Many people are under the impression that it is important to have a lot of megapixels because retailers and manufacturers often discuss and advertise this as the most critical feature of a digital camera. When you don’t know what to look for when you are deciding on which camera to purchase, it’s possible that you will make your decision based solely on the number of megapixels available.

Digital cameras need to offer other decent features in addition to an abundance of megapixels. The only time that the number of megapixels would be of importance is when creating big prints from your photographs. Other features are just as vital though. How fast the camera takes photos is one of those features, because you are likely to miss an action shot if the camera is slow. The size of the camera is also a consideration, because you won’t want to carry it around with you if it is too big. Plus, if there are no manual controls on the camera, it may not be possible to take the best photographs under every condition.

Important Features

Megapixel resolution/count: If you are only planning to use your camera to take snapshot sized photos or photos that will be emailed to friends, the number of megapixels that the camera has is not an issue. However, you will have more flexibility when you edit or print photos if you have a larger number of megapixels. Modern digital cameras usually have at least 5 megapixels which is more than adequate to create sharp 11 X 14 prints.

Design, weight and camera size: Many people concentrate less on the number of megapixels and more on the size and weight of the digital camera. For instance, PC World tested digital cameras of varying sizes — anywhere from a few ounces in weight to a few pounds. Although carrying small digital cameras is very convenient, their diminutive size can make small cameras more difficult to deal with because there are few buttons and the buttons that are included are very small. Something else to consider is that usually cameras of this size do not include manual controls.

The zoom lens: a weak optical zoom is generally associated with a cheap digital camera. If you are trying to decided between a camera with greater resolution and one with greater optical zoom, I would suggest that you select the one with the superior optical zoom. Don’t make your decision based on digital zoom though, since that only provides software based magnification. A camera with a high zoom (some cameras will let you zoom to 20X), can be used for sports and nature photography, but you must use a tripod to provide stability.

Digital Camera FAQ

Question: Digital camera?
I have a digital camera and its been acting weird. I won’t let you take pictures because it says on the bottom right corner that its on lock. I looked through the manual and I asked a bunch of people but they don’t know how to get it off lock. Anyone know?

Answer: Well, I don’t know what brand of camera you have.

If you are absolutely sure it’s not in the manual, how about you try Googling it… or go to the brand name website. If it doesn’t say anything on their website or on Google, you can try calling a contact number (should be on the website) and just quickly ask them. They should be able to help you out.

Question: What digital camera would you suggest to buy?
My cousin and I really don’t know anything about buying a good digital camera. My cousin needs one and she said she’s willing to pay up to $300 for a camera. She wants one that has a rechargeable battery. If you have any good suggestions about what digital camera to purchase please let me know your opinion and where could we find it brand new with a good value.

Ohh i forgot to put that she needed a waterproof digital camera because we’re going to Philippines and take the camera to beaches. What’s a good waterproof camera?

Answer: The samsung cameras are really good. I had one which was digimax S500 and I took really good pictures, but I took it to Mexico on a mission trip and it got wet so it stopped working. I bought the latest version which was the digimax S630 in green, but the screen broke. I have an HP camera now and I dont really like it, my mom has a digimax S630 in silver and Im always taking it. They are like $100 but they take 2 AA batts, I have the energizer rechargable though. But for like $150 I think they have some that have the recharable battery. I really like those cameras, I’ve had plenty of cameras and that one has great quality, you can also choose the option when taking a pic that it flashes twice so you cant blink. I took pictures last year at prom a couple months before it got wet in Mexico and I got them printed out at Costco and they looked great. I really love those cameras, I hope I can get the screen on my green one fixed before I go on my trip to Sydney this July.

Question: What is the best digital camera brand to buy?
I now own a HP digital camera that works just fine. But before digital came along, I had a Nikon film camera which I just loved. Everytime I see a professional, they are using a Nikon. To me digital can’t even compare to film but it’s nice to be able to see the pictures before they are developed. I have taken thousands of pictures over the years that are still on my SD cards. Don’t get me wrong my digital camera is great and I have developed hundreds of the pictures, but when using digital you just can’t stop at one picture.

Answer: Asking for an opinion between Nikon or Canon is like asking about religion. Both sides will argue until they fall unconcious. The truth is, both Nikon and Canon make fantastic D-SLR cameras.

