Best Things to Look For When You’re Buying A Compact Pocket Camera
October 29, 2009
The technology behind digital cameras evolves so much from year to year that it’s hard to keep up with the latest models. A three year old camera is already ‘old technology’ even though it may still be taking great photos. The major names in digital cameras, like Canon and Nikon, bring out at least one new model a year in each of their ranges, usually with updated versions coming out through the year. So how do you know the best things to look out for when you’re buying a new compact pocket digital camera?
Size does matter: the whole point of a compact pocket camera is that it should fit in your pocket or at least slip comfortably into your handbag without weighing it down. It should be light too, so that you are more likely to take it everywhere with you to take photographs of your kids anywhere and any time.
However there is such a thing as too small. The camera should fit comfortably in your hand when you are taking a photograph and you should be able to press the shutter release without it being too fiddly. You also need the camera to have enough space for a nice wide screen.
The screen is important: the great thing about digital photography is being able to view your photos instantly on the screen. Having a clear wide 2.5 inch screen makes viewing the photos much easier, so that you can see if they are sharp and that you have all the detail that you want. A small screen makes it hard to see whether an image is in focus or not, especially if your eyesight isn’t as sharp as it once was!
Pixels: these days many new models of pocket cameras have at least 8 megapixels, which is ideal for getting quality images that will enlarge well. You don’t need more than 10 megapixels unless you are planning on poster size prints, but don’t choose less than 8.
A good zoom: Small cameras have to be versatile. You want to be able to photograph everything from a beautiful flower to your kids running across a stunning landscape. A 4x zoom is the best and if the camera also has a macro facility, that is even better for taking creative close-ups of all sorts of things from flowers to food.
A good place to start your search for a compact digital camera is the Canon Powershot range, which has loads more features besides the ones I’ve just mentioned. Start reading up on some user reviews to see what people like about them. Even better, go to a camera shop so that you can feel different models in your hands and see what you are most comfortable with.
Mum and Photographer
Link to this pageComments
Got something to say?
- Sign up for our FREE eBook and discover how to take wonderful and interesting photographs of your children:
