Digital Cameras & Digital Photography

Josh White asked:


To View all figures/charts/illustrations referenced in this article, click here.

 Abstract

 Looking for a digital camcorder for use in performing surveillance? Well, technology improvements in CCD and CMOS image sensors as well as the introduction of new high definition display and recording formats have certainly resulted in the introduction of lots of different digital camcorder models. Because of the wide variation in features and price points, it’s more difficult than ever to select the optimal digital camcorder. Certainly, some models will be better than others in consideration of the specific application for which the camcorder is intended and the features that are required. Because there are so many factors involved in making a selection and since new models are frequently introduced, it’s best to provide guidelines useful when evaluating models intended for a specific application. Then, as new models become available, they can be compared to existing models based on the same guidelines.



The goal of this paper is to provide guidelines that should be considered when evaluating camcorders for use in surveillance applications. These applications are those that would be used by military, law enforcement and special investigative personnel for gathering evidence or performing electronic news gathering and usually include viewing at a distance. While these are useful guidelines for understanding important camcorder specs, prior to making your own camcorder purchase decision, we suggest that you perform your own research of available models and, based on these guidelines, select those models that are expected to deliver the best performance and perform your own tests under real-life situations. You may learn that other factors may be important to your specific application and that your final decision is a compromise of those other factors.

For surveillance, optical image quality is of highest importance. Camcorder resolution and sensitivity are the primary factors to consider, with a variety of related factors such as image and pixel fields-of-view, the pixel size, as well as the frame rate, image stabilization, alternative lens options and lens interchangeability, integration mode, digital zoom and display resolution, user interface, video formats, recording media, manual gain, infrared mode, video compression, external audio inputs, viewfinder, robustness, and video compression.

 Camcorder Resolution

Video resolution is affected by a variety of different camcorder specifications. It is well known that high definition camcorders deliver higher resolution than standard definition formats. However, it is important to realize that if the camcorder is used to record image sequences that are later to be viewed (rather than using the camcorder just to view the video output in real time), both the optical resolution and the recording format must be considered in determining the ultimate video resolution. Considered separately, the optical resolution depends not only on the detector array size but also the image and pixel field-of-view. HD recording format also affects resolution. Finally, there are other resolution factors that may warrant consideration in order to determine the ultimate camcorder resolution.

 Detector Array Size:

It seems that every camcorder uses a slightly different imaging detector. While the HD recording format can be 1280×720, 1440×1080 or 1920×1080, the imaging detectors may vary quite a bit. As shown in the table, for a selection of mid-range camcorders, detector array sizes can vary from single chip cameras having arrays as large as 1920×1080 (Canon HF-10 and Sony HDRSR11) to three-chip blocks having detectors as large as 1440×1080. The physical size of the imaging detector also varies from camcorder to camcorder.

 Image and Pixel Field-of-View:

As shown in the accompanying chart (reference at above link) the combination of the physical size of the camcorder’s imaging detector (for example 1/3”) and the focal length of its objective lens (for example 50mm) result in an image field-of-view (FOV) that is defined as the angle of view from which image information is received. There are separate angles corresponding to the horizontal and vertical directions depending on the aspect ratio of the image. For wide screen video formats, the vertical FOV is 9/16 of the horizontal FOV. All camcorders have zoom lenses where the focal length varies from a wide angle position (with the largest angular FOV) to a telephoto position (with the smallest angular FOV). A smaller field-of-view results in a higher image magnification as would be required to view small objects at a distance.

Smaller imaging detectors create narrower angles of view when used on the same focal length lens. For example, a 50 mm lens delivers a horizontal FOV of 5.5° and 3.7° when used with a 1/2” and 1/3” format detector, respectively. Based on the variation of detector sizes and lens focal lengths, the angular field of view for different camcorders varies accordingly. The image FOV can be determined for any camcorder based on a simple formula.

The pixel FOV (also known as the instantaneous field of view, or IFOV) is a measure of the resolution of an imaging system. Though related, image FOV and pixel FOV are distinct and a camcorder having the narrow image FOV does not necessarily have a corresponding narrow pixel FOV. As shown in the table (reference at above link), while the Canon camcorders have the smallest image and pixel FOV values, the Sony HDR-SR11 has a small pixel FOV despite an image FOV that is nearly twice as wide as those for Canon.

A handy FOV calculator can be used to determine the FOV values for certain candidate camcorders. Pixel FOV is also calculated as are detection, identification and recognition range values for certain specified object sizes at a specified distance.

