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The Good Cameras
I've recently redesigned this page.
Below you will find a few camera recommendations, placed within various
categories based on user experience or interest level.
It's important to note that this site has
been designed to simply clear up digital camera lingo for those who are new to
it. It is NOT a "camera review site". Digital camera
manufacturers have certain requirements before they'll send you sample or review
cameras, and to put it nicely - I'm not big enough. (cough cough).
That being said, between myself, co-workers, friends, and family, I do get my
hands on a camera from time to time.
The blurbs below are simple suggestions based
on cameras I've used, played with, or at least done enough research into that I
feel comfortable giving them a thumbs-up. These are by no means the ONLY
good cameras on the market today. The camera market is literally saturated
with cameras, and it's impossible for any one site to review them
all. Remember, at the bottom of my gallery page, you will find some
links to large camera review sites, where you can find extensive reviews on many
models.
Let's continue...
Cameras For The Kids
(Or those who may be a bit
"slow")
Ok, you've got kids, parents, or perhaps
grandparents. The kids are too young to operate a complex camera but
they're crying for one. Mom and Dad are just barely beyond that "we
get it" age when it comes to modern electronics, and the grandparents,
well, they still keep calling CDs "records". Worry not,
there's a couple of choices for these folks. For VERY young kids (4-10
perhaps), just head over to your local Wal-mart or Target and check out the
kiddie cams for $50.00 or less, as those I have listed would be best suited for
the 12-80+ age group who want (or need) super simple simplicity, yet want to
enter the digital age. Photo quality is "decent" in this
category - don't expect perfection but for simple snapshot sized photos they're
ok.
The HP Photosmart E337 (above left) is a
5 megapixel model that operates as simply as turning it on, aim, and shoot. Poof, you're
done. There's nothing fancy on this camera (read - no optical zoom), but
it certainly covers the basics. The lens is tiny and basic in quality, but
at 5 megapixels will give you enough
resolution for good 4x6 prints, even if you crop a bit out of the photo before
printing. The camera only has 16 megs of built-in memory and does not come
with a memory card, so factor in a few dollars for a Secure Digital (SD)
card. Besides photos, it can take smaller 320x240 pixel sized videos at 24
frames per second (a little choppy, but better than nothing). It's powered
by two AA batteries, making it convenient. Buy a set of rechargeable AAs
and you're set. At around $79.00 retail, it won't break the bank if the
kids trash it, and won't fry anyone's brain trying to learn how to use it.
The Kodak Easyshare C310 (above right) is a
very basic 4 megapixel model. Like the HP, it's a simple matter of turning
the thing on, let the camera do most of the thinking for you, and take the
shot. Unlike the HP there's no lens cover, so keeping it in a case of some
sort is recommended when not in use to protect the lens. Like the HP,
there is no optical zoom, and it has 16 megs of built-in memory and no memory
card included, and again like the HP, uses Secure Digital cards for more, so
budget for one with the purchase. A video mode also captures 320x240 sized
video clips at 20 frames per second (again, rather choppy). The resolution
is good enough for decent 4x6 prints, but don't try to push it beyond
that. HP and Kodak are both guilty of advertising their cameras as
being able to make "beautiful large prints" far beyond what they can
actually achieve - these are both 4x6 snapshot cameras and that's pretty much
it. The Kodak does come in a kit bundle in some stores with a printer that
will allow you to make those 4x6 prints yourself. Just sit the camera on
top of the printer via a "dock", choose your pics, and poof - the
printer cranks them out. The camera alone is around $99.00 but with the
printer both can be found for around $199.00, so this makes it a decent gift
idea for those you want to buy an "all in one" solution for.
Some stores have stopped carrying this model, but it's still listed as current
on Kodak's site and still in some stores, so shop around.
Budget Cams
(A few more features, but lower priced
for those on a budget)
Maybe you're retired and on a budget, but
pretty hip and able to catch on to new technology. Perhaps you're just
starting out on your own and live paycheck to paycheck, but want a digital
camera. You could be someone who doesn't want a "bare bones"
camera, yet your shutterbug desires aren't that grand and you simply don't need
(or want) something that costs and arm and a leg. As long as you're able
to deal with a camera that perhaps doesn't have the most top-notch features, and
has a bit of a plasticy feel to it, there are models for you. They offer
more features than the beginners models above, but still aren't budget
breakers. Image quality is a step up from the beginners models, so you can
realistically crank out 4x6 as well as good 5x7 prints as well. Read on...
