Camera features
and capabilities -
tips & insights

Megapixels

Many camera buyers put too much emphasis on megapixels when judging a camera's worth. While megapixel count is important, so are a number of other variables. These include:

Component quality

LCD screen size & quality

Scene modes

Shutter lag

Image stabilization

IS0 Speed

Aperture

Self timer

If a 5-meg camera outshines a 6-meg camera in the variables above, it's going to be the superior camera.

Component quality

Better lenses more accurately capture and better sensors more accurately digitize the image.

LCD size and quality

Some compacts have 3-inch LCD screens, like the one above. These larger-sized LCD screens are easier to view (but consume more battery power). LCD quality is another variable. Better LCD screens are clearer and are easier to see in the sunlight.

Scene modes

Some cameras have better, easy-to-use shooting modes (such as "nighttime"). These modes are highly useful for beginners. They are even beneficial to experienced photographers when they don't have time to adjust the setting for a particular scene or condition (such as market vendor in action). The camera will automatically adjust the settings for you.

Shutter lag

Some cameras have shorter shutter lags (minimum time between photos) than others. This could be important when, for example, you are photographing an impromptu sequence of pictures at an active party.

Image stabilizer

It reduces camera shake. Although most new SLRs have an image stabilizer, many compacts don't.

More features & quality tips

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