I found another good video tutorial about “How To Buy A Digital Camera” at Brightcove.tv. The first camera video tutorial can be found here “How To Buy A Good Digital Camera For Beginners“.
Are you planning to buy a digital SLR camera, then I can recommend to watch the video tutorial “How To Buy A Digital SLR Camera“.
How To Buy A Digital SLR Camera? This is a video tutorial from VideoJug about the important features of digital SLR cameras. It also includes memory cards, megapixels, lenses, jpeg pictures, and more. Learn from professionals how to choose and buy the best SLR camera.
If you do not want to buy a digital SLR camera, but a compact digital camera then have a look at these two digital camera tutorials, “How To Buy A Good Digital Camera For Beginners ” and “How To Buy A Digital Camera (part 2)“.
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Step 1: What is a Digital SLR camera?
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. SLR cameras have been the favoured cameras of professional photographers for decades. Today advent of the digital SLR, or DSLR, as it is also known, has provided another option for today’s serious photographers.
These cameras offer more control than standard digital cameras and produce higher quality images when used correctly. They also differ from compacts and standard digital cameras in that they can be used with a variety of lenses, filters and flashes to maximise the cameras capabilies in different conditions.
You do not have to be a professional to use them, and many models come with features to help novices make the step up from point and shoot digital cameras. The higher end models presume a certain level of knowledge about SLR photography.
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Step 2: What Will You Use Your Camera For?
One of the first questions you should ask yourself is what sort of pictures am I likely to take with this camera. Is it simply for recording events from your life? Do you want to take pictures of subjects moving at speed? Do you need the camera to work in very low light or with very small subjects? Make a list of the different conditions you will need your camera to perform in.
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Step 3: Size
Almost all Digital SLR cameras are larger and heavy than a standard compact digital camera. However, there is variation within the range itself and it’s worth thinking about how heavy you want the equipment to be. Remember that you may be attaching very heavy lenses to the camera.
Pick up the model you are considering, and imagine using it with heavy lenses. Does it feel comfortable? Feel the weight distribution, does it sit comfortably in your hands?
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Step 4: Sensor size
A digital SLR camera uses a sensor in the same way a traditional SLR camera uses 35mm film. The sensor will record the information coming down the lens, but smaller sensors will only capture some of that information.
Some cameras have full-frame image sensors, meaning they can work with the widest lenses to produce some brilliant landscape images. But this also means images shot with a telephoto lens can be harder to crop. It is also worth remembering that these sensors increase the price of the camera significantly and burn through memory cards at a greater rate. Big sensors also tend to be harder to keep dust free, which can be a costly and time consuming annoyance.
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Step 5: LCD Monitor
Unlike compact digital cameras, the LCD screen on DSLR cameras only allow you to view the image after it has been captured. For composition of the shot you have to use the viewfinder.
However, the LCD screen is still a very important feature. Not only does it display the pictures and menu options, they are also used to display histograms giving exposure information for your photos.
As with standard digital cameras, try to select a model which has a large clear LCD, which has as many pixels as possible.
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Step 6: RAW and JPEG formats
Some Digital SLR models can record images in both RAW format and JPEG format. This is a very handy feature and is worth checking for.
RAW images take up far more memory as the information is largely uncompressed. You will need special software to view RAW images, but the software also allows you to tailor the photo after it has been been taken, and then save it as a normal JPEG or TIFF file.
JPEG are compressed, and so more will fit on a memory card. If you choose high levels of compression, the picture quality will suffer. Once a JPEG photo is taken, you cannot alter features of the photo such as white balance and exposure compensation.
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Step 7: Memory Cards
Some models of DSLR cameras come with a memory card, though most do not. Regardless it is worth upgrading to at least a 1 gigabyte memory card for your camera.
Most DSLRs take Compact Flash memory cards though some take SD cards. If you own a standard digital camera you may wish to look for a model of DSLR that takes the same variety of memory card to save you buying new cards.
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Step 8: Lenses
Digital SLR cameras often come with a kit lens supplied, but to take advantage of the full capabilities of your camera you will probably want to invest in more lenses. Many photographers believe that high-range lenses on mid-range cameras will give you better pictures than mid-range lenses on a high-range camera. Find out what the range of lenses for any model you consider are like. Remember, many manufacturers only make lenses that work for their brand of camera, but there are some companies that specialise in lenses that are adaptable to different models.
Which lenses you choose to invest in depends entirely on what pictures you want to take: for grandiose panoramic landscapes you will need a wide angle lens; for pictures of very small subjects a macro lens will be useful.
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Step 9: Compatibility
If you already own a traditional SLR camera, it is probably worth buying a Digital SLR from the same manufacturer as the lenses are often interchangeable. However, do not assume this. Tell the sales person which lenses you own and how old they are when checking if they are compatible with the digital model.