Recording Format:

The difference between the different HD recording formats is beyond the scope of this white paper. However, the impact of recording format on resolution is critical to imaging performance for surveillance applications and is described here.

As shown in the figure (referenced at the first link in article), standard definition camcorders (with a 4:3 aspect ratio) recorded video with 480 horizontal rows per frame giving a resolution of 640 x 480. (This is for NTSC formats. PAL formats recorded with 576 rows per frame giving a resolution of 640×576). Wide screen versions of these standard definition camcorders with a 16:9 aspect ratio were also available and recorded with slightly larger resolution of 720 x 480 (720×576 for PAL versions). Because of the limitations of the recording format, it would not have been useful to have a high resolution CCD/CMOS detector larger than 720×480 pixels in a standard definition NTSC camcorder except under certain circumstances (like zooming in to view central pixels). However, with the introduction of higher resolution recording formats, higher resolution detectors make sense.

Camcorder Sensitivity



High definition refers to video having higher resolution than standard definition and most commonly refers to resolutions based on either 720 rows/frame or 1080 rows/frame. Recording formats can either be 1920×1080, 1440×1080 and 1280×720. Consequently, are available with either 720 or 1080 rows per frame recording formats having a resolution of 1280×720 and 1920×1080 respectively. It is important to understand the recording format for any camcorder under consideration. If the full sensor resolution is necessary to perform the surveillance function, then make sure that the camcorder records in sufficient resolution.

Had this whitepaper been about digital still cameras, the above discussion of recording format would’ve been sufficient to describe the effects on image quality. However, since video incorporates motion, the fact that some camcorders record “interlaced” video while others record “progressive” video has some relevance, particularly when motion is important to the type of surveillance being performed. If not, then the relevance of interlace vs. progressive scan is less important.

Other Resolution Factors:

It’s worth mentioning that in those camcorders that utilize three sensors, pixel shift technology has been employed in the horizontal axis to make incremental improvements to the sensor resolution by using interpolation. This complicates the calculation of optical resolution somewhat, but may not be a primary factor.

Camcorder low-light sensitivity is usually of primary importance for surveillance applications, particularly when imaging at dusk or dawn, but also when attaching a night vision module that intensifies ambient light. The guidelines for camcorder evaluation are listed below. We recommend a review of the following factors: the Recommended Minimum Illumination Specification, Objective Lens F-number, Detector Pixel Size, Night Vision Module availability.

As such, but criteria enabling the comparison of these including: objective lens F-number, pixel size, electronic noise reduction, It is apparent that low-light performance as detailed on the list of the camcorders specifications because different cameras can produce varying results, even though the specifications may be similar.

Consequently, once you’ve identified a few different camcorders that have the features of interest and the performance that you require, it is important to test the camcorder’s low-light capabilities.

Recommended Minimum Illumination Specification:

Quite often, low-light performance specifications are provided on a camcorder’s specification sheet. These are usually described as either “low light sensitivity” or “minimum illumination” and the result is given in lux. The lower the lux rating, the better the camcorder performs in low light. However, because the details describing how these low-light measurements are made is not often provided, it is extremely difficult to compare these figures when comparing different camcorder models from different manufacturers. (What’s the assumed reflectivity of the objects being viewed? What’s the signal-to-noise ratio? Image brightness? etc.). As such, use of these specifications is complicated and not often satisfying. It is obviously best to test the camcorders yourself. Some websites (such as www.camcorderinfo.com) perform their own very rigorous tests.

Detector Pixel Size:

Not only is the detector array size important, but the physical size of the detector is also important for a number of reasons. Most often, small detector physical sizes (such as 1/6” format) are found in less expensive camcorders while larger detectors (e.g. 1/3” format) are found in higher performance camcorders. Physically small detectors require small, less expensive lenses and result in compact, lower cost camcorders. For surveillance applications, an important consideration is that light sensitivity decreases with pixel size. While larger pixels in general have more light sensitivity and are superior when imaging in low light or at night, larger pixels also result in a decrease in resolution (in consideration of a particular focal length lens). Also, larger pixels with large array sizes result in large arrays and large lenses. So, smaller pixels are often preferable. One should compare the sensitivity of camcorders with the smallest pixels with other camcorders being considered. Pixel sizes for a variety of digital camcorders are shown in the accompanying chart (referenced at the first link in the article).

