Digital Cameras – What To Look For In A Digital Camera

Last Updated:Mar 29, 2024

Planning to buy a new digital camera? This buying guide is all you need to narrow down your options. 

Here, we are sharing some significant factors that will give you insights about what kind of camera is a better choice for you. These factors will include — image sensor, optical zoom, built-in flash, and RAW files. 

Consider the mentioned factors and features in the article and once you get a fair idea, you can visit websites like pcredcom.com to buy the camera.

Types of Camera

Maybe you want a camera for live streaming or you want to take professional photos for social media, there are different kinds of camera options available in the market to suit photography enthusiast’s artistic style. Go through the details of the common cameras provided here:

  1. DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex): These cameras are simple to operate. It uses a single lens to focus the frame and capture. Entry-level cameras are available at budget-friendly prices and are equally popular among beginners and professionals. DSLR cameras have –
    • large sensors for low-light captures
    • interchangeable cameras
    • good ergonomics
  1. Mirrorless: These cameras are comparatively smaller than a DSLR but offer the same picture quality as well as capabilities. Special features of mirrorless cameras include – 
    • a lightweight body
    • compact structure
    • fast videography experience
  1. Compact (point-and-shoot): Compact cameras are the best options for travel, as they are compact enough to fit into your pockets.

    Highlights of the compact camera are as below –

    • Pocket-friendly option
    • Compact body
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Good for travel photography
  1. Bridge camera: High magnification zoom and manual control are the highlights of these cameras. They offer small image sensors and are compact, but not so compact as point-and-shoot cameras. 
    • wide zoom lens
    • light and affordable
  1. Action camera: As the name suggests, these cameras are made to capture candid and thrilling actions like the ones on an adventure trip. You can place it in your headgear and capture the moments even in the worst weather. These cameras are popular because – 
    • they are small-sized
    • well-constructed to survive even in the worst climate conditions
    • equipped with a waterproof body

These different types of cameras are designed to cater to the different needs of a variety of users and several photography styles. Now all you have to do is shortlist your requirements and see which type of camera best fits your objectives. 

Once you get a clear picture of what sort of camera you are looking for, refer to the subsequent section to see what factors you should consider while opting for your dream camera. 

Factors to Consider While Buying a Digital Camera

Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional photographer, you should consider the following factors before making any decision: 

Budget

The market is flooded with a variety of cameras differing in specifications and price range. Deciding on a budget will help you narrow down your choices. This way, you’ll be able to find a good digital camera without burning a hole in your pocket. 

Before deciding on the budget for the digital camera, clarify your objective and consider for what purpose – say hobby or profession you are buying the camera. You don’t need to spend a hefty amount on a camera if you buy one as a hobbyist. 

Notes

Keep in mind you may need to buy some additional accessories like a tripod, extra batteries, or external flash with the camera which will elevate the price.

Image Sensor

The image sensor in a digital camera is the part that takes pictures and transforms light into a digital signal to produce an image. When buying a camera, you can’t miss out on checking for the quality of image sensors. It directly impacts the lighting in pictures clicked. 

Remember that larger sensors mean larger pixels, contributing to more light in the image. Also, a wide image sensor will help you to blur the image background. So invest in a digital camera with exceptional image sensors installed in it, that too within an affordable range.

Optical Zoom

Optical zoom is the traditional method of zooming to make a picture appear closer, ensuring the best resolution and picture quality.

However, the most common way to use it is to take pictures of close-ups of objects that you wouldn’t want to take from a distance with USGlobalWorld.

Notes

Optical zoom is available in a compact point-and-shoot travel-friendly camera. You can also find optical zoom in DSLR and Mirrorless cameras.

Built-In Flash

Many digital cameras come with built-in flash. Despite their convenience, the built-in flash cannot provide professional-quality illumination and often produces unflattering images. It is best suited for taking quick snapshots in dim lighting conditions. 

The flash also adds significantly to the camera’s weight. However, if you must use the built-in flash, make sure you understand the limitations of these devices and what they are for.

  • The first issue to consider when using the built-in flash on your digital camera is the distance between your subject and the flash. 
  • Unfortunately, the flash cannot reach objects further away, and images taken at distances beyond this distance are underexposed. 

In general, built-in flashes have a distance limit of about 1 to 3 meters when using ISO 100. By contrast, external flashes have a longer range and higher flash power than built-in flashes. In such cases, you may need an external flash to properly illuminate a subject.

RAW Files

It’s a significant factor for professionals to select the camera based on file format to be able to generate high-quality images. Raw files allow you to have greater control over your shots after you’ve taken them. 

However, they are also larger, which can cause your camera to slow down or fill up your SD card quickly. Most digital cameras produce RAW files, but not all of them do. RAW files can include metadata about exposure settings, camera model, lens type, date, and location. Many raw files also include time codes and full JPEG conversions. 

Additionally, raw files from motion picture films contain frame numbers and keycodes, allowing you to sort them by frame sequence. For digital cameras that produce RAW files, it can be more difficult to find a suitable software application.

Memory Cards

Memory card determines the maximum speed at which you can take pictures with a digital camera. For example, if you’re a wildlife photographer, a high-speed card is necessary. However, average photographers don’t need a high-capacity card. 

While you might save money by buying a no-name brand card, you’ll want to consider how long you’ll need the card and what kinds of problems you’ll run into. We suggest spending a little more money to avoid any difficulties and keep the camera working.

To Sum Up!

A digital camera is a hefty investment, so carefully assess all your requirements and consider the aforementioned factors before buying one. To get a reliable and durable digital camera, we suggest you finalize some of the brands that fit your budget, and then view the user reviews to see what other people have to say about them. 

Based on the above factors and reviews, go for the camera that fits your current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most important feature to consider when buying a camera?

Sensor size is critical to consider while buying a camera because it impacts low-light image capture. The wide sensor size helps blur the background in the image.

What camera type is best suited for a budget of $300 -$900?

If you are a travel freak with a $300 to $900 budget, go for a Point and Suit camera. They are budget-friendly, compact, and simple to operate cameras.

What is the most affordable type of camera?

If you are looking for more affordable options, you can opt for Sony, Panasonic, and Canon. These are renowned brands that provide an affordable range of cameras with quality.

Bill Wilson

Social Media Writer

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