It is also worth remembering that lenses for film cameras can give you different results on a digital camera as the sensor is often smaller than the gauge of a 35mm frame. Check this out with the sales assistant before you buy.
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Step 10: White Balance
White Balance settings control the colour temperature of your images. In strong daylight images can appear blueish and cold, whereas indoor lighting can make people look strangely orange. Most DSLRs offer a range of controls and settings for different lighting conditions, but if your work is colour critical it is worth looking for a model with maximum White Balance control.
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Step 11: Shutter Speeds
All DSLRs also allow you to vary the shutter speed. The shutter speed denotes the amount of time the Image sensor is exposed to light from the image. Some models of DSLR allow quite amazing ranges of shutter speed that can allow you literally freeze a fast moving object. If action or sports photography is likely to be important to you, it is worth checking what is the maximum shutter speed of which a camera is capable.
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Step 12: Burst Mode
Many Digital SLR models of come with a feature called burst mode. This allows the camera to shoot a burst of images quickly by just holding down the shutter release, you can then pick which images you want to keep. Obviously this is great for sports and action photography. Different models vary in the number of frames that they can shoot per second, and in how many images they can shoot in a single burst, so it is worth asking a salesperson about this feature.
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Step 13: Pixels & Megapixels
Digital pictures are made up of hundreds of thousands of “pixels” arranged in a grid over the image. Pixels contain information about light and colour for the area of the image they correspond to. A mega-pixel is a million pixels. The more pixels the clearer your images will be, and the more realistic colours your camera will be able to capture.
However there is a misconception that the number of pixels is the only important factor when considering picture quality. Also important is the pixel size, many standard digital cameras boast massive mega-pixels of resolution, but will still not produce the quality of image of a DSLR with a smaller number of pixels. This is because DSLRs have bigger pixels which capture more light. This especially important when taking pictures in low-light or with faster shutter speeds.
Other features
It is also worth considering some of the other features found in some DSLR models.
Dust Protection for the image sensor is available on some models, and this can even go as far as self-cleaning image sensors. If you can find a model with this feature it will probably save you a lot of frustration.
You should also ask the salesperson about how the camera connects to a computer. Generally DSLR cameras have USB ports, but increasingly models have FireWire ports and even wireless options for downloading your photos. Check that your home computer is compatible to the options on your chosen camera.
If you are new to the SLR level of camera, it may be an idea to buy a model that has similar semi-automatic modes to the ones found on standard digital cameras. These include settings for “landscape”, “sport” or “night”.
Again the main thing is to know what you want to achieve with your camera, and then pick a model that reflects your decisions.
I found this excellent digital camera tutorial about “How to Buy a Good Digital Camera For Beginners” at VideoJug. Below, you will find the transcript of the video. Here you can find two other digital camera tutorials about “How To Buy A Digital Camera” and “How To Buy A Digital SLR Camera”
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Step 1: Why digital?
Digital cameras have several advantages over film cameras:
You can see the photos straight away.
You can save them onto the camera.
You can adjust them on your computer.
Your photos can then be printed out, stored on your computer, or shared on the web.
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Step 2: What do you need the camera for?
The broad range of digital cameras on the market today reflects the broad range of needs that digital photography can meet. Are you a point and shooter who needs a broad range of automatic settings? Are you an accomplished photographer who demands complete control from your camera? Or are you someone in between, who wants a camera they can grow with? This film has been made for the novice photographer who wants a fun camera that can take the strain out of good quality pictures.
What to look for:
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Step 3: Comfort & Weight
Pick up the camera and hold it. Does it feel comfortable to hold? Don’t buy something too bulky if you want to carry it around in your pocket. There are a good range of compacts available for beginners, so there’s no need to settle for something too heavy.
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Step 4: Viewfinder
There are 2 types of viewfinders used on digital cameras.
You can use a small glass window found at the back of your camera. This is an optical viewfinder. Not all digital cameras have one.
Digital cameras usually have LCD viewfinders. This is a screen that is larger than the optical viewfinder. It makes framing a picture very easy and shows the image after you have taken it. The best LCD’s are the ones with highest numbers of pixels, as this means the image you see more closely resembles the image you’ve captured.
LCD screens are difficult to use in bright sunshine and can drain a set of batteries - so look for a camera with both an optical and LCD viewfinder.
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Step 5: Resolution
Digital images are made up of a grid of dots which each contain the information for that part of the picture. These dots are pixels. The more pixels, the sharper the image.
A megapixel is one million pixels. The current range is from 1.3 megapixels to around 22 - and the price rises with the pixels.
But remember the high end pixel counts only really pay off if you print enlarged pictures and only if the printer you use can cope with that much information.