Objective Lens F-Number:

As with SLR cameras, lens F-number is extremely important to a camcorder’s low light sensitivity. All other things being equal, a lens with a low f-number (such as F1.4) focuses much of the light from the scene onto the camcorder’s sensitive imaging detector. A lens with an F-number that is twice as high (F2.8) will pass only 25% of the light through it, making the camcorder 25% as sensitive. That’s a lot! For compact camcorders with integral lenses, sometimes the objective lens must be designed with a relatively high F-number in order to retain the compact design yet deliver the desirable zoom range. In particular, one finds that the F-number at the longer focal length values increases slightly. F-numbers at the maximum zoom setting for a variety of digital camcorders are shown in the accompanying chart.

Night Vision Module Availability:

For camcorders to be used for surveillance applications, the availability of a night vision module can be quite important, particularly for imaging at a distance and at night. Camcorders simply do not have sufficient light sensitivity to enable imaging in these environments. However, by attaching a night vision module such as those shown here, the light sensitivity of the camcorder can be increased by up to ten F-stops. As is well known, the resulting night vision images will be green, absent of all color. But, reasonable images can be produced in starlight and moonlight. Some of these night vision modules can be seen by clicking on the link above.

Other Factors To Consider

In evaluating camcorders for surveillance applications, resolution and sensitivity are usually the primary considerations, other factors may deserve attention. Some of these are listed below.

Media: “Media” refers to where the video will be stored. Many camcorders utilize several different media types. The following are the common types of media and some considerations for surveillance applications:

MiniDV Tape – These have been used for many years. The downside is the need to fast forward and rewind rather than direct access. However, they are known to be quite reliable, they are widely available and rugged. In addition, it is often convenient to have physical media with surveillance footage rather than a soft copy only which could more easily be misplaced or mislabeled.



MiniDVD – Though a familiar media, it may not be as convenient as one expects since the DVD often cannot be directly inserted into DVD players. Also, recording in the highest quality sometimes results in significantly lower capacity.



Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – These are generally high capacity media (e.g. 120 gigabytes) with long record times. Backup is obviously important and necessary. Also note carefully if compressed video is being used for storage in order to increase the available capacity.



Flash Memory – Flash memory (such as solid state memory and memory cards) is very attractive since there are no moving parts resulting in a compact and efficient design. Capacities are increasing every year.

Image stabilization:

Image stabilization is a camcorder feature that helps improve image quality during hand-held video recordings, reducing blur due to camcorder motion. The stabilizer instantly corrects camcorder shake so that hand held shots at full telephoto (such as video taken from a moving car) are smooth and steady. These image stabilizers can be either optical or digital in design. Optical image stabilizers usually manipulate a prism in the lens to stabilize the image when projected on the camcorder detector. Digital image stabilizers usually sense the camcorder motion and, taking advantage of extra rows and columns on the perimeter of the detector, shift the image an appropriate amount to stabilize certain types of motion. Normally, the optical image stabilizers, though more expensive, are preferable since they better remove the blur component of the motion.

Lens interchangeability:

Many lower cost camcorders have non-removable objective lenses. These lenses are compact and highly integrated into the camcorder’s housing, have a very wide zoom range and even macro capability. Normally, the field-of-view of the integrated zoom lens is selected to achieve the FOV range desired for most applications. However, for increased versatility, higher-end camcorders offer a removable lens and a lens mount so that a series of lenses can be offered for a wider variation of applications, including wider angle and more telephoto viewing. (See a list of mid-range camcorders having removable lenses here). For non-removable lens camcorders, if wider angle or more telephoto FOV values are required, adapters are sometimes offered to change the magnification as desired. But the result is a reduction in optical quality. For the surveillance videographer, interchangeable lenses can be a great benefit if the magnification offered by fixed lens camcorders isn’t sufficient for the desired application. In addition, night vision modules that are designed for removable lens camcorders fit between the lens and camcorder and retain all that objective lens’ functions including motorized zoom, auto-iris and image stabilization.

Digital zoom:

Digital zoom is an important feature for any camcorder. Because it is not possible to appreciate all the imaging detector’s resolution on the camcorder’s viewfinder or display panel, digital zoom enables the operator to view details on the viewfinder that would otherwise go unnoticed until digital images were later analyzed. In addition, it’s useful to note that a detector having a larger pixel array enables the operator to perform more digital zoom than with a camcorder having a smaller detector without the effects of pixelization.

