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Most people start off with a compact camera. There are plenty on the market
by numerous manufacturers. Typically they are small and simple to use but
do not allow the same amount of control as SLR cameras.
Both film and digital compacts normally have auto-focus and many come with some
for of zoom. Just a note here about the difference between 'digital zoom'
and 'optical zoom'. Optical zoom uses the lens to magnify the image.
When you use this you still get the full resolution (on a digital camera) when you're
zoomed in as when you're zoomed out. Digital zoom relies on only recording
the centre area of the image and blowing this up to fill the frame. When you
use this you're not getting the full resolution. Opt for optical zoom wherever
possible.
Generally speaking, compacts use either a small window through the camera as a viewfinder
(you're not looking through the lens but in roughly the same direction) or sometimes
digital compacts rely on just an LCD display to show what is seen through the lens.
LCD displays are great for checking pictures that you've just taken, but some of
them aren't so easy to see in bright sunshine so be wary of relying on them as a
means of composing your pictures.
There are lots of different features on modern compact cameras. Here are a
few things to look out for on digital compacts.
- ISO range - the sensitivity of the camera can be altered
to allow you to take photos in lower light levels without flash (though usually
with a bit of loss in quality). This isn't an issue for film cameras - you pick
the film to suit the sensitivity needed
- Optical zoom - already mentioned in the text. Preferable
to 'digital zoom'
- Video clip recording - record small AVI files. Usually
pretty basic, but OK to make a quick video of something interesting. Not usually
a compeitior for a proper video camera though
- Memory card type - there are several main stream card types.
Check which one the camera you like takes and check the price and avilability of
the cards. Often cameras come with cards so small they're almost useless!
- Battery type - most take AA or AAA. Some might use
their own battery type which means that you might be stuck buying an expensive battery
if the one that comes with the camera packs up on you
- Check software compatability - some new cameras might not
work properly with older versions of Windows such as Windows 98.
Decide which gadgets you need and make sure you shop around!
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