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An Overview Of Waterproof Digital Cameras

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

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Unlike ordinary compact cameras, waterproof digital cameras were made to be exposed not only to water, but also to dust, sand and even impact caused by falling or otherwise. Several models come with different features and it’s up to you to find the right model that will match your traveling habits and the outdoor activities you and your family often do.

If you’re an occasional traveller who’d like to take lots of pictures with your kids even in the water, go for either the Pentax Optio W30 or the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U60. Although the latter one is a somewhat older model, it’s convenient to use with its vertical positioning, that way you can navigate the camera with just one hand. The W30, on the other hand, is also waterproof, although not impactproof. Just the same, both cameras are good for occasional water activities with your family.

For the divers out there, there’s the Sealife DC500: Like the name already says, this digital camera was made to best snap pictures of underwater species. Unlike any other waterproof digital cameras out there, the DC500 can take pictures at a depth of up to 200 feet. Now this is really something no other camera has achieved before, and that is definitely this camera’s strength, and an unsurpassable one at that.

Lastly, there’s the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW for the all-around water sports and outdoor enthusiast. You can take the 1030 SW up to 33 feet underwater and still take pictures. This latest model is not only waterproof and dustproof, but it is also freezeproof which means you can take it on your winter vacation with you. That, and, most incredibly, the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is crushproof. Many users have already attested to this camera’s sturdy build, which makes it probably the best digital camera for outdoors.

Tips For Buying A Used Digital Camera

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

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A lot of people are now buying used digital cameras simply because they’re much, much cheaper than buying new ones, especially if the camera is a recent model that has just been out in the market less than a year.

If you’re really lucky (or smart), you can even get a used digital camera without having to sacrifice the overall performance of the camera you’re buying. This is what you need to look for and look out for when buying a used digital camera:

Inform yourself about warranties. If you’re buying from a dealer/retailer, you should at least expect a 30-day warranty. Since it’s a second-hand item, 30 days should be long enough to predict whether the camera is going to last you a long time. If you’re getting your camera from a private person, still try to negotiate a short-term personal warranty. Of course, make sure that the person’s contact details are reliable.

Ask the seller whether the camera has already been serviced. Repairs might mean that the camera cannot function anymore like one that has never been opened/tampered with before.

After checking whether the camera is compatible with your computer (check for the operating systems the model is compatible with), verify the storage media that the camera uses and the built-in media capacity of the unit.

Finally, before buying a used digital camera, shop around for refurbished items and see if they will satisfy your standards just as much as or even better than used cameras from first-hand users. “Refurbished” only means that the item has been returned by its original buyer. Yes, it may mean that the camera had some flaws or didn’t work perfectly before. But then, having returned it to the manufacturer also means that the camera has been factory inspected and “debugged” by the manufacturer itself. The only thing that’s keeping manufacturers from selling these products as brand new items are consumer protection laws. So in most cases, refurbished digital cameras can be a real bargain, especially if you can find refurbished versions of newer models.

What To Look For When Buying A Slim Digital Camera

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

First off, consider the camera’s actual size. Yes, compact cameras are very stylish and easy to carry in your pocket. But then, will they also be comfortable for you to use? If you’ve got large fingers for example, you might want to actually try shooting several pictures with the models you’re considering first to figure out whether you’ll be easily able to use the controls and browse through the menu of a slim digital camera.

Then there are the specs. Don’t pay attention to a camera’s total zoom. It’s just a combination of the digital and the optical zoom and they were multiplied together to come up with larger numbers, equals the impression of a high zoom camera. Instead, look for the optical zoom which tells you how many moves forward the lens is actually able to make. Although you can find a slim digital camera with up to 5x optical zoom lenses (like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100), most models out there only have up to 3x optical zoom. In practice, most users are satisfied if their slim digital camera has 4x optical zoom.

If you want to go more into the camera’s specs, check the camera’s ISO settings. Some models (such as the Canon Powershot SD800) have ISO settings of up to 1600, but, this still being a compact camera, white noise is very obvious if you set your camera’s ISO at 800 up.

Lastly, here are some additional features you should look for in a slim digital camera because they’re very common in newer models and are therefore standard: image stabilization, optical viewfinder, and an LCD of at least 2.5 inches. You can also look at the software and in the menu to see how far you’ll be able to adjust the settings (aperture, shutter) of your camera, if at all.

The Convenience Of A Mini Digital Camera

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

In this digital age, a lot of people are longing for the ease of use that used to come with one-click cameras. This is especially true among first-time gadget users who have yet to figure out which type of image capturing device will best suit them. Which is why a mini digital camera might be the right choice for someone who’d only take pictures every once in a while.

