Capabilities That Most Digital Cameras Have
Now that you know what all cameras have in common, you need to understand how digital cameras are different from film cameras and what you will typically find on most cameras, from the inexpensive to the deluxe. Each of these features is explained in detail in later chapters, but the following list is a good overview and checklist for what to expect in a digital camera.
This list will help you to understand what features you will find on a digital camera as well as help you with a buying decision:
Megapixels: Inexpensive cameras will record about 3 megapixels, and the most expensive will record almost 20 megapixels or more. Cell phone cameras will generally record the least.
Viewfinder: Most digital cameras will have two viewfinders, an optical or digital eye-level viewfinder and an LCD monitor at the back.
Memory: Pictures are stored in a digital computer-readable format in the memory that is either built into the camera or on a removable memory card that slides into the camera — or both. Today most cameras will have both: basic memory that is part of the camera when you buy it and then a slot for adding a memory card, which most people will want to do.
Image-transferring method: All cameras will have a way to transfer images from the camera to your computer. Most cameras today use a USB (universal serial bus) connection, but there are other ways to do this, such as a memory-card reader or a serial connection. If the camera saves the image to a floppy or CD, the floppy or CD can be put directly into a computer's drive.
Lens: Even the most inexpensive cameras now come with a built-in zoom lens, either optical or digital or both. DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras have interchangeable lenses.
Body: Since basic and prosumer cameras have a built-in lens, the photographer cannot open the camera to change lenses. DSLR cameras allows you to remove one lens and replace it with another.
Exposure: Just about all cameras will offer a variety of exposure modes. The more sophisticated the camera, the more exposure modes should be available.
White balance: All cameras should have a way of reading the color of the light and making a setting so that the dominant light source is seen as white and the picture will have a true white in the image.
Flash: Most cameras will have a built-in flash.
Image sensor sensitivity (ISO): Even basic cameras allow you to adjust the sensitivity so that you can shoot in low light, for example.
LCD monitor: All digital cameras have an LCD monitor, which can be used as a viewfinder, for a review of pictures just taken, and for file management. In addition, the LCD screen will provide a number of readouts that let you know as you are shooting, for example, what settings you have chosen.
Power source: All cameras require batteries. Some use standard batteries such as AAs and others have rechargeable ones. Many will also allow you to shoot if you connect the camera to a wall socket.
Software: Most cameras will have software built into the camera for review, file management, changing shooting settings, and more. For example, this software will let you manage pictures with a built-in menu. Generally, you can delete pictures and also lock pictures so that they cannot be deleted.
Focus: Inexpensive cameras will have either a fixed focus that you cannot change or automatic focus. Only the most expensive will allow manual focus.
Video: Even basic cameras will record short little video sequences.
Audio: Many cameras have the ability to record audio.
Equivalent: You will often find the word equivalent used with digital photography. Since most people are familiar with 35 mm photography, several digital photography designations are stated as 35 mm equivalents. For example, focal length is often stated as a 35 mm equivalent. You might also see the term ISOE, for example, meaning ISO (image sensor sensitivity) equivalent.
If you spend more money, you will get:
More megapixels
A more powerful zoom
A better quality lens
A stronger flash
More sophisticated flash exposure
More exposure modes
More manual control over exposure and other features
Greater range of image sensitivity (ISO)
Much more focus control
Macro capability
More sophisticated in-camera software
Do you get what you pay for?
Not really. A more expensive camera is not necessarily the best deal if it is too big or difficult to understand or hard to use. Make sure you get what you need; that is the very best deal.