User interface:

Any camcorder operator will confirm that accessibility to features is of some importance. Drilling down through sub-menu after sub-menu to access routine functions is not a desirable thing to do while in the field.

Infrared mode:

Some camcorders feature a sensitivity to near infrared light permitting the use of an infrared illuminator to brighten scenes. For a variety of reasons, these illuminators are not applicable for many surveillance situations. For one thing, normally the illuminators included with the camcorders do not project sufficient illumination at the distances of interest. In addition, they can be detected by others with most camcorders and CCD cameras.

Manual Gain:

For low-light situations, some camcorders offer a manual gain mode that permits the user to manually adjust the gain in the video image, usually increases up to +18dB. Though grainy, for surveillance applications, the video images are normally a significant improvement over non-gained or even auto-gained versions.

Shutter Speed:

If maintaining the standard frame rate (for example 60Hz) is not necessary because the objects under observation are not moving quickly, the frame rate and detector shutter speed can be reduced (for example to 1/3 sec) so that each of the sensor’s pixels will integrate light over a longer time that they are exposed. In darkened environments, selecting the longest acceptable integration time may be sufficient to provide a usable image at dusk or dawn.

External Audio inputs:

In order to prevent the appearance of sounding like a pure optics geek, it is important to mention that audio quality and access to external audio inputs is important for the surveillance videographer. The built-in microphone doesn’t always work well when shooting images far away or when you need something more directional to filter out ambient noise.

Viewfinder:

When performing covert surveillance, having a viewfinder on the camcorder is sometimes important in order to prevent the illumination from the bright LCD panel.

Robustness:

Another serious compromise is the lack of robustness in camera hardware — the flimsy switches and controls that cause videographers stress. When you’re out in the field under possibly dangerous conditions, you don’t want to be playing around with little controls and LCD panels that easily come apart.

Price:

Of course, price is always a consideration when evaluating the many many camcorders models available today. But, what these guidelines should show is that very often, the most expensive camcorder may not be the best for a specifi c application. Understand what features are most beneficial for your application in consideration of camcorder price range.

Conclusion

Technology improvements in CCD and CMOS image sensors as well as the introduction of new high definition display and recording formats have resulted in the introduction of lots of different digital camcorder models. Guidelines have been provided when evaluating camcorders for use in surveillance applications.

For surveillance, optical image quality is of highest importance. Camcorder resolution and sensitivity are the primary factors to consider, with a variety of related factors such as image and pixel fields-of-view, the pixel size, as well as the frame rate, image stabilization, alternative lens options and lens interchangeability, integration mode, digital zoom and display resolution, user interface, video formats, recording media, manual gain, infrared mode, video compression, external audio inputs, viewfinder, robustness, and video compression.

While these are useful guidelines for understanding important camcorder specs, prior to making your own camcorder purchase decision, we suggest that you perform your own research of available models and, based on these guidelines, select those models that are expected to deliver the best performance and perform your own tests under real-life situations. You may learn that other factors may be important to your specific application and that your final decision is a compromise of those other factors.

DISCLAIMER: We have made every attempt to provide accurate information. However, we cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies. Should you identify errors or require assistance, please contact us directly. Thank you.

For more comprehensive White Papers visit our online Knowledge Center.

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Corbin Newlyn asked:


A professional digital camcorder allows for creativeness and quality to meet, and the price is more affordable than it was just a few years ago. Even back in the latter half of the 1990’s the majority of professionals were utilizing Betamax professional quality analog recorders, although the professional digital camcorder was beginning to stand on its own back then.

In 1997 at a news conference in Roswell, New Mexico on the 50th anniversary of the historical alleged UFO crash journalists in the press room were completely shocked as a professional videographer strolled into the room holding a very little digital camcorder, for the first time many of them had seen one. It was a small fraction of the size of the really big Beta machines they were holding, and created a a great deal higher quality picture. The small-scale but very capable camcorder this newsman held rather honestly caused him to be the news much more than the speaker at the conference, at least amongst his companion journalists and other co-workers.

These days the vision of a pocket-sized camcorder does not induce as much of a splash that it did back then. As a matter of fact, the costs have been cut back so much that even unskilled videographers at times own professional digital camcorders, or they have a really high end consumer models that come very close, and are often known as “prosumer” since they are nearly a cross between a consumer type and a professional digital camcorder.

