Tampilkan postingan dengan label digital camera. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label digital camera. Tampilkan semua postingan
Rabu, 29 Februari 2012
Digital Camera Primer: Look Before You Buy
As with any type of electronics, such as computer notebooks, printers, or a computer desktop, buying a digital camera presents you with a myriad of choices. Each digital camera manufacturer has more than a dozen offerings, ranging from the more basic "point and shoot" camera to the top of the line professional single lens reflex digital camera. So, it's important to consider a number of factors before you buy. Here's a primer to get you started.
Digital Camera Cost
Just a few years ago, inexpensive digital cameras had terrible optics and were an overall disappointment. Not anymore. Today, even a $149 camera has more features than a $799 camera had in the past. Of course, you can pay more than $10,000 for a camera, but for most casual photographers a camera under $500 will have everything you want and then some.
Megapixels
It wasn't that long ago that a three-mexapixel digital camera was considered state-of-the-art. Today, fairly basic consumer models are seven- or eight-megapixels, which allows you to considerably crop any photo and still get a high-quality print. For that reason, don't consider buying a camera that's less than five megapixels.
LCD Display
It may not seem like the most important part of a camera, but the size of the LCD display will make a big difference while you're shooting your photos. A two-inch LCD is great, but a three-inch is even better since you'll be able to see at a glance whether the photo you just took is fuzzy or if it's a keeper. Beyond size, make sure that the LCD display is clear in all lighting conditions - indoors, outdoors, and at night. If you can't see the photo you just took, it defeats the purpose of having a digital camera.
Shooting Modes
Many digital cameras offer a variety of shooting modes as well as manual settings. Many of the ultracompact consumer cameras, however, do not have manual overrides, and you must choose among the shooting modes provided. If you're in the market for a "point and shoot" digital camera, that's no problem. On the other hand, if you want to be able to change the aperture or shutter speed, make sure you buy a digital camera that allows you to do manual settings. Similarly, if you'll primarily use your camera in a specific environment (at sporting events, for example), make sure that the digital camera you select has that specific mode. Keep in mind that some digital cameras even have underwater capability or an "eBay" setting for taking photos of items you want to auction on eBay, so don't assume the way you'll use your camera is unique.
Storage Medium
Unfortunately, there's not an industry standard when it comes to storage cards. Make sure that you understand the type of film card your camera uses, and that you have a reader that will allow you to transfer your photos from your camera to your computer desktop or laptops. Alternately, many cameras come with software (usually on a DVD) that will allow you to plug your camera directly into your desktop or notebooks and upload your pictures.
After You Buy
Once you've purchased your digital camera, take time to practice and play with the various settings. It's often said that digital cameras are more like computer peripherals than cameras, so keep in mind that there may be a learning curve. Once you've mastered it, however, you'll be amazed at the enjoyment you'll get from your new purchase.
Jumat, 09 Desember 2011
Home Electronics: How to Find Hot Deals
On wish lists around the country, home electronics have bypassed traditional favorites like clothes, lingerie, and jewelry as the most coveted items. But whether you're buying home electronics for yourself and your family, or as a gift, the burning question is always: Where do I find hot deals?
After all, why pay premium prices for LCD flat screen TVs, an iPod, a digital camera, or a cell phone when you can get hot deals at a fraction of the cost? While it's true that the prices for all home electronics are trending downward, it pays to shop around for the best possible prices before you make a purchase.
LCD Flat Screen TVs: Although LCD flat screen TVs for home entertainment systems are massive and relatively expensive, portable LCD flat screen TVs are ultimately affordable - especially when you can find hot deals and discount prices. For example, a seven-inch LCD flat screen TV with a full channel VHF/UHF receiver, built-in speakers, 1440 x 234 resolution and an active matrix display, a detachable and mountable stand, and A/V input jacks might list for $249.99. You can, however, find it for $144.29, a savings of over 42 percent.
iPod: Every family needs at least one iPod, and although the iPod Shuffle lists for $179.99, there are places where you can get hot deals and purchase an iPod shuffle for $109.43, or a discount of 39 percent. Likewise, you can save over 27 percent on an iPod Nano, and pay only $289.77. If you're willing to buy a refurbished model, you can get it even cheaper.
Digital Camera: Let's face it: film cameras are so twentieth century. There's no need to bother with bulky camera equipment and film and developing costs when you can snap all the pictures you want with a digital camera. And, there's truly a digital camera for every budget, with prices ranging from $100 to $10,000 and more. But when you look for hot deals, you can get a lot more camera for your money. If your budget is $150, for example, you can probably find a digital camera that retails for $299, but that is discounted almost 50 percent. Again, if you are willing to buy a refurbished digital camera, the savings can be even greater.
Cell Phone: Everyone in the family needs a cell phone, so it only makes sense to look for hot deals on cell phones. If you buy every family member the same cell phone (or the same cell phone in a variety of colors), you can usually find a calling plan that is extremely cost effective.