The Nikon Cookpix L12 (above left) is an affordable
7 megapixel camera that offers all the basic - a 3X optical zoom, 2.5 inch LCD,
and a movie mode (though they're at a somewhat choppy 15 frames per second).
As a bonus, this model features "image stabilization", which helps to
steady the lens to avoid camera shake when you're not holding the camera as
steady as you could. It uses SD memory cards which of
course, you'll want to add to the shopping cart as it doesn't come with one (but
does have a small 21 megs of internal memory), as well as the rechargeable AA
batteries as it uses a pair to power it up. A "D-lighting"
feature will brighten shots done in certain lighting conditions where the
background is bright but the subject comes out too dark. There are not
however, a lot of manual controls on this model (no shutter or aperture
overrides, etc) - other than scene modes and a tweak or two, it's pretty much
automatic. Prices vary from around $169-$199.00.
Canon also has a longer-standing
"A" series of their own. The A560 (above-right. It
actually has a silver handgrip rather than the one pictured, but otherwise is
the same) while also
plastic, has a more solid feel than the Fuji, and has a 4X optical zoom lens
that yields better than average results. Expect very good prints up to 5x7
and even decent 8x10 prints from this series, and this particular model has a 7
megapixel resolution. A 2.5 inch LCD screen lets you get a better view of
the shots, too. The nice thing about the A-series is that while they can
be used on full "auto" mode as a point-and-shoot model, a mode dial on
the camera will also allow you to manually change things like the shutter speed,
aperture, or both - giving you more manual creative options than most cameras at
this price do if you want to experiment. It comes with a small
capacity Secure Digital card (16 megs) - buy a larger one right away. The
movie mode is a step above the Fuji as well, recording movies at 640x480 sizes. Operating like all others to this
point on a pair of AA batteries, power isn't a problem. This particular
model runs around $179.00 or so in stores, but there are other A-models in the
Canon line that offer higher resolutions, higher zooms, and better movie modes,
so if your demands are for larger prints or your focus is on taking lots of
movie clips, explore their other A-models by clicking HERE
or by simply visiting your local store.
Cameras For The Enthusiast
(You know what you're doing, and want
more)
Ok, so you're not new to digital cameras -
you have a firm grasp on at least the basics, and you have the desire to do and
learn more. While you don't have an unlimited budget, you're willing to
pay more for more features. You've heard about the advanced digital SLR
systems (further below), but don't want to carry around all of those lenses and
larger camera bodies. You still however, want features. Here's something
for you. These models may not offer all of the features that expensive
digital SLR cameras do, but, for many people these are all they need to produce
super shots, and nice enlargement prints.
The Canon A640 (above left) is at the
upper-end of the A series mentioned earlier. This model offers a whopping
10 megapixel resolution - good enough for prints up to 8x10 and even 11x14 that
look decent. The 4X optical zoom lens is slightly better than average
these days, and the movie mode offers 640x480 clips at a nice fluid motion of 30
frames per second. The large 2.5 inch LCD on the back is on a hinge, and
swivels out where you can twist it to varying positions, making it perfect for
using in crowds where you can hold it above your head yet still see the screen,
or low at waist level. A variety of automatic as well as partial to full
manual controls give you full control over how your images turn out. As
per the other A-series models by Canon, this uses Secure Digital cards (of which
you'll want a large capacity one for the 10MP images), and AA batteries.
Expect to shell out in the neighborhood of $249.00 or so for this model.
Costco has been seen with a special of this model with a small Canon printer for
$299.00, FYI.
The Fuji S6000 (above center) is a 6
megapixel camera that offers a 10X optical zoom (but no image
stabilization). The zoom is controlled not with buttons, but by twisting
the lens area, much like a SLR camera, and the end is threaded to accept filters
without the use of adapters. Unlike most optical zooms which start out at
around 35mm, this one has a range of 28-300mm, so if you're into landscape
shots, this helps get a wider field of view. A large non-swivel 2.5
inch LCD is very sharp. This model features a new "face
detection" technology that is able to identify human faces within a shot,
focus on them, and adjust exposure and flash power to compensate for them (and
it seems to work). It uses the XD picture cards, of which you'll want like
the others, to buy a large one with the camera. A movie mode offers 640x480
sized movies with 30 frames per second. AA batteries are the power
source. Image quality is good enough to give you good prints up to 8x10
but I wouldn't push it beyond that. Price varies a lot as I've seen them
for as low as $249.00 to still around $340.00
on in some stores, so shop around.