The Sky Is The Limit With A Professional Digital Camcorder

The next time you watch a TV news crew reporting a story, have a look at the equipment they are holding. There are numerous well liked quality makes that are used by professionals, but it is rather probable that if the TV station is resolved in regards to the news business the newsmen are using a digital camcorder instead of an aged analog camcorder. Being capable of recording directly to a digital format also gives the ability to the producers to edit the pictures a great deal faster than was done in the past.

With computers getting more and more powerful and as well as much more inexpensive and software heading in the same direction, the power to edit the images that you capture with a professional digital camcorder are not merely for pros any longer. Even competent amateurs can do a very good job at it. And for those thinking about a vocation in broadcasting, discovering how to use a professional digital camcorder at an early age is something that can be achieved through an internship or courses at a, community college, university or vocational school. The sky is really the limit with a digital camcorder.

RAYMOND NWAMBUONWO asked:


When shopping for digital camcorders, several choices are available. Some of these options involve the products features, characteristics and price ranges. This objectiveness also exists when one is purchasing any product ranging from sneakers to furniture and from toys to SUVs. Another way that a type of commodity is differentiated is through the company that produces it. Today, Sony is one of the most trusted names in electronic equipment, which includes its line of Sony digital camcorders.

Sony was actually started with the name Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation. Mr. Morita Akio and Ibuka Masaru founded the company in 1946, and then changed the name to Sony in 1958. “Sony” is a combination of a Latin word that is the root of the word “sound;” the English word “sunny;” and the term “Sonny-boys,” which in Japanese refers to a nerd.

The first significant consumer product that the company sold was an audio tape recorder that Sony put on the market in 1950. Sony is renowned worldwide for manufacturing the first transistor radio that can fit in a pants pocket (1957), the portable tape player known as the Walkman (1979), and the famous Playstation video game system (1994).

Right before the first Sony digital camcorders were released, the company made two groundbreaking camcorders. Sony introduced its Betacam in 1982. This camcorder was produced for professional recording via television. The initial units were analog, though the Digital Betacam was added to the arsenal of Sony digital camcorders, in 1994. Many of Sony’s digital video tape recorders (vtr) can play back all of Sony’s analog and digital Betacam formats.

In 1983 Sony’s Betamovie, based on its Betamax format, became the first domestic camcorder. The compact video head drum of this analog camcorder was subsequently used for camcorders manufactured afterwards. Today’s users of Sony digital camcorders would find the Betamovie to be bulky. In fact, one could not hold it by using a single hand, so users oftentimes laid the camcorder on their shoulder. Nevertheless, camcorders that followed the Betamovie were even bulkier, as Betamovie units lacked playback and rewind features.

Many Sony digital camcorders are offered on the market today. These fantastic products vary significantly in appearances, features, and price. The primary groups of Sony digital camcorders include: hard disk camcorders, dvd camcorders, hi8 Camcorders, high definition (hd) camcorders, minidv (digital video) camcorders.

Since its inception in 1946, the Sony Corporation has become a leader and innovator in the world of digital electronic equipment. Following the tradition of the Betacam and Betamovie, today’s Sony digital camcorders connote the best of their company and the best of the industry.

Monty Alexander asked:


How about a camcorder with 60 GB of hard disk space? Wow! That’s right. Sony DCR SR 85E is a camcorder which comes with 60 GB of hard disk. Now go on shooting without worrying about the space. Let’s check this camcorder out.

Salient Features

Sony DCR SR 85E camcorder comes with powerful optical zoom lenses. The zoom ratio is 25x optical zoom and 2000x digital zoom. This camcorder comes in both types of focus modes, that is, Manual and Auto. This makes it a perfect device for amateurs who want to try their hands on recording.

Sony DCR SR 85E: Inside Out

Screen size of the Sony DCR SR 85E camcorder is 2.7’ with the 16:9 wide screen formats. The camcorder performs very well under suitable conditions. But if you need extra ordinary images then you must ensure that there is bright light present where ever you shoot. The image quality in conditions that are unfathomable for the camcorder is quite good. In a low light condition, the performance delivered by Sony DCR SR 85E is not as good as you may desire, but it is satisfactory. The night mode is also very impressive. Sony DCR SR 85E camcorder is good for shooting family get-togethers.

Design wise the Sony DCR SR 85E is very trendy. It is primarily designed for those who avoid technical specifications in spite of having a deep urge to shoot good quality footage. This camcorder has only a few buttons to operate its various functions. As a result, clicking footage will become an easy task. Apart from this, it has some shooting programs like Auto, Program, AV, TV, Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Spotlight and Fireworks. As a result, you are completely armed with Sony DCR SR 85E Camcorder when you have to shoot footage in the nick of time.

