2010 Digital Camera Buyer’s Guide

First of all, you’ll need to figure out what type of camera you’re looking for. The key to picking properly is thinking about how you'll use it. Maybe you crave the convenience of a pocket-sized point-and-shoot. Maybe you’re

looking for the creative control of a professional DSLR. Or maybe you want something in the middle. We’ll explain each type of camera, so you can choose the type that’s right for you. From there, you can pick out specific features to look for so you can find the camera that, to quote Goldilocks, is “Just Right”.

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Find your”Just Right“

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Point-and-Shoot Most common type of digital camera. Typically

termed as pocket-sized, they are convenient for on-the-go and everyday photography. They have fewer features and are more automated than DSLRs. With their lower price ranges, easy portability, and automatic settings, point-and-shoot cameras are ideal for casual photographers.

The In-betweener The middle ground between DSLRs and

point-and-shoots. Their larger body style is similar to DSLRs, but there are no interchangeable lenses. Performance in this camera style ranges from equivalent to higher-end Point-and-Shoot cameras to rivaling DSLRs. Often, In-Betweeners have higher zoom ratings and larger image sensors than Point-and-Shoots, producing pictures with more clarity and detail.

Digital SLR (DSLR) Higher-end digital cameras with more features

and adjustable settings for more experienced pho-tographers. In a DSLR, the picture observed in the viewfinder is the picture captured. Interchangeable lenses offer the photographer a variety of shooting options from long-range to wide-angle. Abundant user controls mean photographers can adjust settings to achieve specific effects or more accurately capture images in different environments.

Before you buy, ask yourself these questions to help you determine what your needs are:

1. How and where do you use your camera, and how often? Indoors or outdoors? Everyday snapshots or special occasions? Action or portrait?

2. How do you like to store your images? In your camera? On your computer? Do you like to print copies frequently?

3. How do you like to carry your camera? Do you prefer to toss it in a jacket pocket or purse, or do you feel better toting it in a case with backup batteries, memory cards, and other handy accessories?

4. What kind of battery replacement/charging fits best in your lifestyle? Do you have the time to plug it in and let it charge for a few hours, or do you need to be able to swap the battery instantly?

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Perfect your shot. Find the right camera.

For the most part, digital cameras are going to achieve the same purpose—capturing images in a variety of settings. But by knowing what situations you’ll be in with your camera, you can choose which specs are most important in your buying process.

The Basic SpecsBegin with the basic and practical specs for comparison. Prioritize each of these specs according to how you typically use your camera.

MegapixelsRefers to a camera’s resolution. It ’s a good starting point for comparison. Generally, the higher the number of megapixels, the better the resolution of the photos. However, a photo’s clarity and detail are also influenced by other factors like the lens, image sensor, and the level of file compression. A 12+ megapixel resolution is important if you like to print photos larger than 8x10. A good starting point for everyday photography is 8 megapixels.

MemoryMost digital cameras have some internal memory and a slot for removable memory cards. You spend more to buy memory cards, but you can transfer or print photo files without needing the camera. The most common type of memory card is SD (Secure Digital). SDHC and SDXC are in the same family as SD, but with larger capacity ranges. Other types include MMC (MultiMediaCard), CF (Compact Flash), and xD. Memory Stick is Sony’s proprietary format, but some of their newer cameras also accept the more standard SD/HC cards.

Battery LifeBefore you decide on a camera, compare its battery life to others in its class. Most digital cameras are powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries. But you have to plug them in to charge. Some cameras operate on AA batteries, which is a more convenient solution but less environmentally friendly (although you can opt for rechargeable ones). Consider how and when it will be easiest for you to recharge or swap out batteries.

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ZoomCamera specs show two different types of zoom: optical and digital. Optical zoom uses a camera’s lens to magnify the subject without losing image quality. This is handy for school programs or sports. The camera can single out your subject from a comfortable distance. A digital camera may have a 3x optical zoom or up to a 26x zoom. The higher the number, the more powerful the zoom. Digital zoom uses electronics to crop and expand the picture. This might be useful if you want to see a portion of your photo more closely, but it can cause a loss of detail. We recommend avoiding digital zoom when possible. If you shoot a lot of long-distance photos, DSLR cameras work with interchangeable lenses, including some powerful zoom lenses. In-betweener cameras offer a higher optical zoom range, typically 10x to 20x, without requiring lens changes. Point-and-shoot cameras typically range from 3x to 10x.

