor is recorded with each picture and is used to correctly display the correct orientation (portrait/landscape) of each picture. Some cameras will also use the orientation sensor to determine how the camera is being held and will automatically adjust the display to show pictures according to the previously mentioned data (some cameras even correct the GUI).

The popular camera review website DPReview < http://www.dpreview.com > lists whether or not each camera in its database has an orientation sensor. It's safe to say that most brand-name cameras are capable of this. Beware that some cameras have the sensor but use it solely for data collection. To be absolutely sure, and you should be doing this anyway when looking for cameras, check the camera out in person before buying one. You can visit your local Best Buy, Circuit City, or other electronics store to do so.

Answer 2

On my camera it is called a Mode button.  There is also a button that selects the flash setting.

Many cameras today do not have a view finder.  These cameras rely on the display which is almost invisible when in bright sun.  

Will provide two links that will show a large number of cameras and information on keeping the batteries and camera contacts clean.  

Digital cameras require lot of power.  If the contacts are not really good, the camera will give a low battery indication or shut off.  I use NiMH rechargeable batteries which last forever.  These are the same type batteries used in electric and hybrid cars.

Answer 3

Is it better to avoid turning the camera off and on a lot, which makes the lens expand and retract, and just have a few concentrated shooting sessions rather than flipping the camera on and then back off every time I see a photo opportunity.