The sleek design of the PowerShot A1000 IS is as refreshing as a breath of fresh air. Better still, its highendfeatures make everything simple: theres the 10.0-megapixel resolution and powerful 4x optical zoomlens with Optical Image Stabilizer for sharpness along the full zoom range. A DIGIC III Image Processorwith Canon Face Detection automatically lets every face stand out. Easy Mode and Easy Playback makethis camera a marvel of simplicity. With a bright 2.5-inch LCD, its available in four two-toned colors.Much of my work involves shooting photos for newspapers and business journals. When I show up for an assigned photo shoot, I often find my subjects as interested in the camera I use as they are in having me take their picture.
Admittedly, my professional single lenses reflex camera makes a good appearance. It is relatively large and heavy, has an impressive zoom lenses with a vibration reduction feature to keep it steady, a big battery pack, and a compact speed light that can brighten up the darkest room.
The camera envy often dissipates though when they ask what an outfit like that costs, and I tell them more than $3,000. What novice camera enthusiasts don't recognize is that this kind of professional equipment is way more than they need for good photos of family, vacation views and scenic landscapes.
Experience has taught me that when buying a new digital camera six points things should be kept in mind.
1. Basic camera types
The two main types of cameras, from lower-cost to higher-end is point-and-shoot and SLR (single lenses reflex). In the point-and-shoot end, the view is usually through a view finder which gives the photographer a good idea of what will be on the final photo. The SLR lets you look right through the lens to compose a photo exactly as you want the final view to look.
2. Size and ease of use
Do you want to be able to shove the camera in a pocket, purse or tote bag to have it handy whenever you want to whip it out? Or, ask yourself if you would mind a heavier camera that should be kept in its own leather pouch? Consider how heavy a camera might feel after having it hang around your neck or on a shoulder strap fora couple of hours. Can you just whip it out and shoot your photo, or do must you make adjustments in settings? You photo opportunity might be gone by the time you fiddle with dials and settings.
3. Pixels versus your end product
A few years ago, the amount of pixels (which determines the amount of digital information captured), governed the cost. One or two megapixel cameras were fine for viewing photos on a computer screen and sharing over the internet. If you are going to be satisfied just getting 4-inch by 6-inch prints, anything over two megapixels will meet you needs.
If you want to have enlargements made to hang on the wall or in a picture frame, you should look for a camera with four megapixels or better. The more information a camera can capture (megapixels), the higher the quality of an enlargement will be. Today, with technology advances and competition for new camera buyers, even moderately priced cameras have six-to eight-megapixel sensors.
4. What's your budget?
Just like cars, cameras can come with a ton of options. Be careful, though, that don't get stuck with more camera than you can afford. While the high-end cameras offer the best zoom and more megapixels, that doesn't always mean a better photo, and the added features can take a huge bite out of your wallet if you are not careful.
It is probably better to start out with a low-end camera and concentrate on learning the basics of good photography. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the results in your family snapshots if you follow the tips in one of the beginner photo instruction books found everywhere.
5. My biggest piece of advice
The best photos last for only and instant. Good photographers can learn to watch for expression, a good pose and just the right angle. Inevitably, I can get a better photo that someone standing next to me with a low-end point-and-shoot. That's because of lag time.
When I see just the expression or pose I want, I press the shutter button and the reaction time of the camera is as close to instantaneous as possible. Point and shoot cameras vary in the time they take to focus and respond to the press of the shutter button. Often, a pre-flash is needed to measure the amount of light needed to capture a subject in an indoor setting. It's not unusual for a second or two lag time in some cameras - long enough that more shots are lost than captured just right.
Study the technical specifications and consider that shutter lag time, or ask a competent sales person to help you find the best camera, weighing that lag time against cost. Better to give up other features to get a fast response from your camera's shutter.
6. Final advice
Spend time on the internet and do your homework. There are a myriad of sales, review and educational sites that will give you all the information you need to make a wise decision. Before going to see a camera store sales person, or before ordering over the internet, educate yourself.
The time you spend in that advance research will help you make the best of all decisions in you camera purchase.
Visit my web site below for lots more tips and additional information.
Jay Marsh has been a writer-researcher in the corporate and business publication world for more than four decades. His publishing company, Info Innovations LLC, offers in-depth information about everyday matters and concerns. You'll find more information on buying and using digital camera equipment at: http://info-innovations.com/digital-photography/
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