What kind of digital camera is best for me?
In order to choose the right camera--one with the right set of features at the right price--you'll need to figure out what you'll be doing with it. Match your needs to one of these user profiles.
1. Snapshooter
I want to take photos that I can email to friends and family, post on the Web, or print in sizes smaller than 8 x 10 inches on an inkjet printer. I'd like a digital camera that is easy enough for the whole family to use and small enough to take anywhere.
The specs that matter:
| Resolution | 6 megapixels or greater |
| Camera type | Compacts |
| Price |
S$200 to S$400 |
| Lens type |
3-5x zoom lens |
| Storage media |
Internal memory, Memory Stick DUO, xD-Picture Card or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard |
| Photo file format | JPEG |
| Interface | USB, composite video-out |
| Type of battery used | Lithium-ion rechargeable battery |
| Flash type | Built-in |
| Multimedia | Video-clip recording with sound |
| Cool features to look for | Face detection; image stabilizer; direct-to-printer (PictBridge) output capability; in-camera red-eye removal; automatic exposure fix; scene modes. |
2. Trendsetter
I crave for the latest technology and aim to impress my friends and business associates with the shiniest toys. But it shouldn't be too complicated to use.
The specs that matter:
| Resolution |
8 megapixels or greater |
| Camera type | Compacts and ultracompacts |
| Price |
S$600 to S$1,000 |
| Lens type |
3x to 10x zoom lens |
| Storage media |
Internal memory, Memory Stick DUO, xD-Picture Card or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard |
| Photo file format |
JPEG, TIFF, RAW (only in higher-end models) |
| Interface |
USB, composite video-out connection, component out, Wi-Fi |
| Type of battery used | Lithium-ion rechargeable battery |
| Flash type | Built-in |
| Multimedia |
720p HD video recording, MP3 playback |
| Cool features to look for |
Ultracompact design; advanced face detection; dual image stabilizers; Wi-Fi connectivity; onboard editing capabilities; large LCD display; ultra wide-angle lens. |
3. Frequent traveler
I travel often, whether it is for work or holiday. I want to capture landscapes and the daily life of people in other culture. I need something relatively compact yet powerful and suitable for rugged use.
The specs that matter:
| Resolution |
8 megapixels or greater |
| Camera type used | Compacts and prosumer cams |
| Price |
S$400 to S$700 |
| Lens type |
3x to 20x wide angle zoom lens |
| Storage media |
Internal memory, Memory Stick DUO, xD-Picture Card or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard |
| Photo file format |
JPEG and/or RAW |
| Interface | USB, composite video out connection, component-out |
| Type of battery used | Lithium-ion rechargeable and AA-sized batteries |
| Flash type | Built-in, hotshoe for external flash |
| Multimedia | Voice recording, audio playback, VGA video recording |
| Cool features to look for |
Face detection; onboard editing capabilities; world clock; large LCD; image stabilizer; long battery life; built-in help features; weather resistant. |
4. Serious amateur
Image quality is my top priority. I want a camera that produces sharp pictures and accurate colors. I also want manual control over the camera and use it with various accessories and lenses. I'll be using a high-quality photo printer to make prints 8 x 10 inches or larger.
The specs that matter:
| Resolution |
10 megapixels or greater |
| Camera type |
Prosumer cams and dSLRs |
| Price |
S$800 and up |
| Lens type | Supports lens converters or interchangeable lenses or zoom with widest focal range possible |
| Storage media |
CompactFlash, Memory Stick Duo, Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard or xD-Picture Card |
| Photo file format |
JPEG, TIFF, RAW |
| Interface | USB 2.0, FireWire and composite video-out connection. |
| Type of battery used | Lithium-ion rechargeable and AA-sized (often only with optional battery pack/grip) batteries |
| Flash type |
Built-in, hotshoe for external flash |
| Multimedia | Voice annotation |
| Cool features to look for |
Compatibility with existing 35mm camera lenses and accessories; face detection; customizable user modes; dynamic histogram display; image stabilization; high ISO settings; flexible LCD; Live View; remote control. |
5. Budget buyer
I want to find a basic digicam costing less than S$250 that will let me post snapshots on the Web; email them to friends; print them in small sizes (no larger than 8 x 10 inches) on my inkjet printer; and get me up and running quickly without requiring me to read the manual.
The specs that matter:
| Resolution | 6 megapixels or greater |
| Camera type | Compacts |
| Price |
Less than S$250 |
| Lens type |
3x zoom lens, fixed lens (on some older models) |
| Storage media |
Internal memory, CompactFlash, Memory Stick Duo, xD-Picture Card, or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard |
| Photo file format | JPEG |
| Interface | USB, composite video-out connection. |
| Type of battery used | Lithium-ion rechargeable or AA-sized batteries |
| Flash type | Built-in |
| Cool features to look for |
Face detection; image stabilizer; automatic scene modes; autofocus assist lamp; video capture with sound. |
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