Camera Stabilizers

Top 20 Questions To Consider When Buying a Digital Camera

My top 20 key questions to ask yourself when buying a digital camera.

1. How many "megapixels" / resolution?

Once and for all, at least for me, you have to get the highest solution your money can buy at the time you buy. Period.

2. Who made the lens?

Most cameras will give you an idea where the lens was just by looking at the front of the lens. Know if the camera lens came from a reputable company as Leica, Zeiss, Canon, Etc. .. Lens quality is one of the main factors you should consider, especially if you want to use it for commercial, technical or scientific purposes.

3. Do I need interchangeable lenses? How many are available for my specific camera in mind?

Has the option for interchangeable lenses gives you the freedom to experiment with different focal lengths. Even on some P & S (point and shoot) cameras can compete with digital SLRs with a generous zoom range for a non interchangeable lens system.

Note also that the number of lenses available for use with your specific camera because of the flexibility reasons. You can almost cover the whole "zoom range" with interchangeable lenses versus modest zoom ranges on a non interchangeable lens systems, or P & S cameras.

4. Does it have a zoom capability? What is the range?

Almost all the programs I mentioned above will need some type to zoom in (telephoto) or out (wide), especially if you do not have room for to move around the object you shoot.

For landscape pictures, wide angle shot very common and appealing, while zooming in on the details serves as a pause and complementary wide angle shots.

For weddings and events, you should use a zoom, because there will be times when you're limited by the shooting space and you will have a difficult time moving around. Its a good thing to know that you can do all sorts of design without even moving from your position.

A nice zoom will give you the efficiency and versatility in your photography, so my suggestion is go for the longest range you can get (usually from a 7X to 10X for Point and shoots).

Notes also the speed to zoom in or out, as this will be a factor if you shoot events like weddings. You will not capture that "decisive moment "at a mediocre zoom speed.

5. Has provision to capture RAW images?

Many photographers will say you'll need this digital camera that function if you want big prints from your photos. Although this is correct, the main reason why you want this is because of the benefit he will give you ... pure total control over your images ... from exposure, color, metadata, HDR and much more.

6. Can I attach an external flash?

During a external flash capabilities will give you power and creative freedom to light your subject any which way you want.

You can connect your digital camera to all kinds of lighting equipment and thus give you more options and versatility. This takes the form of a hotshoe or a PC Sync socket.

If your digital camera does not have this feature, there is still hope because accessory called flash slaves are sold by third party companies in different variants, which will also do the same job more or less.

7. Does it have a tripod?

Some of the most beautiful landscape pictures that I've seen are undoubtedly made with a tripod, so this is a must have if you plan to do this kind of photography.

"Available light shot" at a wedding, still life and product photography, studio and art shots ... everyone needs a tripod for success ... so guess what happens if you do not have a tripod socket? ... You can not effectively use a tripod!

8. Has the automatic and manual focusing?

It would not be obvious at first why you need this, especially if you're just starting out in photography. But if you're like me ... A total control freak when it comes for cameras ... and you really want to express your creative side, this is definitely a must have.

9. Can you attach filters to it? and what filter size?

Creative expression through special effects are just one of many reasons that make photography fun and interesting, and experiment with filters is a creative endeavor you should try with your photography, especially if you are a beginner.

Remember to ask about the special digital camera you are eyeing to handle filters and pray the filter size. (To save you from buying the right filter with the wrong filter size) Note that most digital SLRs have to handle filters, since most lenses that come with it have a filter thread embedded in the lens.

Most P & S (point and shoot) digital cameras are generally not a filter thread built and may need special accessories to accomplish this, so you should check to know for sure.

Again there are many third-party accessories you can buy to customize filters to your P & S digital cameras do not have this provision. I will discuss all this in an upcoming post so watch for it. (Or subscribe to my notification list (feed via email) so you know when it's up.

10. Can I upgrade the firmware?

The good thing about some digital camera manufacturers is that they keep on improving their digital cameras, even after they sold it to you ... this comes i the form of a firmware upgrade.

