So you want to buy a camera… where to start? which brands? what do you want to shoot? what features are important? These are the typical questions I field on a day to day basis — but which really matter?

FEATURES:

  • Megapixels: The reality is that MP DO NOT matter… a 7MP camera is capable of outputting an 8.5″ x 11″ print
  • Shutter lag: Make sure that when you press the shutter release the camera fires instantly… if not walk away
  • Video: Most cameras should be capable of shooting 720P video at at least 27 frames per second and autofocus while zooming (unlike SLRS)
  • FPS [frames per second]: How many frames can your camera fire? The average consumer model using a CMOS sensor averages out at around 2.5fps however newer cameras such as the ones that include the Backlit CMOS Sensor have the capability of firing 10fps…
  • Sensor: As mentioned above the backlit CMOS sensor is the wave of the future… if your in the market for  a point & shoot check out one of the following based on application:
    - Zoom Camera: Nikon P100 (10fps, HD/HS video, Nikkor Glass, 26x Optical Zoom, 5-way Image Stabilization, MACRO mode,
    - Point n’ Shoot: Canon SD4000, Sony WX-1, or Sony HX-5V
    - Under Water: Sony TX-5
  • Lens Quality/Capability: Nikon & Canon have been outputting great lenses FOREVER… its typically a safe bet… Panasonic’s use Leica lens’s which are also great quality anything else however is hit or miss….
  • Lens Cap Contd.: Macro functionality… most point n’ shoots can get you within an inch these days… don’t settle for less!
  • Processor: DiG!C 4 from Canon is fantastic and produces vibrant images however the Sony processor that stitches a panorama together seamlessly
  • Memory: If it doesn’t take an SD card.. just say no… all camera manufacturers are moving towards SD cards (Sony, Olympus, Nikon, Canon etc.)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  1. Sony DSC-HX5V: Backlit CMOS sensor, 10fps, 10x zoom, GPS built in, Full HD video, SD memory (Cost: $350)
  2. Nikon P100: 26x zoom, awesome macro, Backlit CMOS sensor, 10fps, 5-way VR, etc. ($400)
  3. Canon SD4000: 5x zoom, Backlit CMOS sensor, 10fps, ($350)