May 31 2009
Wait! Don’t Buy That Digital Camera Till You Read This
Has anyone besides me noticed that the quality of digital camera seems to be getting worse over time? Canon (and others) seem be putting out a lot of low quality cameras in the under $200 price range. It’s almost beginning to feel as if the definition of disposable camera has changed to any camera priced under $200. Low resolution LCDs, underpowered, image noise, and really slow flash recharge times seem to plague many digitals in this price range. If your considering buying a Canon Powershot A560 Digital Camera, you may want to be aware of its shortcomings.
One of my biggest complaints with digital cameras and digital camera manufacturers, is the exclusion of an optical viewfinder. Sure, we all love the cool factor of having a nice big LCD screen to view pictures with. But, not if a larger LCD means sacrificing a viewfinder. Especially on a camera the eats batteries like the Coolpix L11. Having a viewfinder, means you can still take pictures, even with dying batteries. It’s a bit of a vicious circle… bigger LCD = no space for viewfinder = batteries die sooner… and no user option to switch to viewfinder mode.
Next, draw up a short list of the most important features for you. Here’s a few to choose from. Megapixels (at least 5 or 6). Image sensor size (bigger is better . . . not megapixels, that’s different . . . if the salesperson can’t answer this, find another salesperson). Zoom lens (anything more than 12x or 70mm and you’ll probably need a SLR). LCD screen (at least 2.5 inches and 230,000 pixels).
The other thing that seems to frustrate many customer of the A560, is that it’s kind of an in between camera. It’s not really an ultra-compact, so it’s difficult to slide into small places like your pants pocket to take with you anywhere. Conversely, it’s also at the bottom of the compact range price wise, so it appeals to many in the ultra-compact demographic. Canon needs to do a better job of positioning this camera in the marketplace to avoid so much buyers remorse.
There are other recommended things to consider in your digital camera shopping. Size (choose from ultra compact, compact, or extra case need just for lenses). SLR or point and shoot ( pros vs amateurs). ISO settings (if your into manual tweaking). Built in camera editing (things like removing red eye). Macro lens function ( for photographers that like to take pictures of really really tiny things) Memory cards (some take CF, some take SD, some take both . . . what you already own may help you decide).
Once you have your short list of features, it’s time to try a few cameras out. I like to visit the camera store, and take lots of pictures. Go during the off hours, and find a helpful salesperson. Ask question, take pictures, ask more questions. Wash rinse repeat with a couple of cameras, and even a couple of salespersons if necessary. Pretty soon, you’ll know what you like.
If your looking for something to capture special family moments and events for the scrapbook, then it’s worth saving up another one or two hundred dollars and getting a real feature rich camera.
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