Make the Right Digital Camera Comparisons
cmos-digital-slr-camera
With all the styles and features, and prices are all over the map, digital camera comparisons can be mind-boggling. Pixels, memory, optical and digital zoom, camera size and cost are all factors to compare.
Quality - compare quality of both the camera and the photos it takes.
Size - models to compare include miniature, compact and full-sized cameras.
Price - compare cameras in a price range set by your needs and budget.
Second step: Compare specific features…
Compare Pixel Quantity and Quality
Digital photos can be compared to mosaics - more pixels mean smaller squares and sharper pictures. Tiny photodiodes in an image sensor is the technology that creates the pixels. The sensor functions as the camera’s eye and some digital camera sensors measure only a few millimeters. Other cameras with larger sensors usually have better quality diodes, resulting in sharper, clearer pictures.
Most digital cameras don’t have nearly enough built-in memory, so when doing a digital camera comparison plan on buying more. Check memory compatibility when you compare digital cameras. Secure Digital are MultiMedia cards with an added write-protect switch. xD Picture cards are small and adaptable to most compact flash applications. CCD Compared to CMOS
Charged Coupled Devices (CCD) and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors (CMOS) are digital camera image sensors. They can be compared to the shutter and film in a traditional camera.
Developed in the mid 1970’s, the CCD is the heart of most digital cameras. The CCD sensor’s quality makes it the preferred choice for high-end digital cameras.
As the technology improves, CMOS sensors will make digital cameras more affordable and be the best choice for entry level cameras.
Beware the Zoom-Zoom
In your comparison of best digital cameras, be aware of the zoom issue. It crops the image on the sensor, reducing total pixels and degrading resolution.
Other important features…
- Shutter lag - how quickly can you take another picture? Should be a second or less.
- Start up time - when turned on, the camera should be ready within a couple of seconds.
- Manual override - allows you to adjust exposure and focus settings.
- Auto-focus - should be nearly instantaneous in most lighting conditions.
By W R Kirk
