Pixels mostly relate to the size you can print or display the image you have taken.
If you want photo-quality prints from 4" x 6" up to 8" x 10" size then a 5 mega pixel camera is adequate.
With an 8-mega pixel camera you can go up to 11" x 14" prints.
If you are wanting to reproduce your photos at a greater size than that then you will need a 10 mega pixel camera or greater.
At that size you would be looking at a Digital SLR camera to serve you best. All of the cameras we have chosen take generously large images and are mostly over the 8 mega pixel size.
If you want photo-quality prints from 4" x 6" up to 8" x 10" size then a 5 mega pixel camera is adequate.
With an 8-mega pixel camera you can go up to 11" x 14" prints.
If you are wanting to reproduce your photos at a greater size than that then you will need a 10 mega pixel camera or greater.
At that size you would be looking at a Digital SLR camera to serve you best. All of the cameras we have chosen take generously large images and are mostly over the 8 mega pixel size.
Digital Camera Reviews
Choosing a Digital Camera
Although we have tried to simplify this as much as possible it is still a good idea to imagine, if you can, what exactly you you want to do with your camera and with the photos that you take before you choose a camera. In the world of cameras, "size matters!"
Pixels
Many people think that the more pixels a camera has, the sharper and better the images will be. Not true!
The quality of the photos depends on, to some degree, the number of pixels, the quality of the lens, the quality of the image sensor in the camera, the quality of the internal software handling the digital information and...wait for it...MOSTLY, the person taking the photos! Doh!
Many people think that the more pixels a camera has, the sharper and better the images will be. Not true!
The quality of the photos depends on, to some degree, the number of pixels, the quality of the lens, the quality of the image sensor in the camera, the quality of the internal software handling the digital information and...wait for it...MOSTLY, the person taking the photos! Doh!
Zoom
The average point and shoot camera will have a zoom level of around 3X to 5X and this should be more than enough to begin with.
Anything going over this will require image stabilization and at the top end will require a tripod or support to take sharp photos.
At 10X zoom simply the action of depressing the shutter button will cause movement no matter how steady you think you are being.
The average point and shoot camera will have a zoom level of around 3X to 5X and this should be more than enough to begin with.
Anything going over this will require image stabilization and at the top end will require a tripod or support to take sharp photos.
At 10X zoom simply the action of depressing the shutter button will cause movement no matter how steady you think you are being.
Digital Zoom
This has been totally discounted as a feature for consideration. It is not really a "zoom" feature. It is software within the camera "blowing up" an existing image and cropping the outside parts. This results in lower resolution and loss of quality through blurring and pixelation. Forget it.
This has been totally discounted as a feature for consideration. It is not really a "zoom" feature. It is software within the camera "blowing up" an existing image and cropping the outside parts. This results in lower resolution and loss of quality through blurring and pixelation. Forget it.
Lens quality
You will see from the list of cameras we have chosen that there is nothing exotic or unusual there. All these manufacturers have good lens sources and are driven to good quality by the competition in the area. The quality of the lens is a key factor in determining the quality of the image produced.
You will see from the list of cameras we have chosen that there is nothing exotic or unusual there. All these manufacturers have good lens sources and are driven to good quality by the competition in the area. The quality of the lens is a key factor in determining the quality of the image produced.
Storage
The great benefit of digital photography is the ability to shoot away virtually at random without worry or concern about taking "too many" photos. Wasting expensive film and incurring even more expensive processing costs are a thing of the past!
The great benefit of digital photography is the ability to shoot away virtually at random without worry or concern about taking "too many" photos. Wasting expensive film and incurring even more expensive processing costs are a thing of the past!
However that does introduce the problem of storage and organization. From a computer point of view this is easy as most photo editing software has features that allow you to organize your shots and copy them to other storage media like CDs and DVDs.
For a digital camera storage is also important as the images are going to be held on some kind of removable media like a memory stick until you can download on to your computer.
The most common form of memory is flash memory and if possible try to select a camera that accepts generic memory cards rather than proprietary ones which will cost more.
The most common form of memory is flash memory and if possible try to select a camera that accepts generic memory cards rather than proprietary ones which will cost more.
Video
Many cameras offer video capability so you can make your own mini movies. Many camera manufacturers make many "interesting" claims about the quality of these features.
In recent years great advances have been made in this area and some of the "top of the line" digital SLR cameras are capable of capturing stunning video. This does not mean that all digital cameras take great video. Unless you are willing to pay for the best... beware.
Many cameras offer video capability so you can make your own mini movies. Many camera manufacturers make many "interesting" claims about the quality of these features.
In recent years great advances have been made in this area and some of the "top of the line" digital SLR cameras are capable of capturing stunning video. This does not mean that all digital cameras take great video. Unless you are willing to pay for the best... beware.
Price
Ah, the bottom line! Decide on your budget range first. As we said on the Photography Products page it is easy to go hog wild here so decide your price range first.
Our advice is to be conservative. You can always trade up later or keep the cheaper camera for candid shooting and invest in a top of the line camera when you have really decided to pursue photography more fully.
