There are so many camera models in the market today. How do you begin to decide which one to buy? Here are some steps and guidelines for purchasing a digital camera.
First, determine which of the three categories of camera you need:
1. Slimline point and shoot. These cameras are generally in the 8 Megapixel (MP) range and have image stabilization, face recognition and small lenses. They are best suited to the casual user, as they are small, easy to carry around and use and generally sturdy. The do not have as many features and capabilities as larger or more advanced cameras. Some of these cameras are weatherproof and/or waterproof. If you are buying for an outdoors person, consider asking for these features. Cameras in this category will usually retail for $150-250.
2. Advanced point and shoot. Also called Prosumer cameras, these devices often resemble the larger SLR cameras with a slightly smaller body and no lens interchangability. They often will come with large zoom ranges on the built-in lens (10x to 15x not uncommon). Cameras in this range can run from $250 to over $500. If you are looking at a Prosumer above $400, think about moving up to a Digital SLR (DSLR). The discount you get in camera cost over a DSLR is related to the lack of lens interchangability.
3. Digital SLR. These cameras have interchangable lenses and usually have the best sensor and software. While not as small, they can be operated in both automatic and manual modes, and you have a great deal of creativity at your disposal. Digital SLR prices and functionality have never been better. The entry level $500-$600 cameras are great, and the $700-$1500 midrange cameras are unbelievable, containing features that 2 or 3 years ago would have made the camera cost $3000 or more. This is a hot market. Nikon and Canon are trading blows in many models...and at the same time Sony is leapfrogging them with price, performance and capability in the Alpha line, which is derived from the old Minolta design.
So, you have now chosen your camera category. The following is a more specific guide to choosing a camera in one of the above categories.
Choosing a slimline Point and Shoot
Basic Requirements - 3x Optical zoom or better. Image Stabilization. Face Recognition. 8 Megapixel or better.
Special Features - Movie Mode, Waterproof. Only make these a requirement if you need the feature. New this year is "Smile Shutter" which will supposedly take pictures when the person smiles. Have not tried this...sounds gimmicky to me.
Things to ignore - wireless, digital zoom. Most wireless isn't the "Wifi" that your laptop uses. Look for that to become really popular next year.
Recommendations - There are over 150 models available. Pick a color, manufacturer and price point you like. Expect to spend $150 to $250. Cameras below $100 are probably old models, but might work just fine for your situation. Picking up an old model that has 6 Megapixels or more can be a great deal.
Choosing a Prosumer Point and Shoot
Basic Requirements - 10 Megapixels or more, 10x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization.
Special Features - Some have movie mode and High-Def output, to show on a high-def TV.
Things to Ignore - Digital Zoom.
Recommendations - Kodak has 15x zoom cameras in the 10Mp range for under $300. Canon also has a 10x zoom in a 9Mp model for under $250. Olympus has a water resistant 8Mp model for under $250.
Choosing a Digital SLR
Basic Requirements - 10 Megapixels or more, Live View (on most models released in 2008). All of the good brands have full manual and automatic modes.
Special Features - High speed shooting, metal bodies, in camera stabilization (Sony/Alpha), High ISO shooting (better pictures in dark - led by Nikon at this point), dust-proof or weather-proof bodies.
Things to Ignore - In some ways, ignore the Megapixels. 10 or more is good in these times. Unless you are planning to routinely make 16"x20" or larger prints, don't get hung up on Megapixels.
Recommendations
Best Entry Level DSLRs:
- Sony Alpha A300K kit. 10.2Megapixels, in-camera stabilization. With starter lens, an amazing $599. Wow! Only issue is lens compatibility. If you have no Canon or Nikon "glass", go for this one. In camera stabilization is amazing. I shot with it on the old Minolta Prosumers and the feature is excellent, adding 2+ stops to your hand-held shooting capability.
- Canon Digital Rebel XSi Kit. 12.2 Mp with starter lens for $749.
- Nikon D60 kit. 10.2Mp with starter lens for $649.
Best Mid Level DSLRs:
- Sony A350X 14.2Mp (wow), image stabilization and lens in kit for $799.
- Nikon D90 12.3Mp, HD Movie capability! All in a kit for $1299. This one reportedly has killer low-light image quality.
- Canon 50D 15.1Mp (yeah!) $1599
Beyond these, the upper range SLRs are probably not as much for gift giving as for the professional or serious hobbyist to purchase on their own, so I will not get into them here.
Resources
The best place for camera reviews is Digital Photo Review (dpreview.com). Their camera reviews highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each model and often compare them to their peers in the same category. If you are going to spend $500 or more on a DSLR, you should do some poking around there. When you are ready to buy, consider visiting your local camera store. They may not be able to beat the lowest electronics store or website, but their service and support, especially for the first-time DSLR owner, will be well worth the extra cost. Plus you keep a business in your neighborhood alive.
Other items to consider buying
I wouldn't leave home without a good monopod for my SLR. Also consider extra memory cards and batteries. A good camera bag with room for more lenses would be appreciated by the SLR enthusiast. Filters such as UV/protection and polarizing are also good - make sure you know the size of the lens. It may be wise to wait on additional lenses or give the person a gift card to Amazon, Beach Camera or that local camera store so they can get used to the camera and their needs before getting additional lenses.
Hopefully this has given you a good idea of what to look for in choosing a digital camera this holiday season. Happy Hunting!
John Huegel is a photographer in the Erie, Pennsylvania area who specializes in Seniors, Dance Studio, Families and other groups. He is active in many charitable and volunteer activities in the Erie area. His work can be seen at http://jhphotomusic.com
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