Guide to Buying a digicam- The Essentials

[plasmafire]

Hey guys, as digicams grow cheaper and more powerful, more people switch to the Digital side. i did recently withh the Nikon Coolpix 5900. This may help you out a bit.

to compare digicams use http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM very good
a good but old how to buy tutorial http://www.imaging-resource.com/ARTS/BUY/BUY.HTM
a simplified guide for what does what http://www.viewz.com/shoppingguide/digicam6.shtml
whether to buy a digital camcorder or still-cam http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/wlg/3611
Manufacturer characteristics
Nikon - good color reproduction, low in-camera processing(good if u know Photoshop).
Sony - over-processes images slightly, images are warmer looking
Canon- good camera overall, esp the powershots
Kodak- good battery life, simple(too simple )

Now, if you see one of these statements in camera spec, run away :
1. CMOS sensor in point and shoot cameras. Almost all cameras equipped with this type of sensor will give you an inferior picture. The only exception is Canon 300D SLR, which is not point and shoot.
2. 5 (6,4,etc) megapixels (interpolated). That means that the camera doesn't have sensor with advertised number of megapixels. In fact, the real number could be anything like 2Mpix real and 6Mpix interpolated. Then, the camera will take 2Mpix picture and stretch it across 6Mpix frame. This wouldn't make it any good. The only exception is Fuji Honeycomb CCD. They claim to be able to give you 6Mpix from 3Mpix matrix but in reality they give you something like 4 or 5Mpix, which is OK-ish.
3. Super digital zoom. This number means absolutely nothing. The digital zoom is not doing any good to picture because all it actually does is taking rectangle from the middle of an image and stretching it so that'll take the whole frame. Same as interpolation.

Digicam Resolution vs. Photographic Print Size

Less than 1.0 640 x 480 800 x 600 Web/e-mail only.Maybe 3 x 5 inches.
1 megapixel 1,154 x 852 4 x 6
1.3-1.5 megapixels 1,280 x 960, 1,280 x 1,024 5 x 7
2.0 megapixels 1,600 x 1,200 8 x 10, sharper 5 x 7
3+ megapixels 2,048 x 1,536(or larger) Sharper 8 x 10, 8 x 10 with cropping
5+ megapixels Poster size

fill this out for every model u like

Top Ten Features Checklist 
Manufacturer: ____________________________________ 
Camera Model: ____________________________________ 
Price: ____________________________________ 
Retailer's Phone: ____________________________________ 
Retailer's Web Site: ____________________________________ 
  
1. Megapixels: Will the camera's resolution meet your printing needs?

 
 
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2. Camera Lens: Does the camera have an optical zoom or fixed-focus lens. Plastic or glass?

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
3. Image Quality / Color: How does the image quality compare to similarly priced cameras?

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
4. Size / Feel Factor: Will it be comfortable to carry?

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
5. Beyond Auto Mode: Do the camera's features give you room to grow?

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
6. Storage Media: Does the camera use SmartMedia, CompactFlash, Mini-Disc, or Memory Sticks?

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
7. Power Source: Does it use rechargeable batteries, custom battery packs, or an AC power adapter?

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
8. Computer Connection: Is the image transfer cable compatible with your computer?

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
9. Customer Service: Check the manufacturer's / retailer's warranty and return policy.

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
10. Bargain Hunting: Is there an older model of the camera available on clearance?

 
 
____________________________________________________________ 
Notes:

Asking questions on forums is good, but do remember that you are asking advice from people who actually own one of these cameras. And nobody likes to admit that he/she made a mistake while buying such an expensive thing so even if his/her camera is far from being perfect he/she might tell you - "that's the very best camera in the world, buy it!".
Also remember that other people have different preferences and if some praise camera for doing XYZ, others may blame it for not doing ABC properly. I hope you've got the idea.
And, ignore posts like: "This is my very first camera and it is absolute greatests in the whole Universe". Usually people who post things like that are referring to their low-end Kodak or HP cameras.

Finally read reviews on all of these fine websites dedicated to imaging:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/
This one features the great "Comparometer" page where you can actually compare same pictures made by different cameras.
Their reviews are very good if somewhat boring.

http://www.dpreview.com/
Probably the best imaging resource. They are highly technical and provide you with in-depth review.

http://dcresource.com/
This is my favorite website. Their reviewer is very cynical (so I am) about things he is reviewing and usually is showing you all of the problems camera might have.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/
This website has horrible design but excellent reviews. Their reviews are usually very positive (compare it to the negativeness of dcresource). So read their review then read dcresource as they complement each other

And if you went through all of it, you'll now say: "Look, I know for sure what I want, how much I am willing to pay, but why there is no such a camera on a market?"
Now it is a good time to re-prioritize your preferences...

That's more or less it. As I said previously I am not going to give you "buy this or don't buy that" sort of advice. All of the information I posted in this topic is only my humble opinion so please do not take my words as if they came from the Bible.

PS: these came from various forums, sites etc..so i am not naming all sources. If anyone wants me to edit something plz tell me.

[plasmafire]

hmm.. i'm getting a few views, but no posts.. did i answer evrything??