The Canon S3 I.S. (above right) is the
newest super zoom offering from Canon. With 8 megapixels and a 12X optical
zoom with image stabilization to play with, it's a shoe-in for those wanting to
take wildlife shots, as well as movies since it has one of the nicest movie
modes on the market (640 x 480 resolution, clear, dedicated "record"
button, and stereo sound capture). The 2.5 inch swivel LCD is good for
capturing odd-angle shots, and there is a "hotshoe" on top of the
camera so you can add one of Canon's external flash units for greater flash
options (there is a built-in flash as well). With an optional adapter,
filters and one of two optional lenses can also be used (wide or tele
extenders). The camera uses 4 AA batteries for power, and SD cars for
photo storage - you'll want a LARGE capacity card for the movies (2 gig minimum
if you take a lot of movie clips). Going rate is hefty at $450-$499.00,
but look online for sales, and as the holiday season approaches there are bound
to be some price drops. Fitting 8 million pixels on a tiny little chip in
a camera does have drawbacks - in low light/high iso speed shots, there is a bit
more "noise" (grain) in the photos than you may be used to seeing in
lower resolution models, so, this is a camera that's best used in good to very
good light (but the zoom is worth the limitations to many).
Near-Pro Digital SLR Models
(You've got the money, and want to go
big time)
So you're beyond the basics, well into the
intermediate level of photography, and perhaps even getting into the advanced
levels. Consumer level cameras, even the enthusiast models, don't quite
offer the features or image quality you want. You need more. Digital
SLR cameras (DSLR for short) give you the ability to pick a lens or lenses that
suit your needs for the type of photography you like to do. They offer
higher image quality than consumer models, with less noise (grain) in lower
light conditions, faster speeds, and the ability to use external flash units and
more. One thing to keep in mind is that DSLRs are not physically designed
in the same way as consumer cameras - they CANNOT take video/movie clips, and
most of them with only a couple of exceptions (from Olympus - not discussed
here), do not have a live view via the LCD screen before taking a shot (you use
the optical viewfinder). You can in theory spend many thousands of dollars on a camera body
with some good lenses and accessories, but you can enter into this category for
a reasonable price.
The Pentax K100D (above left) is one of the
lower priced DSLRs on the market. While this model only offers 6
megapixels in resolution, you should keep in mind that DSLR cameras use image
sensors that are physically much larger than those used in consumer
cameras. As a result, they capture more detail and more light with less
noise (grain) in the images than consumer models. A DSLR with 6 megapixels
in resolution can in most cases take higher quality images than a consumer model
that has 8-10 megapixels. That being said, the K100D also incorporates
built-in image stabilization within the camera body, so any Pentax lens you use
with the system has image stabilization. With a large screen, ability to
adjust the iso speed (similar to film speed) from iso 200 to 3200, and small yet
sturdy size, this is excellent for travel. It is also one of the only
DSLRs to use AA batteries as a power source (also good for travel). Buy a
SD card for storage (none come with it). Pentax doesn't offer the same
number of lenses as Canon or Nikon, but enough for most enthusiasts with new
ones coming out all the time. For around $599 you can get this with a
decent kit lens that yields an equivalent of around 28-88mm focal
length. If you want to save $100, you can opt for their model K110D,
which is basically the same model, minus the built-in image stabilization
feature (though personally I'd splurge for it).
The Canon Digital Rebel XTi (above center) is
one of if not the hottest selling DSLRs on the market right now. Canon was
one of the first in the ballpark with DSLRs years ago, and tend to be a bit
ahead of the others in terms of image quality. The XTi offers a large 10
megapixel resolution, large LCD screen, and the ability to take nearly
noise-free images all the way up to iso 800, with low noise image at iso
1600. Canon has one of the largest ranges of lenses available, from the
inexpensive to very much pro models costing $$$. A new "anti
dust" feature on this model shakes the image sensor every time you turn the
camera on. DSLRs are prone to getting little bits of dust on the sensors
when you change the lenses, and over time they can show up as specs on your
images - this feature helps to reduce it. The only negative points going
against the XTi are a slightly tight handgrip, slightly more plasticy feel to
the body than some other models, and a 28-88 (equal) kit lens that produces only
soso images. If you plan on doing big things with this model, you might
want to opt for spending a few dollars on a better lens. The
proprietary battery should last all day, but buy a second one if you
travel. Around $999 for the body only, or $779.00 with the kit
lens.