A mini digital camera’s price can range anywhere from $5.99 to around $30, and for that price you’ll get the basic features of a digital camera such as a media card slot, optical zoom, and autofocus. Cheaper models don’t come with memory card slots, but have an integrated memory of at least 2 MB instead - not bad for a small-sized gadget.

However, it is important to emphasize that such mini digital cameras are not for everyday use but basically serve as a carry-on in case of an important photo opportunity or of an emergency (say, to take pictures of your car’s damage if the situation requires it). Those who are constantly taking pictures as they go should not opt for this gadget, for the mere reason that it is very small. Having to use it every few hours will make you grow sick of pushing the tiny buttons and looking into that small box, which is not always 100% accurate (most mini digital cameras don’t have a viewfinder).

Having shopped around, I found two models that may suit the needs of someone either looking for the smallest, simplest digital camera possible or someone who’s looking for reliable features packed in a minimalistic gadget. These are Sungwoo Park’s USB mini digital camera (which has only one button and can be inserted directly into any USB port) and Olympus’s mini DIGITAL S digital camera (with reportedly easy-to-press buttons even for large fingers and impressing output), respectively.

Take Pictures Anywhere With Your Keychain Digital Camera

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Taking pictures has never been easier with the introduction of keychain digital cameras to the market. Even the slimmest of digital cameras are no match to keychain digital cameras which are the top picks when it comes to being handy and compact.

Like the name already says, keychain digitel cameras are made to be attached to your keychain, or even your belt loop or bag strap. So far, these types of cameras are the smallest ones around. Take Philips’s P44417 series for example, with uniform dimensions of 2 x 0.7 x 1.5 inches. Vivitar’s model, on the other hand, measures 2.5 x 0.75 x 1.75 inches.

Although these cameras do not come with the features of standard digicams, you can rely on these keychain digital cameras to always be there when you have an unexpected photo op (like running into your favorite celebrity). Basic features include built-in memory (around 2 MB, but you can also get a model with 16 MB for around $50), a USB port and cable, a real-image viewfinder, a self-timer, and webcam capabilities. The high-end ones also got an LCD Display and can record less than a minute of digital video, while the ones you can buy for only around $10 are really only equipped with a viewfinder and a memory that can store more or less 25 pictures in VGA format (or 105 in compressed VGA).

Most cameras of this type should be compatible with Windows 98 to XP versions. There’s a wide range of features between models below $20 and ones for $50, meaning you can get some extra features without having to buy the most expensive models, so it’s best to shop around for the best deals.

Choosing A Flash Digital Camera Memory Card

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

The kind of memory card that you will need depends not only on the type of camera that you have (because you can now use adapters with some flash digital camera memory cards), but also on the kind of digital camera user that you are. Are you a professional photographer who snaps hundreds of pictures in a day, or are you more of a hobbyist photographer who just captures images as he goes – maybe even just on special occasions when gathered together with family and friends?

Here is an overview of the different kinds of flash digital camera memory cards to help you figure out what type you’ll be needing:

CompactFlash: All DSLRs and most high-end digital cameras are compatible with CompactFlash. This type of memory card contains a controller chip that allows higher transfer rates, which will be important especially if you own a DSLR.

Secure Digital & MultiMediaCards: Standard SDs are compatible with several PDAs, phones, and MP3 players aside from very small cameras. There are now Standard SD memory cards available with 4gb and 8gb storage capacity, which is already a lot even if you mostly store high-resolution images.

xD Picture Cards: These are very small in size and therefore can be used with several mini digital cameras. However, you can also use these in CompactFlash compatible cameras with the right adapter.

Apart from buying a flash digital camera memory card, remember to also get a card reader to make the transfer of your pictures and videos to your computer or any other compatible device more efficient. Lastly, decide how to distribute the storage capacity that you want to have. If you store everything in just one memory card, you’ll be sorry if your card gets corrupted or if you lose the card.

How To Pick A Good Digital Camera Printer

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

When choosing a digital camera printer, make sure to look for 8-color printers. There are 4-color and 6-color printers available in the market that you can now get for less. But remember, the quality of your photos will greatly depend on the number of colors of your printer. Plus, if you print a lot of black-and-white pictures, your printer will need to have grey ink as well, which an 8-color printer is great for.

Second, you will need to choose between inkjet printers and thermal ones. Although inkjet printers can cost you less, the overall maintenance will be more expensive since ink cartridges are quite expensive. That, and inkjet printing does not provide a waterproof coating to your pictures. This means that the color of your photos will begin to fade over time. This is something that will not happen with thermal printing. Printing paper and ink cartridges also cost less, making thermal printers more cost-effective.

Here is an overview of some of the most recent models of digital camera printers:

Canon PIXMA Pro 9500: This is a dye-ink printer that’s best if you print a lot of black-and-white images since it uses 10 ink cartridges, including two black ones and a grey one.

