Friday, May 29, 2009

I need a new CAMERA!!!!!

As I am getting my blog together I have been mapping out ideas for topics. One of my topics that I would like to do on a regular basis is, instead of FOTD (Face of the Day), I want to do EOTD (Eyes of the Day). Showing of different eyeshadow looks. Sssooo...I need a better camera.

Now since I am in the market for a new camera, I have been doing a lot of research to make sure I purchase the best camera that gives me the most for my money. So I thought why not share my research with all of you, who may be interested in doing the same thing. So here are a few digital camera shopping tips I have taken heed to and would like to share with all of you,

1. Megapixels
More does not always mean better. The more megapixels the camera boasts the less likely the picture will appear blurry when blown up. **MESSAGE: This is good to know when taking pictures of products (e.g., eyeshadow, swatches, etc.) and even your own makeup.** So, if you don’t plan on blowing pictures up past the norm 4x6 print, then you don’t have to have a camera with a trillion megapixels.

2. White Balance
This is important when taking pictures in various types of light (e.g., inside v. outside). **MESSAGE: This is good to know when taking pictures of products (e.g., eyeshadow, swatches, etc.) and even your own makeup.**

3. Optical Zoom v. Digital Zoom
Optical zoom magnifies, with no image quality tradeoffs while digital zoom enlarges pixels already present, causing a rapid decline in image quality. If you are interested in taking pictures from far distances look for cameras with a higher optical zoom.

4. Image Stabilization
This is a great feature to look for in a camera to prevent blurred images. It can reduce vibrations that come from camera shake or slow shutter speed. It is even helpful when taking pictures in low light.

5. Rechargeable Batteries and Charger
Some cameras have the ability to use AA batteries of any kind—disposable or rechargeable. Finding a camera that allows you to use both can be most beneficial. Rechargeable batteries are great and if you need to let them recharge you can throw in some disposable batteries in the mean time. This feature is more so about preference.

6. Memory
Make sure you understand your cameras capabilities and what it may require. Not all cameras come with extended memory. To many times I have known for people to purchase cameras and not realize that they have to purchase extended memory. They get to a momentous event like a wedding, graduation, or even vacation, and they start snapping pictures only to see that their camera begins displaying a message, “Memory Full.” Not all cameras require the same thing. They could require a CompactFlash, a Memory Stick, an xD-Picture Card, or a Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard. Read the camera’s Specs!!!

7. Other great features to consider....

Facial recognitions features, such as smile mode and blink detection, red eye deduction, special photo effects like black-and-white or sepia, software, etc.
If you have comments or suggestions please share. The more feedback the better.

4 comments:

  1. This guy offers the best reviews of digital cameras. His reviews are really helpful and he gives examples of shots with each camera.

    http://www.dpreview.com

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  2. After your research, what are your top 5 cameras right now. I personally love Sony anything and Nikon is good too once you get into the serious cameras. Ced knows a bit about cameras as well.

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  3. My top 5 were...
    Canon PowerShot SD780 IS
    Nixon Coolpix (touch screen one...to lazy to find the exact one)
    Sony CyberShot DSC-W220/P
    Sony CyberShot DSC-T900/B
    Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS

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