Uniqueness

The camcorder comes with a Super Steady Shot option which allows you to take pictures of moving objects with much more clarity.

Another feature that will interest you is the Night Shot Plus. This feature of Sony DCR SR 85E will really please you as you can take bright pictures even in environments with minimal illumination or the areas which have infrared lights.

Conclusion

On the whole, if you are looking for a camcorder which will help you to cherish certain moments for a lifetime without being very technical then Sony DCR SR85E is the perfect one for you. With this you also have an option of direct print.

To know more visit: http://www.naaptol.com

Fletcher Mak asked:


It is no secret that the sale of digital cameras has overtaken the sale of film cameras in the Europe. Today, one is spoilt for choices as there is almost a deluge of digital camera manufacturers in the world market. The choice is so wide that one actually needs a guide that could pave the way for you, guiding you through this maze-like situation to finally help you make an intelligent and informed choice.

The first thing that most people take into consideration before buying a digital camera is its resolution. Higher the resolution of the camera, better is the quality of the pictures that you click through it and larger the size of the print-out. One usually finds digicams in the range of three to nine megapixels in the market. According to your needs, professional or personal, carefully decide on the megapixels of the camera.

Zoom is another feature of the camera that is paid a lot of attention at the time of buying. Two types of zooms on digital cameras are the optical zoom, which determines the quality of the image and the digital zoom that goes up to x10. Some cameras are meant for professional purposes and hence are developed with wide angle lenses.

Display screen in a digital camera is LCD and it previews the picture you are about to click. The screen size generally ranges from 1 to 3.5 inches. On the other hand, it is also advisable to take into consideration the batteries that would make your digicam last long. The proprietary rechargeable batteries are preferred over the standard ones.

Most importantly, before going in to buy a digital camera, take the camera’s size and weight into consideration as well. Go to the plethora of comparison and cashback sites that compare digital cameras by almost all manufacturers in the electronics market. Discount digital cameras are also easily available on these shopping portals that offer you whopping cashback as well for shopping with them.

So, if your next buy is a digital camera, take various important factors into consideration before finally settling down with the one that suits your requirement, budget and profession.

Brooke Hayles asked:


When deciding on a digital camera, looking through a digital camera review first can help tell you about each camera. Each camera has different options and a digital camera review will help you decide which fits your needs best. As we all know, the digital camera is much different than previous camera models. Before the digital boom began, cameras operated purely on mechanical and chemical processes.

If you’re new to the world of digicams, then you will need to remember that unlike their predecessors, they work through a built-in computer. This allows pictures to be captured electronically. With the popularity of these amazing gadgets, prices have dropped and what was once far too expensive for the average person, has now become just as affordable as film cameras.

Different Digital Camera Styles

Digicams, a common phrase for digital cameras, come in many shapes, sizes and features. As you look a digital camera review keep in mind if you are interested in a small, pocket sized camera or a larger model that has more features than the pocket sized. Point and shoot digicams are the most popular, but the larger camera with its additional features can be a good investment for your money.

Due to its convenience, the pocket sized cameras are wanted most often. A digital camera review will reveal that the small camera can be quite expensive due to the necessary technology needed to operate such a tiny camera. As you get further into your digital camera review you will see the phrase digital SLR. The SLR style is for the serious photographer. The professional SLR style of camera will produce the highest quality of photograph.

The SLR has quite a few enhanced features. One of its features includes the ability to switch lenses on the need of the situation. Of course, the SLR is also the most expensive of digicams. As you read through a digital camera review it will become obvious that most people’s photography needs are met with either a standard or pocket sized digital camera. However, if photography is a hobby of yours the SLR models may interest you greatly.

Digital Camera Tips

One term that you will find often in a digital camera review is “pixel.” Pixels refer to the individual dots that make up the picture. You may be more aware of the term “megapixels.” This term is the same as pixels, but measured by the thousand.

You may notice in the digital camera review that the more megapixels a camera has, the more expensive it seems to be. The reason behind this is that the more pixels a camera has, the high-quality picture your camera will take. Most digicams have either 3-4 megapixels. Earlier models have less, but it’s easy to find a reasonable priced camera with either 3 or 4 megapixels. If you plan to use your camera for family photos and to print 4X6 photos, this will suit you just fine. If you want to print pictures at the size of 8×10 or more, a digicam with more megapixels will keep your pictures sharp.

