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Digital cameras buying guide
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Digital camera features explained
Here we look at some of the main features and benefits of digital cameras and how they can help you to take your photos. Look out for these features when choosing your digital camera.
Resolution
A digital photo is made up of millions of tiny dots or megapixels (MP). The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the camera can capture in an image.
- If you want to print larger than a standard 6”x4” (15cm x 10cm) photo, then a high number of pixels will give you better results. A high megapixel camera will also give you more flexibility to crop images and maintain detail when printing at full size.
- The more megapixels the camera uses, the more space the pictures will take up on the memory card.
How big can I print?
If you want to print. |
Take a look at. |
Pocket sized snaps for sharing with friends |
Any camera with 3MP or more will produce great results on a print 15cm x 10cm (6” x 4”) |
| Larger prints to put in an album | A camera around 5MP will give you great pictures on a print 20cm x 15cm (8” x 6”) |
| Pictures for framing and hanging | A camera with between 5MP and 8MP can produce quality prints up to 25cm x 20cm (10” x 8”) |
| Large photos or posters | 10MP cameras will give you prints up to A4 (30cm x 21cm) size, and 10MP or more will get you A3 (42cm x 30cm) size |
Please note, this table should be used as a guide only. The quality of your prints may vary between different camera models and different printers.
Digital Memory
Images are recorded onto a memory card (sold separately), which can be removed from the camera and inserted into a PC, laptop or printer. Many printers now have memory card slots, which allow you to print your pictures directly from the card without the need for a PC. There are a range of photo printers available from Argos.
- High megapixel cameras record a lot of detail and use up the memory quickly. It’s worth considering buying large capacity or additional memory cards to save the disappointment of running out of space.
- If you plan to capture movies you may also need additional memory to record and store them.
- Don’t forget that if you have a PC or laptop you can transfer your pictures to its hard drive, allowing you to clear your memory card and start again.
- Memory cards come in various formats including SD memory cards and XD memory cards, so check which type your camera uses before you buy.
Shoot and review with ease
The LCD screen on the back of a digital camera is your way of framing and reviewing your photos.
- Use the screen to compose your pictures and then look back at the results.
- The beauty of this is that you can re-take the picture if you don't like your first attempt.
- It's a good idea to find a camera with a large LCD screen that you can see easily.
- Some digital cameras now have basic built-in editing functions making it even more useful to have a good size screen to work with.
- Touch screen functions also make control of the camera functions quick and simple.
Getting up close
All digital cameras come with a built in zoom allowing you to get closer to your subject. There are two types of zoom - digital and optical.
- Digital zoom electronically enlarges the centre of the image, making the subject appear closer.
- A digital zoom can result in some loss of definition, as the camera is not actually seeing the detail close up.
- Optical zoom uses the lens optics to zoom into the scene.
- With an optical zoom the image captured by the camera is exactly what the lens is seeing. An optical zoom generally gives better results.
Battery
Digital cameras can be very power hungry.
- Many lower priced cameras take standard AA or AAA batteries, which are easily replaced when they run down.
- If your camera takes these batteries, it might be more economical to invest in rechargeable ones.
- The best digital cameras often have built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LI-ION) and come with a charger.
- There is little need to buy replacement batteries, unless you want a back-up battery for times when recharging may be difficult or not possible.
Using the Argos Comparison Table
Wouldn't it be useful to review all those features side-by-side? It's easy! When you view any range of digital cameras, you'll see a 'Compare Products / Go' link on the right, with a tickbox for each item. Just click the camcorders you're considering to view their features in a handy table.
