So you are in the Market for a Digital Camera

A while back I was looking myself. I thought I’d share a little bit of my research with you in this little guide.

First I think we should talk about some words you may come across during your search. Some of the digital camera terms can be perplexing and frustrating to muck through.  Here they are:

• Mega pixels-determines how large you can print and crop; where the image remains acceptable and this pertains only to size.
• Resolution-the more lines of resolution the better for image quality.
• Pixels-pertains to the % of transition pixels, in any case, fewer is better.
• CCD (charge-coupled device)-what converts images into digital pictures. Average is 5.3mm x 4mm or 1/2.7 in. (SLR is 18mm x 13.5mm.)
• LCD-liquid crystal display for viewing the pictures you just took and accessing the menu settings.
• SLR-single-lens reflex
• DSLR-digital single-lens reflex
• USB-universal serial bus a device used to connect something with your computer.
• Optical zoom-a lens on your camera that physically moves to magnify your subject matter. W means wide-angle or reduce. T means telephoto or magnify. When deciding on your camera pick optical zoom over digital zoom for image quality.
• Digital zoom-this process crops and magnifies your image. This process is called interpolation. In order to make an area bigger, digital zoom interpolates pixels to add to the image and this usually distorts the image quality.

Now lets get into Mega pixels (mp) a little deeper. First off, you will have to decide what kind of pictures you will be taking and how you are going to use them. For the purpose of sharing images on the web and listing items on eBay, a digital camera with 1.0 mp and up will suit you just fine. For the purpose of printing your images you may want to go higher.

• 4.0 mp good for up to 8x10 beyond that the quality gets grainy
• 5.0 mp good for up to 11x14

Where optical zoom is concerned how far do you want to see? I learned this from Best Buy and I thought this really puts optical zoom into perspective so I wanted to include the information here.

• 0-3x: from across the room
• 4x: from across the yard
• 6x: from across the playing field
• 8x or more: from as far as I can

As far as memory storage goes, a 48-megabyte (mb) memory card holds approximately 24 pictures. You can triple that number if you lower the quality of the picture. You will find that most digital cameras have image quality settings, something like good, better, best. So you must set the image quality for optimal prints.

Digital cameras with rechargeable batteries are the only way to go, and try to keep a spare charged. A deciding factor for me was the camera’s ability to use plain old AA batteries in a pinch.

According to PC Magazine, here are the top ten things to consider when buying a digital camera:

1. Remember: Resolution is quality; Mega pixels is size.
2. Consider features: video, zoom, controls...
3. LCD size and brightness.
4. Cost of the camera + any extras you might have to purchase, batteries especially.
5. USB you need at least a 2.0 for speedy transfers.
6. Zoom optical is most important.
7. Don't overdo the features it increases the difficulty of use.
8. Ensure that it comes with a printed/pocket size manual not just a disk for when you're on the go.
9. For younger or older users limit the number of buttons.
10. Test boot times and time between shots to avoid wait frustration later.

Filtering what I wanted in a camera, PC magazine recommended either a Cannon PowerShot S3 IS or the similar featured Panasonic Lumix DMC-F27. Both come with a $$$.

As of writing this guide, here are PC World’s top picks:

Top 5 Advanced Digitals:

1. Fujifilm FinePix S5200, 16.8 ounce (oz), 5 (mp) 10x optical zoom (op)
2. Olympus SP-350, 8.2oz, 8mp 3x op
3. Samsung Pro 815, 30oz, 8mp 15x op
4. Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom, 13.6oz, 6mp 10x op
5. Canon PowerShot S3 IS, 14.5oz, 6mp 12x op

Top 5 point and shoot:

1. HP Photosmart R727, 6.4oz, 6.1mp 3x op
2. Cannon PowerShot A5-40, 6.6oz, 6mp 4x op
3. Casio Exilim EX-Z600, 5oz, 6mp 3x op
4. Fujifilm Fine pix F 30, 5.5oz, 6.3mp 3x op
5. Cannon Power shot SD 630, 5.2oz, 6.1mp 3x op