Image StabilizationSimilar to zoom, there are two kinds of image stabilization: optical and digital. Their purpose is to reduce or eliminate blur that may result from camera movement during the photo exposure. Optical image stabilization uses tiny, mechanical adjustments to counter the natural hand movement we all experience. Digital image stabilization adjusts the exposure time to minimize the effect of movement. Optical image stabilization is a better overall solution if you like to use the zoom feature. The more you zoom in on a subject, the more effect hand-shake will have on the final photo.

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Original 18x Optical Zoom

Without Image Stabilization

With Image Stabilization

Really Technical SpecsExperienced photographers may choose cameras that allow manual adjustments to different settings.

ApertureRefers to the hole in a camera lens that lets the light onto the image sensor. These can be fixed or adjustable. The size of the opening is referred to as an f-stop. Larger numbers correspond with smaller openings, which let in less light. An f-stop of 2.8 or smaller is considered large. Aperture settings can be used to vary a shots depth of field.

ISOMeasurement of an image sensor’s light sensitivity. A higher number is a higher sensitivity. Higher ISO’s are more capable of shooting properly exposed pictures in low-light situations. However, a higher ISO can also add noise to pictures. Using the lowest ISO setting will help reduce this effect.

Shutter SpeedsHow quickly the shutter opens and closes to let light in to the camera, measured in fractions of seconds. An average shutter speed is 1/60th or 1/125th. Larger bottom numbers equal faster shutters. The slower the shutter speed, the more movement you capture. This might make the subject (or background, wherever the action occurs) look blurry. The faster the shutter speed the more frozen the elements appear in the photo. Also, the longer the shutter speed, the more effect camera shake will have on the photo.

Image Format/File TypeType of file your pictures are stored as. Most commonly, photos are stored as JPEGs. Some compression is used to reduce file size, but this usually does not result in visible loss of image quality. The amount of compression can usually be adjusted. Some cameras will also allow you to store photos in RAW files. Most manufacturers have their own proprietary versions of RAW. These files contain minimal processing and no compression. Though they’re the highest quality, they’re also very large and take up a lot of memory.

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Fun ExtrasManufacturers add some useful (and fun) bells and whistles that may help you decide between two similar cameras.

Auto Shooting ModesMost digital cameras include a variety of auto shooting modes, such as Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Night, Fireworks, Snow, and Beach. When you select one of these modes, the camera will make adjustments to the internal settings (aperture, ISO, shutter speed, etc.) to optimize the exposure for that type of environment. For example, with Night modes, the camera will increase the aperture, slow the shutter, and adjust the flash to capture as much detail as possible in a low-light situation. Auto Mode is probably the most widely used since it takes the guesswork out of the situation for you.

Anti BlurSay you’re trying to get a shot, but the room is dim and crowded. All your pictures turn out just a little blurry. Anti Blur is a technology that allows you to get crisp shots even in low light and action situations by adjusting the ISO first and the shutter speed after that.

Live ViewDigital SLR users know that to properly frame a shot, you must use the viewfinder. Unless your DSLR comes equipped with Live View. Camera manufacturers worked some magic so that the LCD screen on the back will display the actual image of the upcoming photo. Now DSLR photographers can enjoy the same ease of photo framing as point-and-shoot users.

Video CaptureLeave the extra baggage at home! Some cameras can capture short video segments in addition to their standard digital photos. Even better, some of the video technology is HD!

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WithoutAnti Blur

WithAnti Blur

Capture the full view

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WOW factor #1: Intelligent Sweep Panorama

Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode reaches beyond the traditional wide angle lenses to let you capture expansive, breathtaking shots of landscapes (horizontal) or skyscrapers (vertical). Just press the shutter and shoot the scene with a sweeping motion. The camera does the rest.

Available September 2010. Model: DSCTX9

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WOW factor #2: Take Unbelievable 3D Photos

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your compatible 3D television.

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A must-have for your camera . . .Print wirelessly from anywhere in your house.