There's no question that hot deals on home electronics - and even electronics that double as a car accessory - are out there. Your best bet is to look for an online discount source. Because online stores don't have to pay the overhead that brick-and-mortar stores have to pay, they usually offer lower prices. Online stores also move a lot of inventory, so their hot deals usually surpass those of even the electronics megastores. Always comparison shop, but remember that for the best hot deals, let your mouse do the clicking.
After all, why pay premium prices for LCD flat screen TVs, an iPod, a digital camera, or a cell phone when you can get hot deals at a fraction of the cost? While it's true that the prices for all home electronics are trending downward, it pays to shop around for the best possible prices before you make a purchase.
LCD Flat Screen TVs: Although LCD flat screen TVs for home entertainment systems are massive and relatively expensive, portable LCD flat screen TVs are ultimately affordable - especially when you can find hot deals and discount prices. For example, a seven-inch LCD flat screen TV with a full channel VHF/UHF receiver, built-in speakers, 1440 x 234 resolution and an active matrix display, a detachable and mountable stand, and A/V input jacks might list for $249.99. You can, however, find it for $144.29, a savings of over 42 percent.
iPod: Every family needs at least one iPod, and although the iPod Shuffle lists for $179.99, there are places where you can get hot deals and purchase an iPod shuffle for $109.43, or a discount of 39 percent. Likewise, you can save over 27 percent on an iPod Nano, and pay only $289.77. If you're willing to buy a refurbished model, you can get it even cheaper.
Digital Camera: Let's face it: film cameras are so twentieth century. There's no need to bother with bulky camera equipment and film and developing costs when you can snap all the pictures you want with a digital camera. And, there's truly a digital camera for every budget, with prices ranging from $100 to $10,000 and more. But when you look for hot deals, you can get a lot more camera for your money. If your budget is $150, for example, you can probably find a digital camera that retails for $299, but that is discounted almost 50 percent. Again, if you are willing to buy a refurbished digital camera, the savings can be even greater.
Cell Phone: Everyone in the family needs a cell phone, so it only makes sense to look for hot deals on cell phones. If you buy every family member the same cell phone (or the same cell phone in a variety of colors), you can usually find a calling plan that is extremely cost effective.
There's no question that hot deals on home electronics - and even electronics that double as a car accessory - are out there. Your best bet is to look for an online discount source. Because online stores don't have to pay the overhead that brick-and-mortar stores have to pay, they usually offer lower prices. Online stores also move a lot of inventory, so their hot deals usually surpass those of even the electronics megastores. Always comparison shop, but remember that for the best hot deals, let your mouse do the clicking.
Kamis, 01 Desember 2011
Father's Day Reflections: My Dad, the Electronics Enthusiast
With Father's Day just around the corner, it's time once again to figure out what I'm going to get my dad. Like many men, he's an electronics enthusiast through and through. He's what companies like (or love) to call an "early adopter" - someone who just can't wait to buy the latest gadget, the faster computer, the bigger HDTV, and anything else you can think of. His obsession definitely has its benefits, though. My sister and I regularly go through his "electronics graveyard" and get fully functional computers, DVD recorders, and all manner of accessories.
But this knack of his to buy the latest electronics makes it that much more difficult to figure out what to get him for his birthday, Christmas, and Father's Day. My sister and I are thinking about buying him a new digital camera for Father's Day, one that has 7.0 megapixels, an optical zoom, and a special setting for taking eBay pictures. Dad is an avid eBay seller, and the right photos can make the difference between selling an item at a decent price and at a great price. The new digital cameras that have the special eBay setting would complement two of his passions: electronics and eBay.
We're also considering buying him a GPS receiver. The Global Positioning System is a set of satellites in orbit high above the earth, and a GPS receiver can tell you, in terms of latitude and longitude, exactly where you are. Some GPS receivers have built-in mapping tools that not only include road maps, but that also show places of interest. So, for example, when Dad's traveling and needs to find a gas station, he can "ask" the GPS system where the nearest gas station is, and then receive directions to it.
A GPS receiver is also perfect for a new "sport" that I've become interested in, and one that I think Dad would love. Geocaching is a hobby that is quite a bit like a treasure hunt. People all over the globe hide small containers that contain trinkets and logbooks, ascertain the latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of the hiding spots, and post them online. You can go online and find the coordinates of caches near where you live or travel, enter them into your GPS receiver, and then try and find the cache. It's not as easy as it sounds, but it sure is a lot of fun. Once you find a cache, you can pick up a trinket, leave a trinket, and sign the logbook. Dad's expressed an interest in geocaching, and since he does a lot of traveling for his work, my sister and I think that a GPS receiver and a book on geocaching might make the perfect Father's Day gift.
In my heart, I know that our dad will appreciate whatever gift we choose. Any type of electronics will tickle his fancy, and I'm sure that he'll enjoy either a digital camera or a GPS system. The only thing we have to worry about is whether he'll go out and buy one for himself before we get a chance to give him his Father's Day gift!
But this knack of his to buy the latest electronics makes it that much more difficult to figure out what to get him for his birthday, Christmas, and Father's Day. My sister and I are thinking about buying him a new digital camera for Father's Day, one that has 7.0 megapixels, an optical zoom, and a special setting for taking eBay pictures. Dad is an avid eBay seller, and the right photos can make the difference between selling an item at a decent price and at a great price. The new digital cameras that have the special eBay setting would complement two of his passions: electronics and eBay.
