Compare digital camera features
Before you purchase a new camera, you should always review several models to see how they compare in terms of price, quality and features. One of the most important things to do from the beginning is to determine your price range and figure out which features are most important to you. Be strategic about how you compare different camera models. Identify all models that fit within your price range, then compare the features of each model. Of course, you will need to know which features you actually require, depending on how you intend to use your camera. There are a few key questions you should mull over to help determine what digital camera features are best for you.
Lenses
Many digital camera models come with optical zoom lenses, ranging from 3X to up to 10X. It's important to remember that these zoom capabilities are software-based, digital features--the actual lens itself is a separate, mechanical consideration. A lens that has optical zoom tends to result in blurrier pictures than a standard zoom lens, but cameras with zoom lenses tend to be more expensive. In addition, if you do opt for optical zoom, the more you can zoom in, the more expensive this feature usually is.
Viewfinders and LCD Screens
The viewfinder is the small area you look through to see the picture. An LCD (liquid crystal display) screen can display an image on the small screen of exactly what the picture will look like before you take it and can display a preview after you take the shot. Almost all digital cameras come with an LCD screen. If you have poor eyesight, look for optical viewfinders with diopters that allow for easy adjustment of the focus. LCD screens can also partly function as viewfinders. The best LCD screens will offer clear image quality with the ability to swing between dim and bright settings.
Batteries
Do you prefer a digital camera that runs on traditional alkaline batteries, or do you prefer models that run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries? Lithium-ion batteries last longer and can be recharged, but when they eventually lose their ability to be recharged, they will be more expensive to replace. Traditional alkaline batteries, on the other hand, allow you to buy batteries anywhere and change them when needed. You can also look at digital cameras that run on two different types of batteries, offering you a choice out in the field. This is particularly useful if your lithium-ion batteries suddenly die, in which case you can simply swap in alkaline batteries until you return home to charge the lithium-ion set.
Tags: digital camera, alkaline batteries, more expensive, optical zoom, camera features, camera models
