Terminology Demystified Image size Megapixels Zoom capability Starting the processess. Where to buy cameras. Camera Buying Tips

Transcription

1 buying tips

2 Introduction Terminology Demystified Image size Megapixels Zoom capability Starting the processess Point & Shoot vs d SLRs Where to buy cameras Extras

3 The information Knowledge is Power

4 Terminology Demystified ISO Orientation sensor Sensor type Processor Image stabilization White balance Lithium-Ion Storage types Video Format scene modes Maximum aperture Screen size Autofocus Sensor size Metering Exposure compensation Focal length Effective pixels M a x resolution Sensor Flash modes Image format Body type Optical zoom Macro

5 Terminology Demystified Body type Size of camera (ie, compact) Max resolution Largest image size in pixels Effective pixels Megapixel size of image Sensor type Usually CMOS or CCD Processor Technical information ISO Different film speed settings White balance Different presets Custom white balance Usually just YES or NO Image stabilization If the camera has IS Uncompressed format The raw format, if applicable JPEG quality levels Usually FINE and NORMAL Focal length (equiv.) Equivalence to a 35mm camera Optical zoom The zoom factor (ie, 5x) Autofocus The different AF methods Digital zoom BAD How close the camera can get Macro focus range and still focus Number of focus points Technical information Screen size On back of camera Screen dots More is better Live view Usually YES or NO Maximum aperture Usually a range of F-Stops Minimum shutter speed Good for low light Maximum shutter speed Stops the action Aperture/Shutter priority Usually YES or NO Manual exposure mode Usually YES or NO Variety of environments the Subject / scene modes camera can recognize Built-in flash Usually YES or NO Flash range How far the flash works, in metres External flash Usually YES or NO Flash modes Variety of flash settings Continuous drive Usually YES (with FPS) or NO Variety of methods the camera Metering modes can determine exposure Exposure compensation How to modify the metering WB Bracketing Usually YES or NO VIDEO Format Technical information Audio channels Stereo or other Video Resolutions List of different video sizes Storage types The type of cards used Type of batteries used, usually Battery pack or cells Battery description Usually Lithium-ion How many shots the camera can Battery Life (CIPA) take with a full charge (no flash) Dimensions Size/weight of camera

6 Megapixels Is bigger really better? Short answer - No The Processor, sensor size and sensor type all play a factor in quality of image More pixels on a smaller sensor isn t as good as on a larger sensor CCD versus CMOS sensors - each have their strengths Quality of the lens is a big factor in image quality Distortion, fringing, chromatic aberations are products of inferior lenses

7 Zoom Getting from here to there Zoom is expressed in 3 ways: actual (3mm - 27mm) 35MM equivalent (24mm - 120mm) Zoom factor (5x) Always look at the optical zoom factor Digital Zoom is bad

8 The Purchase Knowledge is Power

9 Where to start It all begins somewhere who Is it for casual user hobbiest Prosumer When & where will it be used most The Situation for getting it Upgrade an old, lost or broken camera First camera What kind of camera to get (Ultra)Compact point and shoot (P&S) d SLR

10 P&S vs. dslr It s all about the Acronyms Point and Shoot qualities Compact easy to carry mostly automatic shooting Inexpensive dslr qualities Rugged bodies lots of creative control supperiour image quality Significant investment

11 Where to buy

12 What to watch for when buying Sales especially during the holidays Extras kits spare batteries, bag, cleaning supplies memory cards Warrantees Manufacturer Warrantee is usually 1 year Dealer can offer longer or more convenient Warrantees

13 Odds & Ends Those little extras show you care memory cards Watch for class the higher the number, the faster it writes data Card readers Using the camera to transfer the photos uses battery power Extra batteries Straps bags Tripods

14 Other sources of info an hour just isn t enough time Word of mouth The Internet Excellent source of Reviews Salespeople

15 The end buying