Normally this implies an improvement in one or more features of a camera. Be sure that the digital camera you plan to buy has an easy way to upgrade its firmware. This takes the form of either an easy download via the manufacturer's website (find it and bookmark it now) or a free CD.

Another subject - be sure consider whether a downgrade is possible or available with your digital camera ... Why is a downgrade, you ask? ... Because, you may want to reinstall a previous firmware ... Just in case you do not like the results from a firmware upgrade.

Occasionally there is a feature that will be removed by the upgrade, you failed to read on and you decided that you just want to keep this function instead of a bunch of trivial upgrades from the new firmware. (Yes, I personally experienced this.)

11. Are there any extra goodies or software that comes with it?

Some people ignore the fact that you can save a lot of money just by doing a simple math. Did you know that you can actually get your digital camera for a lot less if you study prices and deals on the marketplace?

If you buy a digital camera and it comes with software that you can really use ... as Photoshop, elements, or another image editing program for that matter, you have already saved up some money that you otherwise would use. Some dealers will throw lots of extras ... If you simply ask.

Trying to always ask for these things that you'll end up buying anyway if you do not - like camera bags, extra lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, tripod, cleaning, etc. Believe me ... you'll end up buying these things if you do not ask about it in the agreement. What have you got to lose? Simply ASK. Would you believe I actually cut one of my camera purchase cost as much as 30%? Ask away.

12. Is there local support in your area?

Finding the answer to this one will give you a big advantage in the long run. Would not you sleep better at night because you feel that extra security - that in case there is something wrong with your digital camera, you can bring it in for repair at a moment's notice?

Not knowing when camera to be repaired (or if it even reached a remote repair facility) is one of the worst feelings a photographer can have, especially if you're in the middle of a photoshoot or project.

13. What type of warranty does it have? Worldwide / Countrywide?

If you travel a lot its good to know that a nationwide or even better - A worldwide warranty can get your camera fixed, no matter where you are. Always bring warranty card and glue it onto your camera bag.

14. Has the ability to take video and sound?

I know most digital SLRs do not have this feature. But some non interchangeable lens DSLRs have it. This is a very useful feature to have if you're on a project or photoshoot and want to document or record a procedure for a moment or an idea that you would otherwise have difficulty remembering or even writing. It is always a good idea to bring a P & S camera back that has this feature.

The things you could do with audio and video clips on a photoshoot is only limited by your imagination ... interviews, documentation, funny jokes, training procedures, Bloopers, etc..

15. Does it have a manual white balance?

White balance is one of the most interesting aspects of digital cameras. It's fun and fascinating to work with. If this option enables photography fun-o-meter road going up. In future posts I will discuss the white balance in detail, so be sure to stay tuned.

16. How sensitive is it to infrared?

If you plan to make infrared pictures or enter the exciting world of Infrared art photography so you will want to know if your digital camera can do it.

TIP: There is a simple way to test how sensitive your digital camera is that infrared using a very common device - a TV remote. For P & S, you can aim the remote at the lens and measuring the light LED from the remote. This should give you an idea of how sensitive your digital camera to infrared. For DSLRs you have to take pictures of LED and experiment a little, or you can just research or google the specific camera model you have in mind to others' experiences and thoughts about it.

17. How tall is the ISO sensitivity? Is it manually?

ISO sensitivity is an indication of the sensitivity of film to light. In the digital world, it refers to the sensitivity of the electronic sensor in your digital camera in relation to ISO standard used for movies.

The higher the ISO sensitivity on your camera faster or better to record a certain amount light.

High ISO sensitivity is useful to take better pictures in dark places ... such as inside a church or at night. The higher ISO setting, the more details, you can catch a dark scene.

A warning - note the amount of noise a particular camera exhibits at higher ISOs. Some people may like it and some do not. Again, do not be afraid to ask or do research on noise characteristics of your camera model in mind to see if this is the right choice for you.

18. How high or low you can set shutterspeed? What are the minimum and maximum aperture settings?

Shutterspeed and aperture settings are the fundamental mechanisms that operate your camera and controls amount of light that is exposed by the film or image sensor.

