Zoom Compact

You need a nice Digital Camera to take those wonderful pictures of the kids while they grow. Before rushing off to plunk down your hard earned cash there's a few things you should know about. The critical factors on point and shoot cameras tend to be performance-based: does it focus quickly, shoot quickly, produce good quality images and have ISO performance that at least compares favorably with the norms for the class?

1. Don't be fooled by Digital Camera Pixel Counts

The small point and shoot cameras have been a pixel count war for years and give the impression that more pixels is better. Problem is that all these small point and shoots (except the very expensive professional ones) have small CCD Sensors with all those pixels crammed onboard. You compare these pixel counts with a expensive pro camera and it seems to be the same but nothing could be further from the truth. DSLRs (digital single lens reflex Camera) don't necessarily have more pixels, but better pixels.

2. Consider your interest in photography now and a few years from now.

If snaps of the family are all you need then you can get great photos with almost any name brand point and shoot. If you want to move up a little then the new Canon G11 is a great camera. Think you might want to sell some pictures for extra money? Get a DSLR kit from a big box store for a great price. Would you like to use the camera on vacations to exotic locations? If so the camera could be a sealed SLR to protect it from the weather and some other things that get into cameras.

3. Consider the cameras speed or Lag time.

Point-and-shoots have a one- to two-second lag time between the time you press the shutter release button and the time the photo is captured.

Most point and shoots are too slow in taking the picture after the shutter is pressed to be worth a hoot for photographing fast moving children. A few of them are getting better but for the most part it's a full second between shots. How fast is an expression like a happy smile? A low end SLR will shoot 4 pictures in that time.

4. Image Quality

Image quality in an average point and shoot of 8 to 12 mega pixels is plenty good enough for baby and family pictures as long as some of the other problems don't interfere with getting the photo in the first place. For example low natural light or fast moving sports can be a problem because of the small sensor size and shutter lag time and slow auto lens focus. There is a huge difference in quality and more important the ability to get the Photo with a low end DSLR.

5. Image stabilization.

This is a great feature for fast moving families and sports. This should be a must-have feature unless you want blurry pictures or haul around a tripod.

6. Low-light capabilities

Low-light capabilities matter Cameras that have high ISO sensitivity (ISO ratings 800 or higher) will be better able to capture

7. Face detection Technology Face detection and automatic shooting of smiling faces is available Nikon Coolpix P90, along with a blink-proof option that takes two shots of smiling faces and then selects one in which the subject's eyes are open.

8. Movie Clips

Movie clips are great and you will be glad you have them. Some new DSLRs have a fantastic movie mode in high definition that can be copied to DVDs and played back on your HDTV. Point and shoots also have a short movie mode. These short movies can be used to attract people to your website to earn money or make a name for yourself.

9. Zoom

Most small compact point and shoots have small 3x zooms. These are not long enough for any kind of sports or event photos. Look for a longer zoom range of at least 5x.

10. Point and shoot build quality

The small pretty little, shirt pocket metal body cameras are easy to carry around and will fit in a shirt pocket. These cameras cost around $200 -$300 and more and are tough little things but do not take better pictures than ordinary point and shoots. You pay extra for the compact size. However these cameras have some problems you don't need and for a little more money you can have a hugely better camera.

Visit http://www.WalterMinton.com to see the only Small Cameras you should buy and why. Also see the Digital Camera Sensor Size Chart to see why some cameras are far better than others.

Author, Walter Minton

What digital camera should I buy?? I want lots of zoom, but I want the camera to be compact...?

I want a compact digital camera that is sleek and has lots of optical zoom. It can be a little bit big, but not too much. Ideas - I want people who have read reviews and know how they work. I want a small, compact camera, that is preferably sleek, and has lots of optical zoom. Any answers are appreciated.

tagman28, Photography is my hobby, but I was getting tired of carrying my gears when on vacation and, I recently bought the Canon PowerShot A710 IS and I very please with it. The key features are:
- Image Stabilization
- High Mega Pixel
- Good Zoom
- Use rechargeable AA batteries but can always use regular.
- Manual setting
- Good size display

My only disappointment is that it cannot shoot in RAW mode. Have fun

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