Ah, the bottom line! Decide on your budget range first. As we said on the Photography Products page it is easy to go hog wild here so decide your price range first.
Our advice is to be conservative. You can always trade up later or keep the cheaper camera for candid shooting and invest in a top of the line camera when you have really decided to pursue photography more fully.
Compact Zoom/Advanced Cameras
These are a bit bigger in size as well as being a bit bigger in features and control.
They're still easy to carry so they can accompany you on vacation or in the field, and they provide more advanced features so you can have more control over your images if so desired.
These are a bit bigger in size as well as being a bit bigger in features and control.
They're still easy to carry so they can accompany you on vacation or in the field, and they provide more advanced features so you can have more control over your images if so desired.
Suppliers
For the U.S and Canada we recommend only a few well known online camera stores based on their competitiveness, quality of service, reliability and, above all, security. They are Abe's of Maine, B&H Photo, Ritz Camera and NewEgg.com. Our advice is to check out each of these online stores prior to purchasing to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.
Yes, you can probably search around the internet for a better deal... But when your camera arrives in tiny pieces or suddenly "they" don't answer the phone... Don't call us!
For the U.S and Canada we recommend only a few well known online camera stores based on their competitiveness, quality of service, reliability and, above all, security. They are Abe's of Maine, B&H Photo, Ritz Camera and NewEgg.com. Our advice is to check out each of these online stores prior to purchasing to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.
Yes, you can probably search around the internet for a better deal... But when your camera arrives in tiny pieces or suddenly "they" don't answer the phone... Don't call us!
There are basically three types of Digital Camera listed here:
Point and Shooters/Pocket Cameras
These little cameras fit in your pocket or bag and give you the freedom to take them everywhere with you.
For a beginner this is an important feature. One thing we stress here at My Photography Tips is that in order to improve your photography you simply must takes LOTS and LOTS of shots.
The ones we have chosen fit this function and they all are capable of taking excellent photos.
These little cameras fit in your pocket or bag and give you the freedom to take them everywhere with you.
For a beginner this is an important feature. One thing we stress here at My Photography Tips is that in order to improve your photography you simply must takes LOTS and LOTS of shots.
The ones we have chosen fit this function and they all are capable of taking excellent photos.
Why? Because all manufacturers bring out new models every year and the price of the latest and greatest is always inflated. This is money (extra profit) the manufacturers can get out of the early adopters of the new model. For you it is money you have spent on bragging rights alone. It won't get you $200 worth of extra camera!
The Cameras (everything new is old again!)
You may or may not notice that most of the cameras we have recommended in each category are not necessarily the latest models of each. For example as an advanced camera we recommend the Canon PowerShot G9 but not the G10.
You may or may not notice that most of the cameras we have recommended in each category are not necessarily the latest models of each. For example as an advanced camera we recommend the Canon PowerShot G9 but not the G10.
Digital SLR Cameras
The size of these vary depending on the camera itself as well as the lens you attach. Yes, we said "attach!"
Generally an SLR camera is sold as a camera body alone without the lens attachment. So in looking for a Digital SLR it is important to keep this in mind when checking the price.
That super cheap Digital SLR may be super cheap because it is just the body and no lens is included!
The size of these vary depending on the camera itself as well as the lens you attach. Yes, we said "attach!"
Generally an SLR camera is sold as a camera body alone without the lens attachment. So in looking for a Digital SLR it is important to keep this in mind when checking the price.
That super cheap Digital SLR may be super cheap because it is just the body and no lens is included!
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex and is a description of the way the operator looks in though the viewfinder and out through the actual camera's lens.
At the moment the photo is taken the shutter actually interrupts the photographers view for a split second while the camera records what you are looking at. These cameras will give superior picture quality and are the ultimate in control.
At the moment the photo is taken the shutter actually interrupts the photographers view for a split second while the camera records what you are looking at. These cameras will give superior picture quality and are the ultimate in control.
Our policy is that if the camera is the latest model and there is a compelling reason to recommend it then we will. If the previous model represents better value and is still a great camera we recommend that.
After all the Canon PowerShot G9 didn't suddenly start taking crap photos just because Canon released the G10!
After all the Canon PowerShot G9 didn't suddenly start taking crap photos just because Canon released the G10!
Click on the links below to see out recommendations for each type of Digital Camera.
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Still-life Images P.2
Still-life Photos P.3
Outdoor Photography
Outdoor Photos P.2
Outdoor Pictures P.3
Black & White Photography
Black and White Photos P.2
Black and White Pictures P.3
Digital Photography
Portrait Photography
Portrait Photos P.2
Wedding Photography
Photos Before the Wedding P.2
Wedding Ceremony Photos P.3
Pre-Wedding Reception Photos P.4
Wedding Reception Photos P.5
After the Wedding P.6
Photo Composition
Photo Composition P.2
Image Composition P.3
The Rule of Thirds
Candid Photography
Candid Photography P.2
Photographic Products
Photo Editing Software
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Digital Camera Reviews
compact-camera-reviews
digital-SLR-reviews
Learn Digital Photography
123 of Digital Imaging Review
Our Photo Tips in Action
"Shootin' from the Hip Photography Tips"
