Combination Digital Cameras

by Mike Reed

All About Combination Digital Cameras

Digital cameras are starting to become less attractive than all in one digital cameras which can often do many things other than just snapping photos such as record video, and play music. This certainly comes true in the Panasonic digital camera models. In an effort to show this wonderful technology, this article will look at one of the combination digital cameras.

The Panasonic SV-AS10 D Snap is a combination of four devices in one: a 2 megapixel digital camera, a camcorder, an MP3 player, and a voice recorder, all in a slender silver wafer that weighs as little as a feather. This is one handy swivel lens that offers a quick and easy way to take self portraits at a moment's notice while the menu system is accessed by way of a small orange track ball that makes flipping between layouts easier than using a computer mouse.

This cool combination digital camera comes with a 2 megapixel CCD and features a ten-second self-timer; many color modes, a macro mode, a built in flash, and the aforementioned swivel lens. A 4x digital zoom gives you focusing power comparable to any basic digicam. This camera's exclusively designed image processing system delivers lush, and aberration free images in resolutions of up to 1600x1200.

The camcorder function of the Panasonic SV-AS10 D Snap is also robust, and it allows you to shoot movies at 320x240 of up to one minute each at 10 frames per second. Videos are automatically encoded in QuickTime and can be immediately transmitted to your computer and sent by e-mail by using the included cable. Movies can also be edited using QuickTime Pro and modified using Windows-compatible applications or converted to AVI files.

The SV-AS10 can play sound files, not just MP3's but recordings made in WMA and AAC formats too. The voice recorder function will go taping as long as sufficient memory space remains. Basically, the Panasonic SV-AS10 D Snap isn't so much an exemplar in any single department but rather an impressive blending of technologies that is available at a surprisingly modest cost. Just think, just about every camera company is now making these.

When it comes to digital photography, you can't go wrong with these combination digital cameras. They take most of the work out of editing your photos for you as the simple settings can be arranged to do most of the work on your behalf. The rest of the work that you can do is completely up to you. If you like taking digital photographs, and editing them, you will love these combination cameras. It is like you can set the mood and take the pictures at the same time. Technology just keeps getting better and better

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The Digital Camera Primer

by Henry Huxton

Digital cameras have changed the world of photography. Easy use to, compact and light-weight, digital cameras are stirring up a storm in the market. Everyone wants to own a digital camera today as it delivers instant pictures. Of course, the traditional photography methods are not to be undermined. But in today's fast paced world digital cameras are here to stay.

Simply put a digital camera is a device that allows you to capture images electronically with its inbuilt computer. The basic features you need to consider when buying a digital camera are the megapixels/resolution, picture storage and view finder. If you understand the features that digital cameras offer it would be a lot easier to choose the right one for you. Look for the following basic features when buying a digital camera:

How many Megapixels? The digital camera resolution is measured in Megapixels. More the pixels, greater is the flexibility to print sharper pictures with varying sizes and options. So, if you are using your pictures only for email sharing you need not worry about higher pixels. But if you need to print them you need to buy one with higher Megapixels. Remember, a good camera does not depend on megapixels alone. You have to make a comprehensive decision based on all the features.

Ergonomics - size, weight and design: Cameras that fit into the pocket are gaining popularity. And if you are on the move constantly you would definitely want to have one that is light and easy to handle. Digital cameras are available in many sizes like standard, compact and professional styles. Of course, the bigger professional cameras do have superior features. But for regular everyday use a smaller one with basic features would suffice. Look for models at www.BestSmallDigitalCamera.com.

Storage: This often refers to the number of pictures that can be stored on the memory card of the camera. When you buy a camera it is usually equipped with a 16MB starter memory card that allows you to store around eight to ten images. So you need to buy an additional card with memory of either 256 MB or higher to store more images. The other storage options include SmartMedia Cards, XD Flash Memory Card and Memory Stick.

