Digital Camera Guide & Showcase

Teach me all about -Choosing a Digital Camera Digital photography is growing in popularity, as the quality of digital imaging technology rapidly approaches that of traditional film, and as more people become both computer and web savvy. Digital images can be easily uploaded to your computer; from there they can then be manipulated using a variety of software, e-mailed to friends, or posted on a web site. The "film" used in digital cameras (i.e. storage media) can be used over and over again (and sometimes, depending on the format, can be used in different types of products such as MP3 players), so there's no need to run out and buy a roll of film every time you want to take pictures. Digital photography also provides a certain level of instant gratification, as you are able to immediately view your images, either on the LCD panel found on most cameras, or on your computer or TV screen. Listed below are descriptions of the key characteristics differentiating digital cameras.

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Delay Between Shots

The amount of time (measured in seconds) it takes the camera to process and store an image when shooting in normal mode (non-burst), at the camera's maximum resolution setting (also known as Recycle Time or Lag Time).

Why is it important? The delay between shots ranges from approximately 1 - 20 seconds. To some, this may not be much of an issue. For others, having to wait a while before being able to take another shot may be frustrating.

Flash Type

The flash makes a burst of light for shooting inside or in low-light conditions.

Why is it important? The type(s) of flash available vary from camera to camera. The flashes built into most digital cameras have limited range and adjustibility (on average, these flashes do not work well beyond 10 feet), in comparison to external flash options which can provide a much more powerful and versatile flash. Keep in mind that a camera with a "Hot Shoe" or "Flash Sync," will often come with the standard built-in flash as well.

Flash Options:

• Off/On/Auto - This refers to the basic flash functions, where the flash is always off, always on (for fill-ins, for example), or set to fire automatically when needed.

• Red-Eye Reduction- This refers to a mode of flash that helps prevent the appearance of people with red-eyes in the picture.

• Flash sync - allows one to use more powerful flashes, and/or place the flash strategically, by attaching an external flash unit to the camera. Typically, a camera with flash sync will also offer the more traditional forms of flash as well, such as auto flash.

• Hot Shoe - This is a structure found on some digital cameras, to which an external flash unit is attached. Some cameras offering hot shoe capability also offer the more traditional forms of flash, such as automatic.

Resolution

The resolution of a digital camera refers to the sharpness of its pictures.

Why is it important? The higher the resolution - the better the picture. Resolution is expressed in pixels, and refers to the "true" (i.e. non-interpolated) resolution of the camera.

Resolution Range:

• 640 x 480 Pixels = Minimum Computer Resolution

• 1280 x 960 Pixels = Film Resolution of 4"x6" print

• 1600 x 1200 Pixels = Film Resolution of 8"x10" print

• 1920 x 1600 Pixels = Very High Resolution

Rapid-Fire Shots

This feature allows you to take multiple rapid-fire shots with one touch of the exposure button. This can be a very useful feature when shooting subjects in motion, such as during a sporting event. Rapid-Fire is also known as Burst Mode or Continuous Shooting Mode.

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Optical Zoom

An optical zoom magnifies the image using a real multi-focal length lens (a digital zoom only enlarges the center 50%), allowing you to take more detailed pictures of objects which are faraway. Magnification level is measured in degrees, such as "2X" or "3X." A "2X" optical zoom, for example, means that if the camera's minimum focal length is 50mm, then it has the ability to take pictures up to 100mm. More than 50% of digital cameras on the market today do not have an optical zoom.

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Ease of Download

This refers to how the camera downloads its pictures to your computer or printer. Some digital cameras offer more than one means of downloading your images.

What kinds are available?

