News from Dec 04, 2006

DIGITAL CAMERAS- INFORMATION AND TIPS
  
Digital cameras are fast replacing the conventional film cameras. As the images are digitized there is no development step as in the case of film camera.*  Other advantage with digital cameras being the flexibility of shooting as many images as possible, for this different capacity memory cards are available. Direct editing and printing is also possible from digital cameras with some models. The memory cards can be formatted as many times as possible. But the user should be careful in formatting/deleting as the images can not be retrieved. Usually this is the common error by the beginners, the best way is not to delete the images in the camera and wait until the images are downloaded in the computer. Thus the digital camera operation needs a computer for editing and storing images. The software is generally provided by the manufacturers.
 Experience shows a digital camera with 5-6 MP [mega pixel] resolution is sufficient for general use. This resolution is useful for printing up to 8"x10" images. Presently cameras with 10 MP resolution and  with a memory capacity of 4-8 GB are also available for professional users.
 BATTERY POWER REQUIREMENT
Digital cameras with rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride [Ni MH]-AA batteries are more economical to use and they are globally available, but these type cameras are bulky to carry. Compact cameras are also available with battery packages: Lithium- Ion[Li-ion] but quite expensive. It is better to carry this type compact extra batteries while traveling as these are not readily available in retail outlets. Use of optical view finder can save much power of battery.
 MEMORY CARDS
Digital camera which supports at least 1GB is preferable. Presently compact digital cameras with 2GB are available. SLR cameras support 4-8GB memory cards.
 MEMORY CARD READER
Though downloading of images is possible via camera one should be sure of sufficient battery power. Disruption while down loading may lead to errors. Alternatively AC supply cord can be used .It is better to use a memory card- reader for down loading images to computer as they draw power from the computer.
 ISO 50-800
*Blurred images in low light can be avoided by using ISO standard levels, at present digital cameras up to ISO-1200 are available but quite expensive.*Image stabilization feature of camera is also useful in this regard.
CARE OF DIGITAL CAMERA
These type of cameras need to be protected from dust and moisture. Specially the compact models should be impact resistance.
  
For rating of different camers visit web site: http://www.wize.com