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Camera Model vs. Photographic
Experience
The following models illustrate the
three main types of digital cameras:
Consumer Model
Beginner level cameras are rated
under this model.
This is a compact, user-friendly
point and shoot camera ranging from
2MP to 5MP resolution. It usually
comes with 2x to 3x optical zoom,
built-in flash, automatic focusing,
automatic exposure, program mode,
portrait, landscape, high-speed
shutter and a movie clip. It is
often bundled with interface
software, USB cable, and a low
capacity memory card.
Prices range from approximately
US$99 to US$499.
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T7 is one of
these cameras. It is an ultra
compact camera that is 9.8mm thick
and weighs only 136g. It is a
5-megapixel camera with 3x optical
zoom.
Prosumer Model
In general, this is a mid-size
camera that has a mixture of
automatic and manual adjustments. It
is capable of taking professional
quality images.
This type of camera is designed for
amateur or hobbyist photographers.
Being more sophisticated than a
point and shoot, it gives the
photographer more control in terms
of exposure and focusing. Prosumer
models usually come with an optical
zoom from 4x to 12x, and have 4MP to
7MP resolution. Some SLR cameras
capable of using interchangeable
lenses are also rated under this
category.
Prices are approximately US$600 to
US$1300.
Canon PowerShot S2 is a prosumer
model. This is a 5-megapixel camera
with 12x optical zoom and an
exclusive optical image stabilizer.
Professional Model
This is a high-end camera, large in
size with alloy construction for
durability.
This type of camera is more
sophisticated and loaded with many
automatic and manual features, with
a resolution from over 6MP to over
22MP.
The capability of using
interchangeable lenses is a must for
this type of camera. Most of the
brand name digital SLR cameras
accept their own existing lenses and
accessories.
Prices are approximately US$800 to
US$10,000.
Canon EOS 20D is one of these
cameras. This camera is an
8.2-megapixel digital SLR with
3504X2336 resolution, capable of
taking 5 frames per second and up to
23 consecutive frames.
Technology has also allowed for the
conversion of medium format and
large format film cameras into
digital by adding a digital back to
the cameras. These cameras can shoot
pictures with a file size larger
than 100MB.
Prices for medium and large format
cameras with digital backs are
approximately US$6,000 to US$20,000.
Different types of digital cameras
offer different features at a
variety of costs. Choose a digital
camera that suits your photographic
experience and needs.
We have talked about the following
four issues:
What level of image quality do you
want?
How large are the prints you usually
make?
How much zoom do you need?
What type of camera model do you
want?
After you have answered these four
questions, you should be able to
find yourself a suitable digital
camera. |
