Point & Shoot Cameras

Point & Shoot Cameras

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Understanding the Specifications of Digital Cameras

First of all, count your pixels! The most important number to be considered when buying a digital camera is the number of pixels or megapixels it captures. Pixels translate into resolution, and high resolution results in clear, crisp, and detailed photographs. Most magazines require an image to print with a minimum print resolution of 300ppi (pixels per inch) for publication. To get that kind of resolution for four-by-six inch prints, you're going to want at least a four-megapixel camera. If you plan on blowing pictures up to eight by ten inches, you should look for at least 8 megapixels, and if you enter the rarified rangers above that you will need a professional-grade camera.

For the highest quality digital photographs, get a camera that has at least 3X optical zoom. The less expensive cameras have digital zoom, but that zoom is restricted by the camera's resolution, and higher digital zoom images may appear blurry or pixilated.

Shutter speeds are the other major factor to be considered when selecting a digital camera. The slower the shutter, the blurrier your pictures could be. If the shutter speed is 1/30, using a tripod is a must. When shutter speed is upwards of 1/125, you can take clear pictures of moving cars and trucks. In addition to the above specifications, you should also consider memory storage, battery life, the type of batteries the camera takes, and whether or not the camera is compatible with photo editing software. Many of the newer cameras support automated shooting modes which adjust the settings for you based on commonly-used situations. That, plus other features such as automatic image stabilization, which uses computer memory to refine an image in motion, or automatic face recognition, can help you get the most satisfaction for your dollar.

Top brands such as Canon, Sony, Olympus, Kodak, Nikon and Panasonic cover all prices and levels of sophistication. Newegg offers a detailed listing of specifications for all available cameras so you can choose the features and capabilities you need and want.