CHP Photosmart A626: Basically, it’s best advantages are the touchscreen navigation and its small size, which fulfills the term “compact printer” 100%.

Kodak EasyShare 5500: At $249.99, the 5500 is more expensive than other models but offers way more features such as faxing capabilities and the ability to print on borderless sizes.

Altogether, you should find the right balance between printing quality, features, and price when purchasing a digital camera printer. That way you’ll be able to maximize your capabilities as a photographer without worrying about the quality of your output.

Choosing Digital Camera Memory Cards

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Your digital camera’s memory card is the most important and most crucial equipment that you’ll be needing when taking pictures and even afterwards, that’s why it’s important that you know what memory card you should go for when buying a digital camera. But why buy an extra memory card when there’s already one in the package when you buy a camera? Simple. Most digital camera packages only include a 16-MB or 32-MB memory card, which, you’ll find out soon enough, won’t be enough for your needs even if you’re just a casual photographer. But before digging into how much memory you need, take a look at the most common types of digital camera memory cards below.

First there’s the Secure Digital or the Standard SD card, which is available for $15 and up, depending on the memory size of the card (4 GB, 8 GB, and even 32 GB). However, it’s important to know that several cameras, especially the compact-type ones, won’t work with a memory larger than 2 GB. Another feature the SD card has is the write-protect switch will provide your data added security.

MiniSD cards have the same features of Standard SD cards, only they’re smaller. Still, you can use a MiniSD in an SD-compatible device, all you need to do is insert the MiniSD in an adapter.

CompactFlash memory cards currently range from 8 MB up to 64 GB, but, again, most cameras compatible with this memory card can only work with memory of up to 2 GB. CompactFlash has a chip installed in it that lets you transfer photos at a very high speed (convenient especially if you’re using a digital SLR).

Other types of digital camera memory cards come in the following formats: Memory Stick, MultiMedia Card, xD Picture Card and SmartMedia. Remember to check what kinds of digital camera memory cards your camera is compatible with before making your choice to avoid confusions.

How To Find The Right Digital Camera Case For You

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

No matter whether you’re just a hobbyist photographer who just takes pictures of whatever is there or a professional photographer who travels a lot with his camera, there are a dozen of reasons why you should get yourself a digital camera case.

First and foremost, you don’t want your digital camera to show signs of use and misuse early on, that’s why it’s important to protect your gadget from the usual wear-and-tear signs such as scratches and also keep dust from getting inside the lens, etc. Even if you “just” own a mini digital camera for occasional use, it is still considered a valuable, so keeping it in a digital camera case will definitely keep your trips and outdoor activities hassle-free when it comes to the storage of your camera.

Here are some different digital camera cases that you can use depending on what camera you own and what kind of photographer you are:

Case Logic TBC4 Large Digital Camera Case (below $20): This case can hold a digital camera or a 35mm camera plus accessories. Its inner pads are relatively thick, which means that it’ll be safe to store delicate equipment in this case when going on one of your adventure trips. Its dimensions are 5.5 x 4.8 x 4.5 inches, which leaves enough room for an extra lens or other equipment.

Targus Getta Small Digital Camera Case (around $60): This digital camera case is designed for small point-and-shoot cameras. It’s got a wrist strap on the right end, making it easier for travelers to quickly grab their digital cameras on sightseeing tours, etc.

Kodak Performance Camera Case Case (around $20): Especially designed for Kodak Easy-share performance series digital cameras, this digital camera case also has a compartment for a battery and a memory card, plus it can be attached to a belt for easier access to your digital camera.

Digital Camera Binoculars

September 12, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

With the emergence of digital camera binoculars in the market, it is becoming more and more redundant to bring binoculars partnered with a digital camera whenever people go nature tripping. Yes, these binoculars were originally thought out for birdwatchers and other kinds of nature and wildlife enthusiasts. With this gadget, you can view your subject from afar and at the same time take a picture from the same distance.

More than that though, digital camera binoculars are also ideal for families who like to go hiking, fishing, and camping. They are waterproof and have scratchproof lenses, which will make them safe for your children to pay with.

There are some models out there that already come with a recording mechanism called “Instant Replay”. This will allow you to record the 30 seconds before you hit the red button to capture images on video. Otherwise, you can go for the ones with the standard video recorder that will let you record videos up to 60 seconds long. Not bad for a 2-in-1 gadget that’s cheaper than most digital cameras.

Another reason why digital camera binoculars are so popular these days are the low prices that are now offered in the market. While most high-end models are priced from $150 to over $800, you can already get yourself a pair of these binoculars for less than $50 and have 8 full megabytes of built-in memory available. If you shop around online, you’ll find that the models with the best features aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones.

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