Everybody loves a photograph and most like to attempt a bit of amateur photography from time to time. However, with the onset of the digital camera there is now more to consider than ever before when choosing a snapper. It is hoped the following article will make it clear exactly which considerations should be made when buying a camera.



Firstly with any digital camera it is important to consider its sensor resolution. Fundamentally the sensor is the piece of the camera that is sensitive to light and hence creates the image through exposure. Put simply the light floods through the lens and each pixel finds the level of light and then records the image. This is why higher resolutions are considered to be better for the recording of images.

Typically the modern digital camera will have a bottom line resolution of five mega pixels. It should be remembered however that pixels are not the only important element, essentially more pixels simply means that the photo can be blown up to larger print sizes. Camera sensors come in two main varieties, the more common CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and the more recent CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor).

The lens has always been an important part of the camera and today this is no different. Zoom lenses usually are available in sizes ranging from 35-105 millimetres. Unless using advanced types of SLR camera however a secondary zoom lens will probably not be needed. Handheld digital cameras have two type of zoom, firstly the camera is able to physically zoom into a subject by altering the alignment of the lens whilst it is also able to utilise digital zoom that zooms in on the pixels. Optical zoom is the more important of the two as it enables the user to zoom in close to a subject without sacrificing picture quality whereas the latter does not.

Fundamentally there are two varieties of camera on the market today. These varieties fall under the umbrella terms of compact and SLR although there are subdivisions within the respective fields. Ultra compact cameras are the smallest and are perfect for parties and those people who always like to have a camera with them, compact are a little bigger but usually offer more features. For greater features still there are the compact SLRs whilst for the most discerning photographer digital SLR cameras provide professional quality prints.

Nearly all digital cameras today have some form of screen that enables the user to check exactly what they have snapped. Screen size varies in relation to the size of the camera; normally a LCD screen is used in manufacture. Understandable a larger screen will make the use of the camera easier although it should be remembered that all cameras need a manual viewfinder as in bright conditions it can often be difficult to use the LCD screen.

Batteries should also be considered, the cheaper cameras on the market will normally require disposable batteries such as the AA type. This has its own advantages as these batteries are readily available in shops across the land. Buying batteries all the time however can turn out to be expensive which is why higher end cameras have a rechargeable battery that connects to a mains powered charger.

While this has only been a brief introduction into the world of cameras and camera design it has hoped to clear up some of the issues posed by those buying such a device. As always, it is through a careful and considered approach that the best option will be found, with a little research it is possible to have years of happy snapping.