Gadgets Blog » Digital Cameras

This fall, my parents surprised me with an exceptional gift just before my return to college. While I had owned a digital camera before, the unit they gave to me now was above and beyond anything I had previously expected out of a camera. Modern point-and-shoot digital cameras are stunning with their wide array of features and incredible photo quality. For an aspiring photographer, they make an excellent entry point into a lifelong hobby. But if you’re interested in acquiring a tool with a little more power behind it, where should you turn?

One possible answer is today’s gadget, the Samsung NX100 digital camera. The device is what Samsung has dubbed a “compact system camera.” Essentially, this line of cameras represents a middle-ground market for photography, great for users who want something more than a point-and-shoot but who aren’t ready to shell out upwards of $1,000 for a high-end device. With 14 megapixels and a keen autofocus feature, the NX100 has all the makings of a great intermediate camera.

I’m beginning to suspect that a single picture is no longer worth a thousand words, especially given the sheer volume of photos on many of my friends’ Facebook pages. The availability of digital cameras has enabled virtually unlimited documentation of social events. At times, the entire ordeal reminds me of an inspiring video on The Onion’s website. Point and shoot cameras have steadily begun taking better and better photographs over the last several years, turning the digital camera into a personal electronic item along the lines of a telephone or an mp3 player. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the best point-and-shoot cameras available on the market.

(1) Canon Powershot SX20

The most high-end camera on our list functions at the upper edges of what would be considered a point-and-shoot camera. Boasting 10 megapixels, the Canon Powershot SX20 boasts a number of features, making it great for people who want to test the waters of more expensive digital cameras. The 20x optical zoom provides exceptional flexibility in shots, and the images have exceptional contrast, especially in natural light. As an extra bonus, the Powershot SX20 allows for high-definition video recording, a great feature that adds a new dimension to the camera’s use. You don’t have to be a camera expert to captialize on the Powershot, but you don’t have to break the bank either, making it a great compromise and a great deal at around $350.

(2) Casio Exilim EX-V7

If you’re not a fan of the Canon’s bulky design, then the sleek Casio Exilim might be up your alley. With a compact silver case, the Casio can easily fit into a pocket or purse, making it great for taking photos on the go. The 7.2 megapixels ideal for casual use, and the addition of a 7x optical zoom provides a greater variety of shots at your disposal. The Exilim allow for video recording, although the videos aren’t as quality as the stills. For roughly $160, this Casio is more expensive than other similarly featured cameras, but its stylish looks and sturdy design make it a solid investment for a point and shoot camera.

(3) Canon Powershot A470

Our final camera is also our most affordable. At only $120, the Canon Powershot A470 provides some simplified features but still managest to take excellent pictures. While it boasts 7.1 megapixels, the image quality is not quite up to par with the other cameras on our list. Nonetheless, the Powershot A470 makes for a great budget entry into the realm of point and shoot cameras, with an adequate flash that struggles at times in darker environments. The battery life isn’t quite as long as one would like, but for the price, it’s hard to find a better camera.

To begin with a good old-fashioned cliche, a picture’s worth a thousand words. While this may have been true when photography was less accessible (thanks largely in part to film), nowadays, it’s likely that a single photo has depreciated in its value of words. [I immediately think of some of my college student friends, and their oft-overzealous photo habits, but I digress.] The beauty of many point-and-shoot cameras in in their simplicity, and thanks to some breakthroughs in technology, some great quality photos are available via cameras for which you need not break the bank. With their simplicity, anyone can be documenting life’s precious moments easily. Here’s a guide to some of the best digital cameras for under $100

Kodak Easy Share C180
Kodak’s line of digital cameras have had their ups and downs in the past, but their latest batch of easy-to-use models have, for the most part, been winners. The premise of the EasyShare series is that by pressing the red “share” button, you can send the image to an online account where you have immediate access to it. It’s a nifty idea, but this camera has other features that make it worth checking out. Face recognition technology and 10.2 megapixel image quality makes for great shots, especially when there’s ample lighting. The EasyShare C180 can also take videos, and it has a 3x optical zoom. Granted, most of the features have been trimmed down from more expensive EasyShare cameras, but that is to be expected in a model like this. The biggest drawback with this camera (and with most inexpensive cameras in general) is that photos tend to be dark and blurry in limited lighting. This camera is available through Smarter for $79.39.

The world of digital photography has really expanded over the last several years with all sorts of advancements in technology that make it possible for everything from your phone to your computer monitor to have a camera built in. Even an ametaur photographer is able to rack up a great collection of shots with highly affordable cameras. Yet in the midst of all this emphasis on digital, part of the idea of a photograph can get lost. Its not enough to simply take a photo: photos are meant to be put on display and shared with other people. In a world where film development isn’t necessary to photography, this can oftentimes be overlooked, and many people have photos that sit in a computer folder without being physically displayed on a wall or desk.

Digital picture frames are some of my favorite electronic gadgets. A good model will be able to display may great photos, cycling through the images in a continually pleasant process. However, as with most electronics, not all units are made equal, and as you plan to purchase one of the frames, getting an idea of what sort of features they offer can make for the best possible display of your digital photo collection.

First and foremost, like any other device with a screen, digital picture frames have varying resolutions. While which resolution you choose should have a lot to do with the number of megapixels in your camera, many low-end models have very poor resolutions, some as low as 480 x 324. These low resolution models won’t display pictures clearly, and the images will appear boxy and pixelated. As a rule of thumb, you’ll at least want a resolution of 640 x 480, but searching for higher resolution models will be worth your time and your money.

Also important is the aspect ratio of the screen. Just like with televisions, different models have slightly different aspect ratios, so if you’re looking to avoid black bars on the edges of your pictures, some research into the aspect ratio of considered frames can be very helpful. Most digital cameras shoot photos with an aspect ratio of 4:3, so a frame with this ratio will be filled with the entire image. Other frames are available in 15:9 ratios, which are similar to the framing of a widescreen television. If your 4:3 images are to be displayed in a 15:9 screen, pieces of the top and bottom of the photo will be cropped out for a better fit. However, its possible you’ll appreciate the widescreen format of the frame, and many high-end screens offer this aspect ratio.In the end, it’s a matter of choice.

Finally, there are a number of extra features offered on some of the high end picture frames. These allow the frames to go above and beyond simply displaying pictures. Some higher end frames offer wi-fi connections, which enable them to stream Internet radio, effectively setting your picture slideshow to music. Other frames enable you to e-mail photos to the frame itself, potentially trimming down on the time required to get images onto the unit. However, along with these features can come confusing menu structures, making it difficult for casual gadget users to get the frames to behave accordingly. When purchasing a frame, remember who will be the primary user, and try to get a unit that is compatible with their needs!