You use a high shutterspeeds in action shot and avoid camera shake, and you use low shutterspeeds for motion effects and bulb or long exposures. You can check whether these figures on the websites I gave you in Part 1 You can see it in the technical specifications for a particular camera.

A bulb or "T" mode is a nice feature to have because you can take exposures for almost a very long time. Another feature to have, is if your camera has a remote to use this bulb or "T" mode. This gives you to take pictures without holding your camera and add to "camera shake".

With the topic of openings, a small one (small aperture) you can have a wider depth of field, so your pictures are sharp from near to far versus a large aperture (large aperture) where your pictures have a narrow depth of field and seems "selective targeting".

19. Have some kind of an image stabilizer?

New cameras coming out, as we often do have this function. In short, an image stabilizer is some kind of a mechanism built into the lens or camera body (depending on the manufacturer and their implementation), which basically effectively preventing you from getting blurry photos when shooting in low light or using a long or telephoto lens. Has this function can mean the difference between a blurry picture (aka no picture!) For a useful one.

20. How close can it focus? Macro skills?

The closer your camera can focus ... greater image of an object, you can take in relation to the image dimensions of the final photo ... and the bigger picture of the object ... The more details you can get. If you want to take images of small objects like flowers and fine detail, so this is a must-have.

That's it. Whew.

Do you really need to go over all these questions? ... Of course not, but even if you only study and ponder about half of them ... and taking the time ... I promise you one thing will surely happen ...

You will be ...

a lot smarter!

than when you first started asking these questions ... ergo you will be better able to to decide what digital camera to buy ... Because you are now armed with the most powerful tool anyone can have

powerful information!

During any case, I hope you find as much value in these matters as many of my friends have and be able to get the camera to your dreams.

Enjoy!

About the Author

Aldrin Garcia is a Computer Consultant, Professional Photographer and Professional Blogger currently based in the Philippines. Current Projects include a digital imaging consultancy for the 350 page coffee table book "CEBU" and his Photography pursuits at http://www.aldringarcia.com. If you're starting out as a digital photographer or doing it as a hobby you can check out and subscribe to his blog at http://digicamresource.blogspot.com for more tips, ideas, techniques and musings.

Why is it that even with a camera lens with optical stabilizer, my DSLR style takes blur images?

I hope you understand how IS works, it will not freeze moving subjects (such as a moving person, car, bird in flight), it will allow you to hand hold a lens in a low light situation usually gives you a 2-4 stop advantage over non IS lens. Do not think that by switching IS on topic (if moving) will be captured correctly, you will still have to to set the camera correctly. I suggest you practice research / ISO / shutter speed / aperture. Have a look to see if you are in the One Shot / AI Servo / AI Focus. You can also neglected to say what kind of pictures you're trying to take a link to an example with EXIF data will make it easier for us to see where you go wrong!. Also do you use IS while mounted on a tripod?. If so, switch it off!. Say what camera you would be a great help too. Then and only then can people tell you how you can solve this problem, it's like me call a garage and say I have "a car" and there is a problem with 'wheels'.

DIY Camera Shoulder Stabilizer [Video] # DIY We've highlighted a few ways to stabilize your DSLR or camcorder, but they are perhaps not ideal for certain types of shooting. This inexpensive, compact shoulder rig will hold your camera steady anywhere you need to go. More »

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Image Stabilization $68.51 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Image stabilization (IS) is a family of techniques used to reduce blurring associated with the motion of a camera during exposure. Specifically, it compensates for pan and tilt (angular movement, equivalent to yaw and pitch) of a camera or other imaging device. It is used in imagestabilized binoculars, still and video cameras, and astronomical telescopes. With still cameras, camera shake is particularly problematic at slow shutter speeds or with long focal length (telephoto) lenses. With video cameras, camera shake causes visible frametoframe jitter in the recorded video. In astronomy, the problem of lensshake is added to by variations in the atmosphere over time, which cause the apparent positions of objects to change. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 96 Publication Date: 2010/08/23 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.23 inches

