Digital camera features

For digital cameras, there are a few extra considerations. Get acquainted with common features and terms so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Resolution
Image quality is measured in pixels, and a megapixel (MP) is one million pixels. The more pixels a camera has, the higher the resolution will be. This means you can enlarge photos without losing quality. For example, a 4-megapixel camera set at its highest resolution will produce photos that can be enlarged to 11" x 14" and still retain professional quality. Today's popular digital cameras typically range in resolution from 2MP to 6MP or more.

Image resolution is sometimes expressed by the width and height of the image as well as the total number of pixels it contains. For example, an image that is 1600 pixels wide and 1200 pixels high (1600 x 1200) contains 1,920,000 pixels—or almost two megapixels (two million pixels).

Most digital cameras offer a range of resolution settings. It’s a good idea to use a higher-quality setting if you plan on printing larger-than-wallet-size pictures. Here are some general guidelines:

Zoom
Most digital cameras have two different types of zoom: optical and digital. Optical zoom is the most important. An optical zoom is similar to the zoom lens used in film cameras. It alters a camera’s focal length (see digital photography glossary for definition) and allows you to get closer to your subject without moving physically closer. And it magnifies the subject without degrading the photo resolution, so your picture stays sharp and clear.

Digital zoom, on the other hand, enlarges the subject within an image to fill more of the frame. It crops the shot to include only the part of the picture you want to zoom in on and it magnifies the pixels in that section. Because fewer pixels are used to create your image, the photo resolution is lower. (You’ll get a similar result by cropping and resizing a digital picture in an image-editing program.)

If you’re interested in taking close-ups, consider a camera with at least a 3x optical zoom. And be aware that many cameras combine their digital and optical zoom capabilities with one number. For example, a camera with 21x total zoom may have 3x optical and 7x digital.

Many digital cameras come with zoom lenses that let you easily change the focal length of the lens. The range of focal lengths a zoom lens covers is usually specified by its magnification. A 3x zoom lens will enlarge or reduce the subject in an image by three times depending on which way it's zoomed over its full range.

Memory
There are two types of memory: internal and external. Since most cameras come with a very small amount of internal memory (32MB or less, or about a dozen high-resolution photos), plan on purchasing an external memory card. Your photos will be stored on the card until you delete them or transfer them to a PC, card reader, or printer with a memory card slot.

Some of the common technologies for external memory are Secure Digital, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, and xD. The more external memory you have, the longer you can shoot without having to download your photos. Common card sizes range from 16MB to 2GB.

The number of photos that fit on your card will vary depending on how you set your camera’s image quality settings and how detailed the images are. Higher quality means higher resolution and that translates to bigger image files, which take up more space on your memory card. For example, if the image quality setting is on Best, your files will much larger than if your setting is on Good.

Approximate number of photos by memory card and image size
This chart shows you how many photos you can store on your camera’s memory card. The actual number of photos may vary with your camera’s resolution and settings.

LCD viewfinders and screens
Most digital cameras come with an optical viewfinder just like those on film cameras. But many also come with an LCD screen on the back, where you can compose your pictures and review the shots you’ve taken. But remember that using the LCD uses lots of battery power, so use it sparingly.

Batteries
Digital cameras can drain batteries quickly, and that's costly. Instead of using standard alkaline batteries, consider using rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. These batteries and charger cost more initially, but over the life of your camera you’ll save money and prevent waste.

Many cameras come with their own rechargeable batteries (usually lithium-ion) and chargers, which are specific to the camera. Regardless of the type of battery your camera uses, always have an extra set of fully charged batteries on hand. There’s nothing worse than missing a great shot because you’re out of power.

Here are some other ways to save battery power:

• Limit the use of the LCD and use the viewfinder whenever possible to frame a picture. Check the picture in the LCD only when there is a question of whether or not you got the shot.

• Turn off the camera when you’re finished taking a picture. “Sleep mode” will still continue to use power.

• Use an AC adapter (a cord that plugs your camera into the wall) to preserve power. This is especially useful when you’re downloading photos or viewing them on your camera’s LCD, both of which require plenty of power.

Ease of use
Some digital cameras make it easy to take pictures, while others are clumsy. If you’re shopping in a retail store, test-drive the camera before you buy it. Look for one with buttons that are within reach and intuitive to use, and a viewfinder that's comfortable to look through. Peer through the lens to see if the image is clear and crisp.

Size and weight are other considerations. Try carrying the camera in your purse or around your wrist to see if it’s the right fit.

Software
Digital cameras generally come with software for transferring photos. HP’s software package includes HP Image Zone and HP Instant Share, so you can easily edit and share your photos.

Features that fit your needs
If you have specific photography needs, you might be interested in special digital camera features. Here are some considerations:

• If you want to take close-ups, choose a camera with high optical zoom power and a macro shooting mode.
• For action shots of sports or nature, find a camera with both continuous shooting and landscape modes.
• To record mini movies, look for video and audio recording capabilities.
• If you’re interested in exploring unique technologies, look for special features such as red-eye removal and panorama preview mode.
• To maximize control of your photos, pick a camera with manual features.
• Print straight from your camera to the printer (no PC required). Certain models offer this feature.

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