Getting a digital camera....what specifications should I be looking for?

Question

Can anyone recommend a top quality digital camera, price isn't a factor as I am willing to pay for it. What specs should I be looking for, and are there any digital cameras that are coming out in the next 6 months that are worth waiting for in order to get the best?

Also what camera brands would you recommend? Thank you in advance xx

Answer 1

Obviuosly you are serious about your camera, but how much experience do you have?

You need to look for a camera with high optical zoom (3 x's or better).  Digital zoom doesn't matter because you can do that with sofware like photoshop.  Also, look for high megapixels.  You should be able to get around 10 mp or better.

If you are more of a beginner having lots of manual options may overwhelm you.

I like Canon, so I would recommend their Rebel XSi.  It's one of their newer models.  That should give you plenty of controls to play with, but still give you good solid shots in "auto" mode.  Plus, you can get different lenses and try some zoom shots.

Good luck!

Answer 2

try www.dpreview.com for camera review and newest model.

Personally, I pick either Nikon (I already have 5) or Canon (I would like to try that on my next SLR).

But remember, your camera gives u only 50% of the power, u still need a good amount of money put on your lens (yes, some lens worth $10000 each).

Buy since u sound pretty new in digital camera, I would suggest u buy an average one, like D80 etc. just to get a taste of DC, then you will know you u need on your next upgrade.

and remember, it's not just the camera that make good photos, it's the photographer that matter.  have a $5000 camera couldn't give u a better photos than a $200 one.

Answer 3

Something with as much manual control as you can get!!

Answer 4

I don't know if you're looking for a compact, point & shoot digicam or a DSLR.  But my answer is based on minimum    specifications that an individual should consider when searching for a compact, P&S digicam:

1). Requires regular (AA) batteries or not? There are many cameras that all you do is recharge, (like a cellphone), the camera. I like cameras that use your basic AA batteries. You can buy rechargeable AA batteries, and buy regular ones in a pinch anywhere, should you find your camera without power, instead of being without a camera to use while it's hooked up being recharged. (What happens if you need to replace the lithium ion battery? Might be costly to replace and not easy to find). It's true that digicameras use up disposable batteries quickly. But you can buy rechargeable ones and they last a long time. It should be a must to buy rechargeable batteries (with it’s charger), There are some AA (stick with the name brands), that now recharges in an hour, or even less! (Remember to figure in the cost to buy rechargeable AA/AAA battery and battery recharger).

2). An optical viewfinder is very useful for those times when it's difficult to see your subject on your screen, and helps conserve power of your camera. This feature seems to be important to some, (me included), but to others, not necessary. (This is where IS [Image Stabilization] comes in. Helpful if your camera does not have an optical vierfinder.)

3). Don't get sucked in by the more MP (megapixels [10 and above]), the camera has, the better. It is not always the case. 5-6 mp is sufficient for most.

4). Optical zoom of at least 3-4x.  Higher optical zoom, a bonus.  Don't be fooled by a high digital zoom number. Opitical is what you're looking for.

5). IS (image stabilization) and face detection? This is a personal choice for what an individual wants, and on some models, it's a standard feature.

6). Camera size: Compact or subcompact? You might compromise in some functions and options when you go with a small and sleek camera. Camera size will dictate what functions and features will go into the camera.  This too, is a personal choice for an individual.

I personally own Canon, 2 digicam, (p&s) and a few 35mm (p&s, slr).  Nikon also has great (p&s; DSLR) cameras and Sony is another brand to consider.

Here's a link to the younger siblings of the current Canons we own: http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/...

They have a newer sibling.  The Canon PowerShot A650 IS.

These models also allow for manual control/settings.

Answer 5

Every one has a different idea of the perfect camera.

Some things that you will want to know about are..

1. Zoom, the optical zoom of a camera can  make it or break it.  Digital zoom is not as important, 10x optical zoom is very good.

2. Power. Some people are picky about what kind of batteries they use.  Some camera use AA batteries, most people will recommend the Lithium, they really do last. The good thing about the AA batteries is that you don't have to take the charger with you and you can buy them while on vacation. Other cameras come with a flat rechargeable battery that charges right in the camera. this is nice because you don't have to keep buying the batteries but you will need to take the charger with you and will have to wait for the battery to charge.

3. MP Megapixels is essential the number of squares in a specific space. the higher the MP the clearer the pictures.  7 or 8 MP take great pictures and you can even buy 10 and 12 MP now.

4. Storage media.  Most cameras use the SD card now and they can be used in many different camera simultaneously.  Sony uses only the Memory Stick Pro and can only be used in Sony brands. XP is commonly used in Olympus and Fuji and are not interchangeable with the SD card.  

5. Size, good cameras do come in a small package, but sometimes the bigger are better.  Bigger cameras usually come with more zoom and a few more options.  How bulky do you want you new camera to be?

I love Canon, they are easy and take great pictures.  Find a local retailer that can help answer your questions and help you find the right camera for you.

Answer 6

Some things you shoud look for include MP (MegaPixels), fps (frames per second during continuous shooting), and most important of all, make sure it has interchangeable lenses.  Most SLR's have this anyway.  By the way, you want a top notch digital camera, get an SLR.

A good SLR has AT LEAST 10 MegaPixels.  One that I recommend would be Canon's new Digital Rebel XSi.  It has 12 MegaPixels.  Canon and Nikon are at the top of the Digital Camera industry.  I only recommend Canon because I use their products and am familiar with them.

After you buy your camera and are considering lenses, there are a couple things to look for there, too.  One would be the aperture (measured in f/stops).  The lower the aperture, the wider the lens can open, and the more light the lens can let in.  This allows for shooting in low light situations.  Good, low-light apertures measure around f/2 or lower (f/1.8 or f/1.4 are the best I've seen).  Another thing to consider is the focal length.  The more mm (millimeters), the farther it zooms, and vice versa.  50mm is about what the eye sees, anything below that is wide angle, and anything above that is telephoto/zoom.  One last thing.  Make sure any lens you buy has IS (Image Stabilization [this is what Canon refers to it as, Nikon or other camera manufacturers may refer to it as something else, but they all do the same thing: reduce blur from camera shake.])

Summary: I recommend Canon or Nikon.  Get a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera.  Atleast 10 MP.  Buy good, quality lenses.