Stabilization of Linear Systems $179.61 Author: Dragan, V./ Halanay, A./ Dragan, Vasile Series Title: System and Control Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 308 Publication Date: 1999/06/01 Language: English Dimensions: 9.21 x 6.14 x 0.75 inches

Integration and Stabilization: A Monetary View $159.32 This study argues that owing to the wide diversity of nations, their often conflicting policies, and insistence on preserving their sovereignty, the processes of worldwide integration are facilitated by tying these countries together in a system of flexible exchange rates externally, while putting in place a rulesoriented monetary regime internally. The examination of the various issues involved in such an arrangement focuses on money and monetary policy drawing on historical, theoretical, philosophical, and empirical results. Author: Macesich, George Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 152 Publication Date: 1996/06/18 Language: English Dimensions: 9.62 x 6.42 x 0.66 inches

Stabilization and Structural Adjustment in Poland $294.74 The Solidarityled government which came into power in Poland in Autumn 1989 faced two enormous tasks. First, to stabilize an economy prone to hyperflation. Second, to replace a crumbling command system in favour of a market mechanism, in a country whose market institutions had been destroyed under forty years of communist rule. This book recounts the events of this period and the course taken by the new government, and analyzes the significance of this for the transition process in Poland and elsewhere. Author: Kierzkowski, H./ Kierzkowski, Henryk/ Okolski, Marek Binding Type: Hardcover Number of Pages: 336 Publication Date: 1993/12/08 Age Level: 18 18 Language: English Dimensions: 9.47 x 6.38 x 1.11 inches

Samsung PL90 digital camera $89.99 Samsung PL90 is a 12.2 MP digital compact camera features 4x Optical Zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-112mm) , ISO 80-3200, Smart Auto (still & movie), 8 ? 1/2000 second shutter speed, Perfect Portrait System, Object tracking AF, Smart Album, Digital Image Stabilization, and a 2.7″ TFT LCD screen. The camera measures 97.8 �~ 57 �~ 17.9mm and weighs approx. 122g.

Camera $106.74 A camera is a device that records images, either as a still photograph or as moving images known as videos or movies. The term comes from the camera obscura (Latin for dark chamber ), an early mechanism of projecting images where an entire room functioned as a realtime imaging system; the modern camera evolved from the camera obscura Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 134 Publication Date: 2009/11/24 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.31 inches

Coolpix S4300 Digital Camera (Plum) - 16 MP CCD sensor, Optical VR Image Stabilization, 720 HD Movies! $169.95 Nothing tells a story like a photo! The COOLPIX S4300 is the right choice to catch every moment. Whether hanging out at the mall or posing with friends before you hit the prom, keep your family and friends in the loop. With its high-resolution 16.0 megapixel CCD sensor, create photos for memorable prints or to place on a team t-shirt. Zoom in for a smile, zoom out for a touchdown. Optical VR Image Stabilization makes your shots clear and sharp. And the one-touch movie record button makes for quick and easy HD (720p) movies. Catch candid moments6x optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens Just when they thought no one was looking...fire off a couple shots and catch your friends when they least expect it. The 6x zoom and fast autofocus make it happen. The S4300 has a wide-angle 6x optical Zoom-NIKKOR (26-156mm) glass lens, plus optical VR Image Stabilization to prevent your shots from coming out blurry. Look at that!High-resolution 3.0-inch touch screenKeep in touch—both socially and with your camera. An intuitive graphic interface makes this one of the easiest cameras to use. The S4300 lets you navigate settings and camera modes, add effects and view photos and movies with fingertip operation. The clear and bright 3.0-inch LCD touch screen lets every one of your stills and movies come alive with 460,000-dot detail. Quick and easy HD moviesHD (720p) movies at the touch of a buttonJust touch a button and start recording movies. Memorable moments are preserved in high quality HD (720p) video with sound. Show friends the shots you got right away on the S4300's the large 3.0-inch LCD touch screen or view your movies and photos on your HDTV or computer. Better yet, upload to the web and share with anyone. View or Download The Complete Nikon Coolpix Spring 2012 Brochure Adobe Reader Required