Cameras In The Digital Age
Millions of people are putting down their conventional cameras and picking up film-free digital cameras. Robin Raskin, editor of Family PC magazine, explains what to look for when buying a digital camera on The Saturday Early Show.
Digital cameras allow you to take pictures and view them on the spot or email them to friends and family. However, the camera must have the right specifications to ensure your pictures are of good quality. The following features are important:
- Megapixels
Pixels determine a picture's resolution; hence your digital camera should have at least one megapixel of resolution. Professionals will need three or more megapixels. - USB Connection
This allows you to download your digital pictures directly onto your computer. - LCD Viewfinder
Unlike a traditional viewfinder, an LCD screen allows you to see exactly what the picture will look like without closing one eye. - Compact Flash
Despite the name this is nothing like a flashbulb. It's more like a floppy disk that fits in the camera and can be removed and attached to a printer for developing. It can also be taken to a photo shop for printing on a high-end printer. - Lens
The investment in a digital camera is wasted without the proper lens. Many kinds are available, from wide angle to zoom lenses. It is important that you get one that fits your needs.
All the big photographic brand names have cameras in a wide range of price and quality. Any camera with the features mentioned above will cost at least $300. They are more expensive than regular cameras, but at least you won't need to buy film. Here are three cameras possibilities.
Kodak DC-215
The DC-215 digital camera has all the basic features needed to produce quality 4x6 photos. To print the pictures, just take the compact flash attached to the camera and insert it into a compatible printer. It will print the stored images without the need for a computer.
Price: $299
Hewlett-Packard Photosmart System
The Hewlett-Packard Photosmart System includes the C-500 Digital Camera and the P-1100 Printer. The camera has 2 megapixels and a zoom lens.
The printer has direct print capability just like the Kodak and a remote feature allowing the user to point an infrared beam from the camera towards the printer. The digital information is transferred through the beam and the printer processes your pictures. This is a mid-range product.
Price: Camera- $699 Printer- $499
Sony Mavica-FD 91
The Mavica-FD 91 is a high-end camera designed for the serious photographer. It has a stablization feature that removes the bluriness caused by camera shake and a precision digital zoom lens. It can also capture up to 60 seconds of video.
Price: around $1,000
The Internet offers ways to organize your digital photos by simply uploading them directly from the camera to the Web. Some sites will print your shots, create albums and archive old photos.
Zing.com
At Zing.com, you can create zing-albums and zing-cards with your photos. The site allows you to make personalized gifts with your photos like picture cookies, calendars and t-shirts. The site also offers photo sharing, image storing, and printing.
Ofoto.com
Ofoto.com will create a Web site for you at no cost. They will send you the prints you want, and delete the ones you don't want.
Shutterfly.com
Shutterfly will develop your photos and send them to friends and family members at your request.