Canon Wireless printerPrint photos directly from a compatible memory card,

or from your digital camera directly. Ready to cut the cord? This PIXMA MP620 All-In-One’s built-in Wi-Fi capability lets you print wirelessly from anywhere in the house, with simple setup. Model: MP620

Without Smile Shutter

Smile ShutterSimilar to choosing the Sunset mode when you’re at

the beach, the Smile Shutter mode is optimal for group shots. Select the mode and press the shutter button. Your camera will detect smiles and automatically snap a picture — but only when everyone’s grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

With Smile Shutter

WOW factor: Waterproof, Shockproof, DustproofYou might have kids. Or a dog. Maybe you like to get out on the

river, or the ocean, or the lake. Hike the backcountry or hang out in construction zones. All of these things could be detrimental to your digital camera, if it ’s not waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. These rugged cameras can go almost anywhere and survive almost anything. In fact, Panasonic makes a version that you can take snorkeling. In the water. If you’re an adventurer, or just like things extra-durable, consider an armored camera like the Panasonic DMCTS2.

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Face DetectionRecognizes when

there’s a face in the frame and optimizes the settings for great-looking portraits. Model: DMCTS2

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FaceDetection

WOW factor: Dual-ViewWhether you’re taking a self-portrait in your living room or posing

with friends on vacation, the Dual Display feature lets you see the shot on the 1.5" front LCD before taking it, so you can smile for the camera and be the photographer at the same time.

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Model: TL220

Must-haves for your cameras . . .

Picture yourself in the fun

4G memory cardRemember when you could shoot digital still images all day long with

a single 512MB memory card? Not today friends. Today you need more storage. A lot more storage. This Patriot Memory 4GB microSDHC memory card provides the ultimate flexibility and storage expansion.Model: PSF4GMCSDHC43P

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Model: DMCFZ35K

Bring your images closerwith 18x optical zoom

WOW factor: HD video recordingLeave the camcorder at home. Typically 1280x720 resolution, you can

display the HD footage on your HD television for the ultimate effect. Some cameras even come equipped with an HDMI output for transmitting the highest quality images. Most cameras with this technology capture footage in AVCHD format, which is quickly becoming the standard. While the final file is smaller than older formats (like Motion JPEG), it maintains more detail.

Wireless all-in-one printerThe PIXMA MP560 is just what you're looking for in all-in-one

printer. It's got auto duplex printing for less paper use, a versatile card reader, scanner, prints borderless pictures, and to top it off it is wireless.Model: MP560

We think you’ll like these . . .

In-betweenerNikon L110

WOW factor15x zoom allows you to zoom in closely on far away subjects.

(5.0)Star Rating:

In-betweenerPanasonic DMCFZ35K

WOW factorHD video recording lets you leave the camcorder at home.

(4.7)Star Rating:

In-betweenerSony NEX5K

WOW factorSmallest camera in the world with an interchangeable lens.

Not yet rated

In-betweenerPanasonic DMCG1K

WOW factorFull-time Live View shows you before you shoot how the settings change the photo picture.

(5.0)Star Rating:

Point-and-shootSony DSCW310BLD

WOW factorEffortless shooting with Intelligent Auto Mode.

(4.0)Star Rating:

Point-and-shootNikon S4000

WOW factorA touchscreen that lets you draw and even write memos on your photos.

(4.5)Star Rating:

Point-and-shootSony TSX9

WOW factorMake your panoramic images come alive in 3D on your HDTV.

Not yet rated

Point-and-shootSamsung TL220

WOW factorBe a part of the fun with the front view finder.

(4.0)Star Rating:Star Rating:

Vann’s wants you to enjoy your purchase worry-free. Learn more at Vann’s or call Toll-Free 888.446.8008.PLUS

PRODUCT PROTECTION

An essential extraCanon MP490

WOW factorEasily view, select, and edit your images for simple computer-free printing.

(4.0)Star Rating:

Full selection found at www.vanns.com

An essential extraCanon iP2700

WOW factorBeautiful borderless photo printing in approximately 55 seconds.

Not yet rated

An essential extra Canon Pro9000 Mark II

WOW factorBeautiful and borderless pictures up to 13" x 19".

Not yet rated

DSLRNikon D3000

WOW factorGuide mode provides in-camera assistance for making camera settings and utilizing professional techniques.

(4.3)Star Rating:

DSLRCanon T2i Kit

WOW factor18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor capture images with exceptional clarity and tonal range.

(4.5)Star Rating:

DSLRSony A380L

WOW factor2.7" tilting screen lets you get all the shots you want without having to sit in awkward positions.

(4.3)Star Rating:

DSLRCanon EOS7D

WOW factorWith a broad range of ISO settings, the EOS7D enables shooting from dawn through dusk.

(5.0)Star Rating:

An essential extraCanon MP560

WOW factorBuilt-in 2-sided printing helps the environment and cuts your paper usage by 50%.

Not yet rated

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