How to decide on the perfect camera

I am asked this question all of the time.  "What kind of camera should I get?"
There are so many brand names to choose from and then there are the shapes, sizes, formats and how technical do you want to get? Normally, I have a pretty standard list of questions to help someone narrow down their search for a perfect camera.


First, forget about brand for a moment.

Start with your budget. How much do you want to spend. Everyone has a number. You can change it later, but you need a starting place.



Photo courtesy of Austin Imagery Photography, Austin, Tx.

 Consider what you want to use it for:  This will help you narrow down the form factor, or shape and size. Do you want it with you everywhere?
Do you want it to fit in your purse or pocket and be comfortable? Smaller cameras are easier to carry with you however you often scrafice resolution and optical zoom features.

Do you mind a medium to small case to carry it in? With a little larger camera you might want a small case to protect the camera from the elements, however it will be an additional bag to deal with.  

Do you need an SLR (Single Lens Reflex) model where you can buy lenses and change them according your needs? Are you looking for a prosumer model that is relatively inexpensive or do you require a professional model? Digital SLR's require larger bags to hold the extra lenses, flashes and accessories for the camera. They generally provide better resolution and quality images with more options. -These are some of the simple yes/no questions that will get you on the right path.

Consider the quality of the images: Maximum pixel size and resolution of the camera will give you different image results. Larger resolutions cameras take up more space on the hard drive and are harder to deal with in image viewers and online sites.  If you primarily share your images online and through email, you can save money by going with a smaller resolution camera and you will likely find the smaller camera models which are easier to carry around with you everywhere.

Options: There are a few options that I think are nice to have. 1. Look for a camera that has the option to use normal "off the shelf batteries". (Usually AA or AAA) This is harder and harder to find as most manufactuerers don't offer cameras with this function, but think about when the proprietary lithiom-ion battery that fits your camera dies and you don't have the charger with you...or the time to charge before an important event...or you lose the charger and have to buy another one...however, if you can use AA or AAA batteries in a pinch it can be a life saver. Some manufacturers sell battery options that give you this flexibility. 2. Digital viewfinders are nice, but optical viewfinders save battery power. Opt for a camera that provides both.  3. Optical zoom is always better than digital zoom. Be wary of high zoom power option that are only using digital to zoom. It's ok to have, but don't rely on digital zoom as your primary way to get close ups from far away. Basically, they are just enlarging the pixels which give you a blury close up.

Extended warranty and insurance options: I know this is shallow water here, and I am one that never buys the extra warranty.  However, I have a personal rule that I follow after having literally owned over a dozen digital consumer cameras and they all died instantly or had some tradgedy with a cracked LCD, accidientally dropped, dirt or sand in the moving parts and some of them just suddenly stopped working for no aparent reason at all. If the warranty offer is reasonable and is not more than what you are spending on the camera itself, consider purchasing the store extended warranty and keep your documentation in a safe place that you can find when it is needed. Again, try to stay within your budget while considering costly repairs or replacement. It might be worth it.

I hope I have given you some thought and direction on buying a new camera. Here are some sites that I have found to be a tremendous help:

Dpreview.com

http://www.dpreview.com/ is a site that has been around since 1998. I have used this site for years. There are forum discussions and side-by-side comparisons. Of course every camera model is not here especially in the lower consumer point-and-shoot categories but you will get a good feel for the model and options that are important to you. If you find a model that you are considering, look it up on http://www.dpreview.com/ to see what they have to say about it.

Digital Camera Review.com

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/ this site has a lot of information however it is very ad-driven. You will have to deal with ads on every page. Wade through the paid information and get to the real stuff you are looking for. According to their site, they pull the pricing information from http://www.pricegrabber.com/ which I have never used.

Camera Labs.com

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/digital_camera_and_lens_reviews.shtml is a good site for reviews, tutuorials, best buys, and information on computer hardware. CameraLabs is out of Queenstown, New Zealand so their models numbers and camera names will mostly reference the Europe and Asia models.

Consumer Reports.org
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/cameras-photography/digital-cameras/index.htm Consumer Reports is the long standby of product reviews. They are not influenced by any manufacturer through ads, donations or sponsorships and offer complete unbiased opinions based on facts from their lab tests. The camera models you are looking for may or may not be present here, however there is good information. ConsumerReports.org requires a subscription with a nominal fee to see their reviews.