If you own a PC and then purchase a digital camera, you can upload your pictures to your computer. With special paper you can then print your own photos at home!

Summary:

A digital camera review will help you decide which camera will suit your needs best. Do keep in mind that digicams operate differently than film cameras. Since digital cameras record images electronically you can upload them to your computer and share them easily via email!

Jayson Pablo asked:


Fujifilm is a Japanese company known for its Photographic film and cameras. It operates 223 subsidiary companies for research, manufacture and distribution of products with manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe and North America. The products are distinct in their uniform containers.

The FinePix S700 offers some very powerful features, like a 7-megapixel CCD image sensor, 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm), high- resolution 2.5-inch LCD and EVF (Electronic ViewFinder), Picture Image Stabilization mode, VGA (640×480) 30fps movie mode with image stabilization option, high ISO capabilities (up to ISO 1600), all packed in a compact SLR style shell. This camera also includes a combination xD-Picture card and SD memory card slot. While it can be used as a simple point-n-shoot camera with its Auto, Scene, and Program modes, the S700 also offers various advanced exposure settings such as Shutter priority, Aperture priority and full Manual modes. Thus, this model can be used by both beginners or photo enthusiasts alike.

The SLR style body of the S700 offers a nice comfortable feel, thanks mostly to the deep rubberized hand grip. Its controls are well organized and professional in feel. The versatile f3.5-f3.7 10x optical zoom lens provides a generous field of view from 38 - 380mm in 35mm equivalence. From power-on to the capture of your first image takes about 1.8 seconds. Shutter delay, the elapsed time between pressing the shutter and capturing an image, is almost instantaneous.

The S700’s offer a wide sensitivity range of ISO 64 to ISO 1600. All users will enjoy the smooth, essentially noise-free images shot at ISO 64 - 200, while sports shooters will appreciate the ability to shoot full- resolution images at ISO 800, and 1600. While image quality suffers at high ISO settings, the ability to capture blur free images when the flash can not be used is very useful and having an image with noise is better than not having one at all.

With so many digicams flooding the market, FinePix S700 seems to be a very capable and appealing Fuji digital camera. With 7-megapixels of resolution, a versatile 38-380mm 10x zoom lens, loads of useful exposure modes, great performance, and comfortable SLR style body, the S700 is hard to beat.

Mark Etinger asked:


While more families own high-end camcorders than ever before, it doesn’t necessarily mean that more great home movies are actually being shot.  On the contrary, even though cameras have become easier to use and feature much higher resolutions than their predecessors, people still can’t seem to figure them out.

With our directorially-challenged friends in mind, we present the following list of essential tips for getting the most out of your camcorder.

Tips for Making Better Movies with your Camcorder:

1. Take off the lens cap.   Just kidding!  Our first tip is actually to use the Manual Focus option if it is offered on your camera.   Manual focus will allow you to get sharper images throughout your video without experiencing the blurriness that occurs when an auto-focus takes time to readjust itself.

2. Always keep the sun behind you.   When shooting outdoor video, always be sure that the sun is behind your back.  This will greatly reduce glare and “white-out” caused by the brightness of the natural light source.

3. Craft a plan.  Unless you’re capturing the most spur of the moment events, why not plan what you are going to shoot?  This will help you keep a steadier hand as you move from shot to shot, and you won’t forget to include anyone or anything that you intended to capture on film.

4. Don’t fall in love with the ZOOM.  Yes, we know that zoom is one of the most fun features on your camcorder, but that doesn’t give you right to create an amateur 3D movie every time you shoot something.   Choose a zoom length ONCE in your shot and stick with it.  You don’t want to be handing out Dramamine during your premiere.

5. Keep movement to a minimum.   Even the steadiest-of-hands will cause a disruption of the image when they begin to move the camera around.   We realize that some movements are unavoidable, but try and stick to the tri-pod as much as possible.

6. Always use a tripod.   See note above.  A tripod is truly a sound, “steady” investment for the amateur filmmaker.

7. Stop “rooting” around.   There are those among us who think that they are next Fellini (but trapped shooting families at Chuck E Cheese).  Consequently, they will stumble all over the place in search of the perfect angle from which to shoot.  Stick with the basics – shoot from the areas directly ahead of (or to the side of) your subject and you can’t go wrong.

8. Be natural.  Try and stay inconspicuous when shooting video of friends and family.  You want your subjects to act naturally, and waving your arms around like a madman and telling everyone to “smile and say something” is not going to create everlasting memories.

