Point and shoot decisions

After reviewing our images in class this morning several people asked how to choose a digital camera.  There is no easy answer.  There are so many factors to consider.  There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and that is apparent by the number of options out there, and the new products being unveiled virtually daily.

Camera options to compare include things like range of focal length (how wide angle and telephoto can the camera zoom), how many megapixels (though not all megapixels are equal), the type of memory card, the type of betteries, the size, shape, ease of controls, even the color.

Many things are subjective.  It is not much different than asking people what is the best soda to drink....

I would suggest spending time doing research on what are the options available.  Technology is speeding along.  Cameras can now detect smiles, detect when somebody blinked, have anti-shake help and more.

Megapixels are not equal.  My camera has 11 megapixels is about the same as saying my car has a 4-cylinder engine.  Is it a four cylinder Yaris or a 4-cylinder Lotus Esprit turbo?  

Digital cameras have made people think that photography is easy.  You don't need to know the temperatures and agitation times for your D-76, dektol and other chemicals.  You don't have to really understand how the camera does fill-flash or what shutter speeds are.  Yet to get the camera that takes the photos that you want and suit your purposes, you still need to know things.

There are numerous places to go on-line and look for reviews on cameras.  I am going to recommend two, but there are thousands.

First:  DPReview.com 

The other is Shutterbug magazine (which started out as a trade magazine with lots of classified ads to buy and sell gear)

when it comes to camera buying - it is as personal as choosing chocolate, vanilla or tin roof sundae.

Jeff Jones

Miyamura High School

Gallup, NM