By Bruce D Hunter
These days the toughest part about digital photography is actually knowing which camera to buy. There are many digital cameras on the market, as well as several different types. The three main types of digital cameras are generally the SLR (on the higher end), the Compact digital camera (in the medium price range - as well as ability), and the ultra compact digital camera... which usually falls into the lower price range.
This article will focus on how to choose the right ultra compact digital camera since this type of camera is much easier to use, on the lower end of the price range (not always though), and extremely portable. Basically they're a big favorite these days among consumers in a world where smaller equals better.
So where do you start your search for your ideal ultra compact digital? Actually, you need to start the search in your own head. It's important to first know what your intentions and goals are with this camera. You need to know what types of photos that you're going to be shooting. More importantly you'll need to know what you're going to do with those photos once you've shot them.
Here are Some Points to Get You Set in the Right Direction!
The aspect of megapixel is probably one of the most important when choosing your digital camera, and will probably be one of the things that you'll need to consider first and foremost. So let's say that you know that you're only going to be sending out photos by email and basically only using them for online purposes. In this case, there's no need to purchase a super megapixel digital camera. In fact a 3 to 5 megapixel camera would be perfect for you in this situation and there's no reason to pay for the extra megapixels.
However if you think you'll be printing out photos that are 4 X 6 or 8 X 10 then you're better off getting something like a 6 or 8 megapixel just to be sure that you're getting the resolution that you want. The reasoning would be that if you're printing photos, there's no telling what sizes you'll end up wanting in the future. And furthermore, when you're shooting prints that you'll be displaying, don't you want them to be of the highest quality possible?
Since ultra compact digital cameras are just that...another major decision when it comes to how to choose the right ultra compact digital camera is the size of the camera itself. The ultras are definitely pretty tiny, sometimes being the same size as a playing card, and about the same thickness as the deck of playing cards, if not thinner.
This means that the controls can be a little small and cumbersome for someone with bigger hands. There are many variations of course depending on brand and model, but in general ultra compacts digital cameras have ultra compact controls. You may even want to consider upgrading to a compact which will usually have a bigger size control.
The great part however is that these cameras are ultimately small enough to take just about anywhere and very easily at that. Therefore there may be somewhat of a trade off in benefits... but it's up to your personal preference and physical needs.
Another aspect that people have trouble choosing over is the features. The ultra compact cameras can come very basic, with only a few menu options and shooting options that are meant just to get the basic shot...getting the job done and that's all.
Others have a smorgasbord of menu options comparable to the larger compacts including image stabilization, image recognition technology, scene recognition technology, rapid action firing, in camera editing and red-eye reduction, and much more. Therefore it's up to you how complicated or simple you want camera to be.
Of course the deciding factor most often comes down to price. You must adjust to your budget and not get overwhelmed or taken aback by all of the fancy features. It's a good idea to establish a budget and stick with it, and shop around for the best value for your money. There are a good number of reputable places online to get great reviews, and purchase your camera from for much less than you'd pay going retail.
The question of how to choose the best ultra compact digital camera ultimately comes down to your individual needs and desires when it comes to digital photography. However knowing what you now know from this article...you should be able to make a more clear decision.
These days the toughest part about digital photography is actually knowing which camera to buy. There are many digital cameras on the market, as well as several different types. The three main types of digital cameras are generally the SLR (on the higher end), the Compact digital camera (in the medium price range - as well as ability), and the ultra compact digital camera... which usually falls into the lower price range.
This article will focus on how to choose the right ultra compact digital camera since this type of camera is much easier to use, on the lower end of the price range (not always though), and extremely portable. Basically they're a big favorite these days among consumers in a world where smaller equals better.
So where do you start your search for your ideal ultra compact digital? Actually, you need to start the search in your own head. It's important to first know what your intentions and goals are with this camera. You need to know what types of photos that you're going to be shooting. More importantly you'll need to know what you're going to do with those photos once you've shot them.
Here are Some Points to Get You Set in the Right Direction!
The aspect of megapixel is probably one of the most important when choosing your digital camera, and will probably be one of the things that you'll need to consider first and foremost. So let's say that you know that you're only going to be sending out photos by email and basically only using them for online purposes. In this case, there's no need to purchase a super megapixel digital camera. In fact a 3 to 5 megapixel camera would be perfect for you in this situation and there's no reason to pay for the extra megapixels.
However if you think you'll be printing out photos that are 4 X 6 or 8 X 10 then you're better off getting something like a 6 or 8 megapixel just to be sure that you're getting the resolution that you want. The reasoning would be that if you're printing photos, there's no telling what sizes you'll end up wanting in the future. And furthermore, when you're shooting prints that you'll be displaying, don't you want them to be of the highest quality possible?
Since ultra compact digital cameras are just that...another major decision when it comes to how to choose the right ultra compact digital camera is the size of the camera itself. The ultras are definitely pretty tiny, sometimes being the same size as a playing card, and about the same thickness as the deck of playing cards, if not thinner.
This means that the controls can be a little small and cumbersome for someone with bigger hands. There are many variations of course depending on brand and model, but in general ultra compacts digital cameras have ultra compact controls. You may even want to consider upgrading to a compact which will usually have a bigger size control.
The great part however is that these cameras are ultimately small enough to take just about anywhere and very easily at that. Therefore there may be somewhat of a trade off in benefits... but it's up to your personal preference and physical needs.
Another aspect that people have trouble choosing over is the features. The ultra compact cameras can come very basic, with only a few menu options and shooting options that are meant just to get the basic shot...getting the job done and that's all.
Others have a smorgasbord of menu options comparable to the larger compacts including image stabilization, image recognition technology, scene recognition technology, rapid action firing, in camera editing and red-eye reduction, and much more. Therefore it's up to you how complicated or simple you want camera to be.
Of course the deciding factor most often comes down to price. You must adjust to your budget and not get overwhelmed or taken aback by all of the fancy features. It's a good idea to establish a budget and stick with it, and shop around for the best value for your money. There are a good number of reputable places online to get great reviews, and purchase your camera from for much less than you'd pay going retail.
The question of how to choose the best ultra compact digital camera ultimately comes down to your individual needs and desires when it comes to digital photography. However knowing what you now know from this article...you should be able to make a more clear decision.
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