	Via 3.5" Floppy - With this feature, the camera stores its images on the same floppy disks that you use in your PC or Macintosh. Taking the floppy out of the camera and putting it into your computer, and copying them onto the computer effectively transfers the images.
	Via Removable Memory - Many digital cameras store images on removable memory devices that can be swapped in and out of the camera like rolls of film. These can then be used with a variety of card readers (depending on the type of storage), which are typically purchased as an additional accessory (i.e., they are not provided by the manufacturer "in the box"). PCMCIA Type II or III cards are credit card size memory that do not require a card reader to download the images; you can insert the card directly into laptop computers. "Removable Media" does not include 3.5 in. floppy disks.
	Via Infrared - Infrared transmission uses invisible light to transfer pictures to your computer or printer. Also known as "IrDA," this technology allows one to download images without using cables or wires, but is also extremely slow.
	Via Parallel Cable - This type of cable connection is quite common, and transfers images faster than a serial connection, as it is able to send multiple bits of information at the same time (i.e. "in parallel").
	Via SCSI Cable - SCSI is a form of image transfer involving a high speed bus cable system, used only with Macintosh computers and high-end PCs.
	Via Serial Cable - The most standard type of serial cable is identified as a "RS-232" interconnector. This method is relatively slow, in comparison to a USB cable connection, but still quite common.
	Via USB Cable - A USB (short for universal serial bus) cable transports images from your digital camera via a connection that is much faster than a serial or parallel cable. It is important to note however, that this type of connection can only be used with the newer Pentium computers, and won't work on PC's with slow/older processors. Note that many cameras that come with a USB cable will also offer a serial and/or parallel connection option.

Image Capacity (at hi-res)

This refers to the camera's memory capacity for images shot at high resolution, using the amount of memory which comes shipped with the camera (some cameras allow you to add memory, which in turn will increase the number of images which can be stored).

What should you consider? The greater the resolution, the more memory space is needed. Therefore, it is important to note the high resolution or maximum resolution setting on the camera before evaluating this figure. Also, as mentioned previously, you can add memory to many digital cameras by purchasing high volume storage cards.

Image Capacity Range: 1 - 3,000 images.

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Manual Features

Most digital cameras have fully automatic operation. Some however, come with manual features. These are the creative controls on the camera which allow you to adjust the focus, exposure settings, and white balance to allow for more precise picture-taking.

What should you consider? Keep in mind that the degree of manual functionality can vary from one camera to another. For example, some cameras with "Manual Focus" have a traditional manual focus ring; whereas others offer multiple pre-set options from which to choose. Please refer to the glossary for more detailed information about the following features.

Options: Manual Focus, Manual Aperture, Manual Shutter, Manual White Balance, Manual Exposure Compensation.

 

Special Features

These are the "bells" and "whistles" of a digital camera that distinguish it from other models.

	Add-On Lens - a lens that attaches to the lens built into the digital camera. While an add-on lens is not as versatile as an actual interchangeable lens, it does provide the user with an alternative means of composing a shot, by providing a telephoto or wide-angle option or add-on filters to name a few. To date, most digital cameras do not offer this feature.
	Audio Recording - allows you to record a short sound bite with each image, allowing you to makes notes for future reference.
	DPOF - DPOF stands for Digital Print Order Format - a feature found on the camera that allows the user to send images directly to the printer and control the quantity and order of the images being printed.
	Interchangeable Lens - allows you to physically change the type of lens being used. Interchangeable lens capability is rarely found on digital cameras and when it is, you can expect a hefty price tag along with it.
	Macro - a lens feature which allows you to take "close-up" shots, usually within one foot or less; good for taking pictures of small objects such as a stamp or insect, for example.
	Mini Movie - allows user to create a short movie, for those times when still images simply don't do the trick.
	Remote Control - with this feature, you can take a picture without holding the camera - an alternative to using a self-timer.
	Rotatable Lens - a rotatable lens allows you to adjust the angle of the lens (not the focusing ability of the camera). Some rotate 180 degrees while others can rotate a full 360 degrees, allowing you to compose a self-portrait while viewing yourself on the LCD panel.

Computer Closeouts and Refurbish Gear

About Tech for Less, Inc. As you might have already noticed, we are not like most computer and electronics stores. Tech for Less only stocks product that we can sell below the price other online merchants charge. You will see that our inventory never looks the same twice and that we stock all major brands of computer products ranging from high-end servers, CRT or LCS monitors, to little inkjet printers. And don't forget to look at our televisions, MP3 players and more great deals. Check out their New Arrivals ... Final Clearance Sales ... Web only specials

Tech for Less has been in business since early 2001 and we are one of the world's largest stocking vendors of new, new open-box, excess, refurbished and end-of-life name brand computer equipment, peripherals and electronics. All our products carry the manufacturer warranty unless specifically noted otherwise. In such a case, Tech for Less will warrant the item for the same period as the manufacturer to ensure your satisfaction. Laptop specials or printers, MP-3 players and the Closeout systems pages are popular with our Cybermall shoppers.

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