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Step 6: Lens
Get a good optical zoom lens. It will allow you to go in much closer and give your photo more detail.
Watch out for ‘digital zooms′ as they only crop the picture and blow up the remainder. As there are now less pixels in the picture, the quality suffers.
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Step 7: Camera Modes
There are some conditions which make it difficult for a camera to capture a good image on its normal settings. Almost all of these conditions are to do with light - either too much or too little. A digital camera which has preset camera modes can save you the bother of having to delve into shutter speeds and iris settings to get a better picture.
Common modes include:
“Party” or “night” mode which allows photographs for darker scenes
“Portrait” mode in which the camera attempts to blur the background of a shot to bring the subject out of the picture
“Landscape” in which the camera tries to show detail in background and foreground.
And “Sports” mode in which the camera uses an increased shutter speed to try and freeze moving objects.
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Step 8: Extra Features
In addition to these camera modes, some models include extra features which increase the types of pictures you can take with your camera.
“Movie” or “Video” mode allows a stills camera to take moving video pictures for short lengths of time
“Stitch” mode allows the photographer to combine several shots to create one very wide shot. This is a great function for getting those panoramic views.
Another feature to look out for is a remote control. A remote control will allow the photographer to join the photo while still having control of the moment it’s taken.
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Step 9: Flash
For a fun loving point and shooter, a flash is essential to make sure you can see your subject in dark conditions.
Many modern flashes come with a feature known as red-eye reduction. Red-eye is the name given to the phenomenon when a camera flash is reflected in the retina of someone in a photo. As this unfortunately tends to make your nearest and dearest appear like something out of a horror film, this feature is a good option to look out for.
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Step 10: Autofocus
Autofocus limits the risk of blurring objects and losing detail. Have a go with the camera and see how the autofocus works.
On some cameras it can take longer to focus as the mechanism is slower - which is annoying if you want to catch a moment. With some models you can press the shutter release button halfway to get the focus ready before you take the shot. Check if the camera you want has this function
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Step 11: Storage
Digital cameras use memory cards to store images. The larger the memory on the card, the more you are likely to spend. Most cameras use Smart Media and Compact Flash memory cards, and these can be bought as an add-on.
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Step 12: Image transfer
Cameras come with a cable to link up to your computer which allows you to transfer the images. This is easy, but there are faster ways of doing it.
A memory card reader is quicker, as is a flash path device which lets you plug the memory card into your computer. Be aware that some computers come with memory card reading hardware already built in.
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Step 13: Software
Although images can be viewed on the camera itself, computer software enables you to edit and print your photos. Every camera comes with a software package for your computer. Follow the instructions to install. You may also want to invest in a new printer to print good quality photos at home.
Today, Canon introduces a new digital SLR camera to its EOS range: the Canon EOS 50D. This camera has a CMOS sensor with 15.1 megapixels, can shoot 6.3 frames per second and has Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor.
CMOS sensor with low noise
The 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor delivers very detailed, low-noise images – perfect for large-scale duplication or cropping. New production methods, and redesigned photo diodes and micro lenses, has improved the light sensitivity of the sensor – allowing a CMOS sensor with more pixels without making concessions to image quality. These changes guarantee high ISO performance and low noise. ISO levels from 3200 to 12800 enable high-speed and low light shooting. The Integrated Cleaning System has a new fluorine coating, which increases image quality by reducing dust from the sensor.
Continuous shooting performance
The new DIGIC 4 processor can shoot up to 6.3fps and in burst mode up to 90 JPGs (with UDMA card). Together with Canon’s wide area AF system, you can capture spectacular action scenes – even in low-light settings. This makes the Canon EOS 50D very suitable for when you are shooting sports and wildlife. The DIGIC 4 processor and the CMOS sensor deliver natural-looking colors and smooth gradation – plus ultra-fast startup times and almost instant image review after shooting.
Live view mode and face detection
The Canon EOS 50D has a 3.0″ Clear View VGA LCD screen, which shows you a large and wide angle image review after shooting. When you switch to Live View mode a real-time image is displayed on the LCD screen, which allows you to shoot from awkward angles or remote shooting when connected to a PC. Live View Mode has three auto focus settings: Quick AF, Live AF, and Face Detection Live AF. Face Detection optimizes focus based on faces detected in the frame – for quick, spontaneous portraits.
More and easier control
The user-friendly menu system of the Canon EOS 50D has a new Quick Control screen, which gives you quickly access to the most frequently used settings. And with the new Creative Auto mode (automatic focus and exposure), you can still tweak settings like background sharpness.
According to Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe, “The Canon EOS 50D is for advanced amateurs and semi-professionals – or professionals looking for a powerful backup model”.
More information:
Canon EOS 50D website
Tags: Canon, cmos, SLR camera