Batteries: The best bet with batteries is to get rechargeable ones. Digital cameras usually consume a lot of power and it is always advisable to use Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries.

Zoom: The zoom feature allows you to alternate between close up and faraway images. Optical zoom measures the ability of the camera's lens to capture more light and detail from a distance. Digital zoom captures only the central portion of the entire image received by the sensor. It works as a cropping tool and therefore a digital camera with an optical zoom is a better option.

Interface options are also important as they allow you to share pictures with your computer or any other device. Most of the digital cameras come with interface cables that plug into a USB port. Card readers and adapters can also plug into the parallel port.

The best way to go about buying a digital camera is to first do a comparison shopping of the features. You can read up on the models, look up reviews posted by other users and even do a comparison shopping of prices before you decide on the camera that is right for you. If possible try the camera before you buy it. Navigating the menus and using the commands will help you figure out the comfort level with the camera.

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Picture perfect: in the market for a digital camera for your business? Keep your eyes peeled for these features

YOU CAN GET AN INSANE AMOUNT OF megapixels in a digital camera these days--for a price. Fortunately, most entrepreneurs will find what they need in a very attractive price range.

Only professional photographers or those working with super high-end graphics need to think about a $1,000 8-megapixel. monster. For the rest of you who are looking to do your own brochures, upload images to the Web or document projects, you can easily keep it less than $500.

For those on a budget looking for quick snapshots or pics for the Web, a couple of megapixels for less than $200 will keep you busy enough. For those of you who are more photographically experienced and prefer output on the high end of the graphics scale, looking midrange and higher is a good idea. Higher megapixel cameras can produce large, detailed high-resolution printouts if you have a printer (or access to one) that can take advantage of all that digital information. Many also give you the ability to manually control all the camera's functions, a feature that's of interest to more experienced photographers. We're going to look at mostly midrange cameras.

Little details can make the difference when deciding on a camera. At $449 (all prices street), the 4-megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX5 features a Leica lens and optical image stabilization technology. That last feature is of special interest if you expect to work in low-light situations or with a Telephoto lens. It corrects for shaky hands, to achieve cleaner images. Up a notch in the resolution department is the $499 5-megapixel Canon PowerShot $60. Its lens zooms from a wide-angle 28 mm to 100 mm. If you don't know what that means, don't worry about it. You may prefer a more entry level model.

At $249, the Nikon Coolpix 3200 is a 3-megapixel option that won't break the bank. The 3x optical zoom is a nice feature in tiffs level of camera. Often, you'll see cameras with both optical and digital zooms. Optical is the more important number, because it represents a higher image quality. Whenever you go over to a digital zoom, yon will lose quality. That's one area where the $349 4-megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX7440 stands out. Its 4x optical zoom is one of the best offerings in our chart, especially for the price.

If you've ever tried to use the built-in LCD on the back of a digital camera to compose a picture in bright light, you know how difficult it is to see anything. Reflections can render the LCD unusable. The $449 6-megapixel Olympus C-60 Zoom features a new display that uses several technologies to combat this problem. Entrepreneurs that travel extensively or need to do outdoor photography will appreciate this feature. Another interesting innovation is built into Sony's $449 5-megapixel Cybershot DSC-F88. The lens can be rotated 300 degrees for easier shooting at unusual angles or in crowded situations.

There are heaps of different digital cameras out on the market, and new models are announced all the time. If possible, visit your local retailer, and take a firsthand look. Note whether the menus are intuitive and easy to use. See if it's a good size for carrying around, if you intend to travel with it. And check out the viewfinder, LCD and controls to ensure they're comfortable to use. Look for deals on accessories like extra memory cards, photo printers and a protective case. Though picking a digital camera requires slogging through lots of options, the good news is that, among them, there is a perfect fit for your business needs.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Entrepreneur Media, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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Tips On How To Buy A Digital SLR Camera

by Jim Johnson

For many years the SLR film camera has been the choice of both amateur and professional photographers alike for the best and most versatile camera equipment. And now that the digital photo age has begun, the digital SLR is still the best choice for those that want more than just snapshots. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a digital SLR camera.

