Tips for buying Camera Equipment
Purchasing camera equipment can be a major purchase. This is especially true if you are thinking of taking up photography as a profession. In this day of digital equipment there are many things to consider before making that purchase. Whether you are a budding professional or a proud parent there are many options and features to think about.
Pixels
If you are only going to post your pictures on the internet and not print them out all you will need is 3 megapixels.
If you are going to print 4x6 or 8x10 photos you would need at least 4 megapixels.
If you are going to be doing photo editing on the computer you will want to pay extra for additional pixels, but don’t bother paying extra for features that will replicate the computers ability to manipulate photos
If you are going to print your pictures directly from the camera you will want to buy a camera from a company that is established as a good lense maker (i.e. Kodak, Canon, Nikon, etc.)
Exporting/Printing
There are two ways to get the pictures from the camera. Either remove the memory card and put it in a home printer, card reader or a machine at a photo printers or using a cable from the camera to the computer.
If you are comfortable with computers either of the above choices are straight forward. If you want to be able to print without thinking you will want to find a camera with a removable memory card and a docking system. You will also want to upgrade your memory card to the largest possible size.
Power
Electronic cameras use batteries. The more mechanical parts there are the faster the battery is used up. Optical zoom is a mechanical function causing constant battery drain when you use it. If you need to be able to zoom, consider a manual or digital zoom.
Flash uses battery also, so make sure that you get a camera with a flash that you can turn off and only use when you need it. Not one that always uses the flash automatically without your control.
A camera with a docking station will ensure that your camera battery is always powered up, so if you need the zoom it is best to go with this option.
Taking Pictures
Optical zoom can compensate for fewer pixels. By getting you closer to the target you avoid the need for some enlargements. A very good lense, high pixel count and photo editing software can do the same thing the optical zoom can do. A downside of optical zoom is that it exaggerates camera shake. You shouldn’t spend extra on optical zoom unless you plan on using third party printing.
Digital zoom is useful for the user who doesn’t want to be bothered with photo editing and will rely solely on third party printing.
The movie feature uses much more memory than still photos and should be avoided unless you intend to use it often and have access to electronic storage or display.
If there is no flash, or if flash is turned off, exposure time is greatly increased and so is the risk of hand shaking affecting the image. You can purchase extra technology to compensate, but that is only worth the cost if you plan on a lot of action photos and instant photos. Otherwise you can avoid the problem by using a tripod.
You want a camera that is easy to use. All digital cameras have to “think” before they take a picture and on some cameras this “thinking” time can be up to a second. If you are taking pictures of live action this time makes it impossible to get a clear picture. If you are planning on taking live action photos, spend the extra on a camera with near instantaneous reaction time to avoid blurry photos. Also, you don’t want a camera that requires you to choose an option before taking a photo. If you have to do anything other than press a button you will miss photo opportunities telling the camera which option you want before it will take the picture.
Buying the camera
If at all possible, do not purchase a camera sight unseen. You need to be able to “play” with the camera. You should pick it up, take photos with it and try out as many of the features as you can. Most retailers will allow you to do all of this and some even provide a computer for you to use. If the retailer does not allow you to handle a demo camera, you should not purchase from them and find one that will. If you must purchase a camera without seeing it first, ask a friend or family member that has the same or a similar model if you can borrow theirs to try out and see if it meets your needs.
Find out the retailers return policy before buying anything. If you need to return it for any reason you need to know their policy before you purchase so you don’t end up with a camera that doesn’t meet your needs that you can’t return.
Find out what kind of battery the camera uses. If it uses standard alkaline or lithium batteries, or if it is a proprietary battery sold by the camera company. If it is a proprietary battery, find out where and how you can purchase extra batteries.
Ask what accessories are included in the price. Ask if the cables to connect it to the computer come with the camera or if you have to purchase those separate.
Ask what software comes with the camera and if that software includes an image editing program, or if you will have to purchase that separately.
Get the warranty information. Find out how long the warranty is for and if it includes parts and labor on repairs.Ask if there is an extended warranty you can purchase. Find out if the extended warranty covers anything beyond mechanical or electrical failures and defects in workmanship or materials. Ask if it can be renewed or transferred and if it has a “no lemon” policy. Find out if you can cancel the extended warranty if you decide to, and if you will get a prorated refund if you do cancel.
Find out if it does need repairs, can those be done locally, or do you have to mail it off. Ask what the turn around time is on repairs and if they are done at an authorized service center. Also find out if there is phone or online technical support if you should need it and if that costs extra.
We hope that these hints have helped you in trying to find the right camera for your needs. Any of our listed retailers would be happy to assist you in finding the camera that you need for whatever you are going to be using it for. Whether it be pictures of the kids or professional photography the right camera for you is out there just waiting.
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