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By Robert de Gast (Feb 10, 2006) There are now so many different digital cameras on the market that it has become nearly impossible-without help-for any one person to make an intelligent decision about what to buy, or why. Recently the editors of Consumer Reports made some recommendations about a dozen new arrivals suitable for the amateur market. (I hate the term "amateur"-it's often used in a derogatory way, as if amateurs don't know what they're doing. But amateur comes from the French meaning "lover." If you're an amateur photographer, you're making photographs because you love to-nothing more, nothing less.) Anyway, let me offer some thoughts on the Consumer Reports selections and add some notions on how to make intelligent decisions on what to buy, why and how. (All prices are in US dollars.) I think it's helpful to separate the cameras into different categories. To begin with, there's the single-lens reflex (SLR) category. SLRs accept interchangeable lenses, have high-quality sensors for capturing images, and can take pictures without noticeable delay-the most annoying aspect of many digital cameras. But they're bulky and pricey. currently, there are only four SLRs that cost less than $1,000: the Canon EOS Rebel XT, the Nikon D-50, the Pentax *ist DL (Who makes up these names?) and the Konica-Minolta Maxxum 5D. All are 6- to 8-megapixel instruments, but don't get seduced-or confused-by these numbers (more about them later). The simpler cameras (this isn't a put-down) in the 3- to 4-megapixel range that Consumer Reports recommended were the Canon PowerShot A510 (around $170) and the Olympus D-580 ($240). The Canon has manual controls, while the Olympus doesn't. For additional flexibility-as well as 4- or 5-megapixel resolution-the favored choice seems to be the Kodak EasyShare 2700, with a 5x zoom lens (around $250). Smaller cameras-that fit in your purse or shirt-pocket-all lack manual controls. The Canon PowerShot SD300 ($270), has the shortest next-shot delay. The magazine named the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-L1 as a "Best Buy" at around $230. The category Consumer Reports called "Advanced Compact Cameras" was headed up by the 6-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix E550 ($300) for its light weight and short delay. The 5-megapixel Canon PowerShot S60 ($320) has a very wide-angle lens-unusual for digital cameras. Don't make a decision based on the megapixel count alone. Megapixels aren't the be-all-to-end-all measure of digital photography excellence. Lots of other factors should be considered-lens design and quality, for one, as well as ergonomics, LCD screen size, zoom range and user-friendliness, for a few other important factors. For most people, 3- or 4-megapixel cameras suit extremely well, allowing you to make excellent 8x10-inch prints. For making smaller prints and/or for sending images over the internet, 2- or 3-megapixel resolution should be more than enough. Any of these cameras would make a fine choice, but it would be a mistake to rush out to order one. It's very important that you handle the camera yourself. See if it's compatible with your eyesight and shooting style-and whether it "feels good" in your hands. Some cameras are so small that people with large fingers have difficulty manipulating the controls. Also, some viewfinders are brighter than others. Once you've handled the camera, you can then go on the Internet and shop for the best price. But don't have it sent to Mexico! The shipping charges and customs fees could add hundreds of dollars to the cost. Wait until you visit the States, or have the camera shipped to a friend or family member who's coming to visit you in San Miguel. While you're ordering the camera, also buy a battery charger, a spare battery, an extra photo card and a small travel tripod. Sooner or later, you'll need any or all of them while you're recording (at no cost, ultimately!) the beauties of San Miguel. Robert de Gast is a photographer and author of nine books. His most recent book is Behind the Doors of San Miguel. He teaches and lectures, and can be reached at 152-7396 or at robertdegast@hotmail.com |