While digital cameras have simplified the art of shooting, you still need to check the features you want, be it for the basic point-and-shoot device or the more evolved DSLR.
Features to consider
1. Megapixel:
Pixel, derived from 'picture element', is the smallest unit or point in a graphic image. Most cameras have 8 million pixels, also referred to as megapixels (MP), or more. Though this feature is highlighted the most, it affects only the image size, not so much the picture quality.
So, if you need to print a 4x6 inch photo, e-mail it or upload it to Facebook, even a 6 MP camera will do. An 8 MP camera can produce 11x17 inch images, while a 10 MP one will let you print a 13x19 inch image.
2. Sensor:
The chip inside a camera that records a photo is called the image sensor. The quality of your image will depend mostly on the size of this sensor. These range from 25 mm2 to almost 2,000 mm2 (used in high-end DSLRs). The bigger the size, the better the picture quality.
There are two types of sensors-CCD and CMOS-both of which use different technologies. The CMOS sensors are more popular because they consume less power and are faster.
3. Zoom:
Cameras have two types of zooms-optical and digital. Of these, the optical one is more important because it physically changes the focal length of the lens to magnify an image so that the image quality remains intact.
A digital zoom uses software inside the camera to do this, so the image may become pixelated. If your hand shakes while clicking a zoomed-in photograph, the image will be blurred. To avoid this, check that the camera has optical image stabilisation.
4. ISO:
This determines the sensor's sensitivity to light. A higher ISO indicates more sensitivity, which means you will get clearer pictures even in low light. The basic pointand-shoot cameras automatically select the ISO setting, while the evolved variants allow you to override this.
Typically, the ISO speed is 100 or 200. However, for evenings, you can increase the speed to 800. If you are shooting during night time or indoors in a dimly lit room, and do not want to use flash, set it at 1,600.