Nikon's D80 (above right) is a solid thing.
Built better than most in it's class and price range, it has a larger grip than
some, and nice layout. Also offering 10 megapixels in resolution, image
quality is very good. Low light low noise images are not quite as good as
the Canon, but should be fine for most except those who specialize in taking
most of their images in low light conditions. Like the Canon, it uses a
proprietary battery that has slightly better battery life but unlike the Canon,
does not offer any kind of anti dust feature. Nikon also has a variety of
lenses, and this particular model varies from store to store in what kit lens
comes with it, so you'll need to check your local shops for kit options.
The body alone average s around $895.00, but kits can range from $1,099.00 upwards
depending on the lens you choose and the combo the particular store that is
carrying it decides to sell.
Any of these are fine models. The
Pentax would be excellent for new DSLR users, photography students, or as a gift
for someone who's an enthusiast, and for those who typically keep their prints
at 8x10 or perhaps 11x14. The Canon and Nikon models would be best for
those more seriously into photography as a big time hobby, and those wanting
larger prints and a larger range of optional accessories.
And One More Recent Model...
Nikon's new(er)
entry-level DSLR, the D40. The D40 is a 6 megapixel DSLR; as talked
about earlier, don't dismiss a camera like this because it "only" has
6 megapixels - remember, DSLRs offer a higher quality of image over consumer
cameras, so a 6 megapixel DSLR may very well outdo an 8-10 megapixel
consumer camera in terms of image quality, low noise in the images, speed,
etc. For the very low
price (for this range of camera) of $549.00 you get good image quality. That
price also includes a basic kit lens (18-55mm lens / 28-88 approx equal).
A 2.5 inch LCD looks clear, and the camera uses SD cards for photo
storage. See your local retailer for more. I'll have a review on
this model sometime in Aug. 2007 (sorry it's late).
A Binocular/Cam Combo?
(Click The Photo For A
Review!)
BUY & SELL PHOTOS AT ISTOCK
TODAY! SIGNING UP VIA THIS BANNER HELPS SUPPORT MY SITE!
 If you
already own a 1 or 2 megapixel camera but want to make larger prints without the
added expense of buying a new camera, you may now be able to do that!
Check out my review of a newer product called the "Imagener" which may
help you out, by clicking HERE.
A Note About
"Filters"
You may remember my talking about
"filters" at some point on the site. Filters are usually small, round, glass disks
that are surrounded by a metal threaded rim. They screw on to most SLR
film cameras, and some digital camera makers are starting to make models that
will accept them as well. On most consumer models you may need an optional
adapter to use them in front of the lens, but most DSLR lenses are threaded to
accept them directly. They come in different sizes (measured in "millimeter"
mm) sizes, to fit various sized lenses.
Filters are made to let you get various
effects. For instance, it's always a good idea to buy what's called a
"U.V." filter and leave it on your camera during daily use. This
helps to reduce Ultra Violet glare, but also protects your main lens at all
times, too. You can buy "Polarized" filters that reduce glare
when taking photos of water or glass, "Starburst" filters which add
bursts of light from candles, etc., and many more. Just make sure you
know, that not all digital cameras have threaded lenses that will accept
filters, so if this is a feature you like, research the camera you're looking at
to make sure it can accept standard-sized filters without having to buy
an adapter for it. Below is a photo of a filter for visual reference, and
a photo that was taken using the "Starburst" filter on a digital
camera. You can click either photo to see a larger version of it, and
click your browser's "Back" button to return here.
Ok.. we're done with this page.. you can take a break for a
minute!
I'm looking for advertisers
to support Digital Camera Basics. Camera makers and manufacturers are
welcome. Retail and web based stores are welcome to advertise provided you
pass my "customer satisfaction" check that shows no negative reports
to your local Better Business Bureau or complaint sites. If your company
would like to advertise, has a new product they'd like reviewed on this site, or
needs further info on any or all of this, just 
me.
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