We're also considering buying him a GPS receiver. The Global Positioning System is a set of satellites in orbit high above the earth, and a GPS receiver can tell you, in terms of latitude and longitude, exactly where you are. Some GPS receivers have built-in mapping tools that not only include road maps, but that also show places of interest. So, for example, when Dad's traveling and needs to find a gas station, he can "ask" the GPS system where the nearest gas station is, and then receive directions to it.
A GPS receiver is also perfect for a new "sport" that I've become interested in, and one that I think Dad would love. Geocaching is a hobby that is quite a bit like a treasure hunt. People all over the globe hide small containers that contain trinkets and logbooks, ascertain the latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of the hiding spots, and post them online. You can go online and find the coordinates of caches near where you live or travel, enter them into your GPS receiver, and then try and find the cache. It's not as easy as it sounds, but it sure is a lot of fun. Once you find a cache, you can pick up a trinket, leave a trinket, and sign the logbook. Dad's expressed an interest in geocaching, and since he does a lot of traveling for his work, my sister and I think that a GPS receiver and a book on geocaching might make the perfect Father's Day gift.
In my heart, I know that our dad will appreciate whatever gift we choose. Any type of electronics will tickle his fancy, and I'm sure that he'll enjoy either a digital camera or a GPS system. The only thing we have to worry about is whether he'll go out and buy one for himself before we get a chance to give him his Father's Day gift!
Selasa, 08 November 2011
How To Compare Digital Camera Prices
Digital camera prices have been constantly dropping whilst the quality and complexity of the digital cameras has been rising rapidly. People who used to only dream of owning a digital camera because of the excessive digital camera prices may now be able to afford much better cameras than they realize. In fact, digital camera prices have changed so dramatically that a 5- or 6-megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera has dropped below what a 4-megapixel camera was selling for less than a year ago.
Digital camera prices of $200-$300 are now common for good point-and-shoot digital cameras that come with an image resolution of up to 5 mega pixels and a 3X optical zoom lens. It is important to recognize what the minimum features are to expect for this range of digital camera prices. Digital camera prices between $200 and $300 should include:
* 1.3 frames per second shooting capability
* 10 to 20 scene modes
* built-in flash
* lens openings from f2.8 to f4.8
* optical viewfinder and an LCD of 1.5 to 2 inches
* optical zoom lens with a range equivalent to that of a 35-115mm lens
* rechargeable batteries
* shutter speeds of 4 seconds to 1/2000 second
* solid plastic or metal housing
* video clip capture at 320 by 240 resolution with audio
Digital camera prices can vary and it is essential to know what the most useful features are. Obviously you want to take good pictures but don’t want to pay the inflated digital camera prices that the high-end cameras have. However, your priority should be to assess which features are the most important to enable you to take the best pictures. The higher the numbers of megapixels that the cameras have, the higher the digital camera prices are but this does not necessarily guarantee better pictures.
One of the most useful features to look for in the $200-$300 range of digital camera prices for point-and-shoot picture taking is scene modes. Digital camera prices are not affected very much by having scene modes but these allow an amateur photographer to take shots such as a fireworks display and sunsets without knowing how to adjust the camera settings manually. The majority of the better digital cameras within the $200-$300 range of digital camera prices have scene mode selections available. Another feature of cameras within the $200-$300 range of digital camera prices is that they are compact and will fit in a jacket pocket.
Digital camera prices of $200-$300 are now common for good point-and-shoot digital cameras that come with an image resolution of up to 5 mega pixels and a 3X optical zoom lens. It is important to recognize what the minimum features are to expect for this range of digital camera prices. Digital camera prices between $200 and $300 should include:
* 1.3 frames per second shooting capability
* 10 to 20 scene modes
* built-in flash
* lens openings from f2.8 to f4.8
* optical viewfinder and an LCD of 1.5 to 2 inches
* optical zoom lens with a range equivalent to that of a 35-115mm lens
* rechargeable batteries
* shutter speeds of 4 seconds to 1/2000 second
* solid plastic or metal housing
* video clip capture at 320 by 240 resolution with audio
Digital camera prices can vary and it is essential to know what the most useful features are. Obviously you want to take good pictures but don’t want to pay the inflated digital camera prices that the high-end cameras have. However, your priority should be to assess which features are the most important to enable you to take the best pictures. The higher the numbers of megapixels that the cameras have, the higher the digital camera prices are but this does not necessarily guarantee better pictures.
One of the most useful features to look for in the $200-$300 range of digital camera prices for point-and-shoot picture taking is scene modes. Digital camera prices are not affected very much by having scene modes but these allow an amateur photographer to take shots such as a fireworks display and sunsets without knowing how to adjust the camera settings manually. The majority of the better digital cameras within the $200-$300 range of digital camera prices have scene mode selections available. Another feature of cameras within the $200-$300 range of digital camera prices is that they are compact and will fit in a jacket pocket.
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