which digital camera to buy your questions answered

WHICH TYPE OF CAMERA

Compact

Great for point and shoot pictures, there is still a vast range of levels of functionality in the compact digital camera market some almost to the levels of a Dslr, try to get the highest megapixel for the budget you have.

Bridge

Intermediate camera between the functionality of a compact camera and Dslr, these cameras will normally allow you to change various settings that a compact camera will not but offer a safety net for still getting great pictures, great stepping stone if you want to expand your camera skills.

Dslr

The Dslr will allow you to have 100% control over your photographs, every setting can be altered to fine tune the outcome of your picture, most offer certain pre set functions for that quick point and shoot moment to ensure the oppurtunity is not lost. you also have the option of a vast array of camera lenses to pursue the type of photography you desire.some popular brands include Canon Eos Dslr and Pentax HD Dslr

LENSES

Prime

A fixed length prime lense is great for portrait pictures and due to the high speed of these lenses they take good photos indoors with reasonable light.

Wideangle lens

great for landscapes as they allow as the name suggests a wide angle of view to capture the maximum amount of vista

Zoom

Allows you to bring the subject closer to you with varying levels of zoom, the higher the number the greater the zoom. higher zoom lenses suit wildlife and sports photographers whose subjects may be far away. Aim for a lense in the 70mm - 200mm range and you will get a good all round scope of photography.

Macro

The macro lense is for very close up photos, great for maximum close up detail suits wildlife and abstract photos

MEMORY CARDS

Check that the memory card is compatible with the camera you have chosen to purchase, there are varying types on the market

CompactFlash
SD
SDHC
Memory Stick
XD-Picture Cards

MEMORY CARD CAPACITY

Try to buy the highest capacity memory card you can to make the most of the high megapixels your camera has and also if your camera has video capability as this takes a lot of space on your card, a memory card in the 4 gb to 8 gb size range is a good buy. you can view all our memory cards here.

HOW TO TRANSFER MY PICTURES

To transfer your photographs onto your computer you will either use the lead(s) supplied with your camera or by using a card reader that your memory card will slot into, these connect to your computer via the usb or usb 2.0 port there are universal card readers available just make sure the reader accepts the type of card you wish to use.

BATTERIES

The Majority of digital cameras have a digital screen for viewing your shot and some with touch screen for changing settings, these put a lot of strain on your batteries so the best option is to go with rechargeable batteries.make sure you have spares with you and a charger,preferably one that allows you to charge from your cars cigarette lighter socket.

USEFUL FEATURES

Face detection

Face detection will automatically outline the face of the person you are photographing and focus to suit

Image stabilisation

When its difficult to keep the camera steady and you want a crystal clear picture image stabilisation is what you need

Video

look out for standard video recording and some cameras also have HD video recording, HD will use a lot more capacity on your memory card than normal video

ACCESORIES

Tripod

If you need ultra staedy shots and aiming for ultimate picture quality a tripod will help as it removes a lot of vibrations from your picture taking

Bag

If you have opted for a compact camera a simple sleeve will suffice, if you are starting into the world of owning a Dslr then a good quality bag suitable in size for all your equipment I.E. lenses,spare battery,filters,cleaning equipment, flash etc that offers high levels of protection is a must

Filters

if you are feeling creative filters are great for achieving this, it is also a good idea to get a clear filter for your lenses that will protect the lense and not interfere with your pictures

Flash

by using a seperate flash you are able to extend your creativity and experiment with different lighting techniques, also adds details for portrait photography