9. Keep a spare battery handy.  Nothing kills a shoot quicker than a camera with a dead battery.  Charge up a spare and keep it in your camera bag in case of emergencies.

10. Record in widescreen.   If your camera offers widescreen shooting, and you have a high-end TV at home, take advantage of both.  Shooting in widescreen allows you to capture your subject at its most majestic!

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John asked:


A few years ago, a digital camera is luxury that only a small number of “get rich first” can enjoy because its complicated operation and high prices. In particular the “professional” of it made many entry-level users confused. However, this situation has been reversed recently, more and more fashion-oriented consumer-level DC, to allow consumers more choice But this type of DC’s upgrade is also very rapid, high-pixel, large-screen … … It makes a lot of consumption confused, how to choose a good digital camera? Depends on what?

Can high-pixel screen bring clear image?



For a long time, the point that judges a digital camera by pixel has been misleading a lot of consumers. A few years ago, 3 million pixels has been the standard to judge whether a DC good or not, but after 2004, 8 million DC has been launched at the market, and more and more manufacturers preach the advantages of high-pixel by advertisement: a more precise picture, higher performance … but, in fact, whether the image is precise or not has nothing to do with pixels. Actually, the CCD, which is part of a DC, 8 million pixels is the same with 5 million pixel, just integrate more sensitive point in the same size, it is bound to increase the screen noise, actually reduces the image quality. As home using, 3 million pixels remains the most suitable, if you have a large print of painting need, 5 million pixels is enough to meet the requirements.

Ultra-thin, lithium battery, big screen, whether it’s good or not?

It seems that it’s fashion to have an ultra-thin DC. However, as a digital camera, electronic capability is as important as optical properties, so its dimension can not be reduced endlessly, or else it will seriously affect the imaging results. For example, some ultra-light DC must adopt periscope lens, that is, they reduce the dimension as possible as they can, at the expense of quality, penny wise and pound foolish.



Is high zoom the most convenient?

In addition to the pixel, the zoom capability is also the focus that preached by manufactures. 6 times, 8 times, 10 or even 12 times optical zoom DC appear in front of consumers, and many people are still popular, they think high-zoom can bring greater freedom to shoot.

Yes, some optical zoom make for shooting and composition, but while you enlarge the screen, you also enlarged the shake hands so that it’s hard to take a clear photo. On the other hand, high-zoom lens is a complex structure, they are bound to a certain extent affect the imaging. Proverbially 3x optical zoom has been proven to be the most suitable for the home.

Arthur Raise asked:


A camcorder is not just an object of desire. You need to invest in a machine that will give you good value for money. So just don’t rush out and invest around USD 800 or more on a whim. Before you give into your desire sit down with a friend and write down how many times you are likely to use the camcorder or whether it will just adorn a shelf.

Here are a few tips from gadget gurus:

1. Know what your options are. Surf the World Wide Web and read about camcorders and different brands. Never get carried away by advertorials, judge for yourself what is essential and what is not in a camcorder.

2. Set a budget and try not to increase it. You may just land up spending on a high end model that is just a little different form a less expensive one.

3. Know what your uses of a camcorder are. Whether you want to turn pro or just record family and travel experiences.

4. Determine how many times in six months or a year you are actually going to use a camcorder. This can be your indicator how whether you actually need a camcorder and how much you should invest in one.

5. Try and understand what all the tech terms mean. This will help you choose. Use a simple system of this is what I want will x, y, and z camcorders do the needful?

6. Find out whether you are comfortable operating a camcorder. Can you hold the camera steady, what about its weight, try out different models and see which weight , size, and design fits you like a glove. Remember a camcorder is not a one second thing. You may land up standing for hours on an end holding the camcorder up to your eyes.

7. Choose a camcorder that is simple to use and yet has manual options. Find out what are the variables in shooting good quality film and ensure that the model takes care of the needful.

8. Only invest in accessories you need. Avoid pressure by online sellers to sell you a whole package of things you may never use. It is easy to get carried away by offers of discount and low prices. People do business for profit so it is not that a retail or online store is doing consumers a favor.

9. Always read the manual before buying a model to determine whether you will actually be able to use all the features described.

10. Check about warranties, cost of parts, weatherproofing, and durability.

Always do your homework, take a minute to read reviews and talk to other camcorder users. Talk to people who are just like you and not to a professional film maker or camcorder pro.