If you owned a Nikon film SLR in the past and still have lenses, you already have a start on a Nikon kit. Almost all Nikon “F” mount lenses made will work on current Nikon digital SLR cameras. A recent exception is the Nikon D40 and D40x – they will autofocus only with Nikon “AF-S” lenses.

Canon, on the other hand, is as equally used by professionals as Nikon. They don’t have the decades of lens compatibility that Nikon does, but they do have a very developed hypersonic motor focusing system that they have used since the creation of the Canon “EF” lens mount. (Nikon uses their similar “AF-S” technology, but Canon did it first.)

Consider both brands equally and be sure to make your final decision standing in your local camera store with the cameras in your hands. Specifications and test reviews on the Web can only tell you so much. Eventually, you have to TRY the cameras and discover which one is for you.

Question: Best digital camera for a student photographer?
I am currently a student in high school, and I am very interested in digital photography. I do not have a lot of experience with purchasing cameras, and I am looking for a digital camera that has great features, easy to use functions, and is durable. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

Answer: SLR is good but $$$ even the inexpensive ones are $500+.

A good point and shoot that has full manual shooting capability will be $250+ and it is the minimum I would recommend for someone who thinks they might get serious about shooting since even if you upgrade later on, you can still learn how to take pictures by using the full manual mode.

Then IF you decide to upgrade to a true SLR/DSLR, you can always use the P&S as a pocket camera while the DSLR/SLR can become your serious shooter.

On the other hand if you decide that Photography is not your thing, it hasn’t cost you alot to figure that out.

Question: What kind of digital camera should I buy?
I want a digital camera that gives me the best quality digital photographs for around Rs. 12000. I am a amatuer photographer and was hoping to buy a digital camera for myself sometime soon. I would mainly be using the camera for portraits of people, nature and landscape shots. I am really thankful if someone can help me.

Answer: i suggest the ixus from canon, really good , has alot of settings. high quality.
try google that..maybe try ixus 860 is.

Question: What digital camera do you recommend?
I want to buy a digital camera in the next few months and am aware some of the ‘better’ digital cameras are very pricey. I looked at previous questions to see which cameras are recommended but this doesn’t help me make a decision, I also looked at reviews online.

Could anyone answer the question stating the digital camera they use, and an example of photography they have taken using the camera without any editing and why they personally think it is a good camera (e.g. easy to use, photo quality, functions of the camera).

Answer: This is a question only you can answer, if your keen on photography and want to get the maximum control then it has to be a DSLR. There are just too many restrictions with a compact, small sensor and shutter delay are just two. The only advantages they do have is size and portability.

When you buy a DSLR you are buying into a system, the camera is just the down payment.

The resolution of the camera just determines the size of picture you can print without adding (or removing pixels – ‘interpolation), nothing else. As a guide a 6Mp camera will print ‘natively’ at a tad over A4, a 10Mp at A3+, but that does mean you can crop half the pixels away and still have enough for a good A4. I have 2 Pentax DSLR’s a *istDS (6Mp) and a K10D (10Mp) this means I can use the same lens to do comparative tests. When printed at A4 size I can see no difference, even with a magnifying glass, at A3 you don’t need the magnifying glass the difference is easy to see, the 10Mp K10D wins hands down.

The make of DSLR does not matter one jot, the lens quality does, so go for the most functions for the money. Pentax score heavily here, having Anti Shake in camera means ALL you lenses are Anti Shake, there’s not a price premium to pay as with other makes. Plus there are a massive range of quality old lenses all of which can be used on their DSLR’s (with some limitations).

Question: What digital camera also records good video?
I’m going on a study abroad trip to Australia and want to get a digital camera. I know pretty much nothing about them (I’ve never owned one) so I’m just looking for something that takes good pictures. However, I also was contemplating getting a video camera as well so I could record memories, so I want to know if there is a digital camera that is good at doing both?

Answer: almost all of them
polaroid camaras are great

Question: What does “Digital camera has 10x optical and 4x digital zoom” mean to the camera user?
Is that ENOUGH camera for me? I would like to do close ups.

It’s a Canon PowerShot SX100 IS Digital Camera.
How good is that camera?

Answer: The optical zoom works well for when you want to enlarge a picture. The digital zoom doesn’t seem to enlarge as well. It pixulates the picture and it becomes blury. A 10x optical is pretty good. Mine is only 3 and does a nice job for my use.