First of all, if you already have a SLR film camera with multiple interchangeable lenses, then you may be able to save a lot of money by just buying the same brand of digital SLR as most brands allow their older film camera lenses to be used on the new digital models. But just make sure before you buy because a few major brands do not allow this kind of migration and so there is no benefit in staying with that brand for lens equipment savings.

Resolution is important in digital SLRs,and is usually represented by how many megapixels the camera uses to save its digital photo files. For most uses a 6-8 megapixel camera will work fine with enlargements on up to 11 X 14, but if you like making even larger prints or do heavy image editing, you may want even more resolution to work with to ensure that your photos remain clear and sharp.

If you like to use fill flash for many of your outdoor shots, you will want to consider a digital SLR that has a very fast flash sync too, such as 1/500 second. Below 1/250 second the flash sync speed is really only useful mainly for indoor shots instead.

Being able to see the images and controls that you use on a dSLR is important too, so check the LCD screen for brightness and visibility not only indoors but also outside too, as this is an area where some very good SLRs can let you down. Also make sure that the viewfinder itself gives you a bright, clear image in all types of light, enabling you to easily see and manipulate the camera settings at all times.

If you like to use your camera for closeup shots then you will want to get a dSLR that has a mirror lockup feature. This lets you lock the mirror up out of the way before taking the photo and reduces the camera shake that is inherent when the mirror flips up out of the way and then lands back into position again. This doesn't normally create a problem for most average shots, but when taking closeups and vibration of the camera at all can results in a blurry unfocused image.

Also check the size and weight of a digital SLR camera before buying it to be sure that it will not be uncomfortable to carry for a prolonged period of time, and that the knobs and controls are easily manipulated. Some cameras are so small that their controls can be difficult for those with larger fingers and hands to easily use.

These simple suggestions can help you buy a digital SLR camera that will best fit your own unique needs.

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DVD Camcorders

by Max Bellamy

When considering a camcorder purchase, there are several factors to take into consideration, Below are some suggestions for criteria you should examine before making a choice.

Low-light performance is the most sought-after feature one should look for. If you are shooting in the dark, at night, or in a low-light area, this particular feature will help you maintain the same video or image quality that you have always aimed for. Even room light can be considered as low light, although sellers often avoid it. So you must pay close attention to this feature before making the purchase.

Combos or integrated packages that offer both video and still photography options are not always advantageous, as one has to compromise one feature for the other, technically. It's only in the high price-range camcorders that superior video and still-image quality is maintained. Megapixel values assigned to the model that range from three to five undoubtedly are a classic connotation for still images, but have less impact on video reception quality. So it is wise to make separate purchase for video and still photography.

Digital camcorders available in the market come with zooming facilities that brands advertise most. But in digital formats, zooming distorts the image quality, so it may not be taken as an impressive criterion for making the purchase. Similarly, some high-end camcorders have three CCD chips instead of one. These chips convert light into digital information. Though camcorders that offer three such chips are costlier than one-chip cams, the latter still are considered better performers. Buyers who belong to the professional genre also do not mind investing the extra more, as they hate to compensate for the output quality.

Before buying any model, the camcorder needs to be tested, and while still in the demonstration stage, you must understand that the facilities that the brand is promising run well on the cam, too. So you need to figure out all that you would do with the particular model and find answers to performance-related queries. And make sure to get the warranty.

Finally, to be an informed buyer, you must do a bit of research, understand all the camcorders available in the market, determine how you will benefit from each, and compare all of their prices.

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Camcorders provides detailed information on Camcorders, Digital Camcorders, Camcorder Batteries, DVD Camcorders and more. Camcorders is affliated with DVD Digital Camcorders.

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