Top 5 Digital SLR (single-lens reflex) DSLR:

1. Olympus Exolt E-500, 30.4oz, 8mp 3.2x op
2. Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XT, 17.1oz, 8mp 3.1x op
3. Cannon EOS 30D, 34.8oz, 8.2mp 3x op
4. Nikon D70s, 21oz, 6.1mp 3.9x op
5. Nikon D50, 19oz, 6.1mp 3x op

Now I can only imagine using one of the 2 pounders. My arms would fall off. (Notice that the camera that PC magazine picked for me is in the #5 spot of the advanced digital top picks from PC world.)

Here's what I found out about the top 5 choices. All have video capabilities. All are 5.0 mp or better. 32mb internal memory is about standard and most recommend a second memory source for extended use and storage capacity. The Sony DSC-P92 however only boasts a 16mb memory stick it probably has internal too but I did not see it listed.

While I was doing this research I kept posting this information in my blog. At the time, I narrowed down my choices to five cameras and this is what I wrote about them:

• HP R817: is now at the top of the list with a rating of 4 1/2 stars. It has 40x total zoom. 200 shot battery life. Underwater case available for my underwater escapades. 1gb card will hold 1100 pictures. Tested superb resolution. Excellent pictures in dark settings.
• Sony DSC-P92: 4 1/2 stars. 12x total zoom. Has a fast shutter speed for great action shots in good lighting.
• Nikon Coolpix P2: 4 1/2 stars. 12x total zoom. External menu controls for the scene modes. Excellent Macro. And check this out from a review: "One interesting mode, copy, shoots in black-and-white at high contrast for photographing text on a white background. It would likely prove useful if you are on a spy mission and need to shoot secret documents." (I thought it was funny and I laughed out loud so I included it). This camera also has Wi-Fi, which allows downloading to your computer with out a USB cord up to 100 feet away. The software must be running on the computer for the picture transfers.
• HP M517: 3 1/2 stars. 24x total zoom. Excellent pictures in dark settings.
• Sony DSC-W5: 4 1/2 stars. 6x total zoom.

So, what did I end up with? You ask. I purchased a Kodak DX3600. This camera was reviewed at 4 stars has a 6x total zoom and only boasts 2.2 mp. Transfers are quick and easy using the dock and the Kodak software offers ease of use.

The camera dock can not only be used to transfer pictures, it can charge the rechargeable battery pack (this one uses AA too), and be a power source if you don’t have any batteries.   This camera also has a view finder in addition to the LCD, something that the HP's that I looked at did not have.  The view finder is a plus in my book because in outside light the LCD is pretty much useless.  The only drawback of the Kodak I have found so far is the LCD is smaller than what I would have liked.

I know, it’s not even on my list. Why did I pick it? Price. I kept bidding on and losing cameras on my list. I had a certain price that I was willing to spend and the bids kept exceeding my limits.

I needed a camera to photograph and list items that I wanted to sell on eBay. The Kodak will suit my needs and my wallet just fine for now. When I’m ready to upgrade I know what I need to look for. Besides, I have a Pentax 35mm camera for all of my hobby photography. I can scan those images and blow them up if I want. Some examples of the pictures I have taken with that camera can be found on my me page.

Here are some examples of pictures you can take with the Kodak DX3600:

This is Simon our pet beta

This is our Sago Palm.

The above two pictures show the dark to light contrast and how the camera does with it.

Here's an example of a picture you could take for a listing.

I have recently been playing with some of the software features that came with the Kodak.  I have written a blog post with this information and more sample pictures, please check it out here:  Picture tips

If you are looking for an inexpensive camera that you can use for eBay and the web, this may be the one. Or you may want to investigate the cameras I listed for my picks. The top five picks all look good too. I guess it all boils down to how much you are willing to spend to suit your needs. At least now you have the ammunition to make a decision.

If you would like to comment on this guide please feel free to do so by clicking this link:

Comment blog

If you found this guide helpful please vote yes!

Thank you for your time.