Do you have any useful sites, helpful camera buying tips? I would love to hear your ideas.

Written by Chris Johnson for Express Digital Graphics.
info@austinimagery.com

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More About Express Digital Graphics, Inc. after our sale of the Darkroom Pro, Core and Assembly product lines

A note from Jim Albrecht, CEO, Express Digital Graphics, Inc. to users of our products:

With a few days having passed since we announced the purchase of the Darkroom Core, Pro and Assembly products lines by Darkroom Software LLC (DSLLC), I want to take a moment to address some of the thoughts and questions that have come up in our conversations with many of you and discussions we have seen on the Darkroom and PhotoReflect forums.

Express Digital Graphics, Inc., the corporate entity, sold its Darkroom Core, Pro and Assembly product lines to DSLLC. We did not sell the corporate entity, which still owns the PhotoReflect and Labtricity product lines. We will continue our dedication to making Express Digital Graphics, Inc. a driving force in the industry. Going forward, we will focus our efforts and resources on enhancing the features, functions and support of PhotoReflect and Labtricity to better serve the users of these products.

DSLLC will continue branding the products lines they purchased using the name “Express Digital Darkroom”. The logos, graphics and color schemes supporting that branding will remain substantially the same as in the past. We support that approach as we believe this well-known name provides a recognizable link between those products as they exist today and their enhanced versions that DSLLC will develop in the future. Even though DSLLC will continue the “Express Digital Darkroom” brand, DSLLC has no ownership or management interests in Express Digital Graphics, Inc., the corporate entity. While we are two separate companies, there is a working relationship between us that promotes the ongoing development of our respective products for the common good of the professional photographer.

Express Digital Graphics, Inc. still owns Darkroom Web Edition, which has provided thousands of photographers a basic portal into the world of PhotoReflect and Labtricity. We will continue to support that product and all of its connectivity to PhotoReflect and Labtricity. Over the next couple of months, we will transition to branding that product under the PhotoReflect and Labtricity names and themes. At the same time, we will introduce an updated version that will correct a number of user experience issues. The general features and functions of this software will be consistent with the current edition such that if your business demands greater capabilities, we suggest considering an upgrade to Express Digital Darkroom Core, Pro or Assembly through DSLLC.

We appreciate you patience during this transition as some of the logistics involving third parties (phones, website transitions, etc.) have taken somewhat longer than expected. Thank you for your continued business and support of Express Digital Graphics, Inc. and our PhotoReflect and Labtricity products.


Best regards,
Jim Albrecht
Chief Executive Officer
Express Digital Graphics, Inc.

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Darkroom Software LLC acquires Darkroom product lines from ExpressDigital Graphics

Letter from Jim Albrecht, CEO, ExpressDigital Graphics, Inc.

Darkroom Photographers
I am excited to announce that Darkroom Software LLC, a new imaging company backed by photography industry veterans, has purchased the Express Digital Darkroom Pro, Core and Assembly software product lines from Express Digital Graphics, Inc. All future distribution, sales, support, training and upgrades of this product line will be handled by Darkroom Software LLC. Through an enhanced product development program, Darkroom Software LLC will ensure that Express Digital Darkroom products continue to provide best-in-class features and functions compatible with the latest cameras and printers to meet the demanding needs of professional photographers. To that end, expect to see a release of the next version of this industry-leading product in the near future.

Express Digital Graphics, Inc. will continue its service and commitment to the professional photographer through its PhotoReflect and Labtricity product lines. We are dedicated to continuing these products’ leadership in the industry and growing their presence in the marketplace to drive photographer profitability. You will see ongoing enhancements and upgrades to these products during the remainder of 2010 and throughout 2011. All Express Digital Darkroom products currently in use as well as those sold and supported by Darkroom Software LLC in the future will remain fully compatible with PhotoReflect and Labtricity.
Darkroom Software LLC will moderate this forum going forward. They will be sharing news with you soon about upcoming Darkroom releases that will include integration with the latest printers and cameras.
FAQ’s:
Q: Who do I call if I am on a current support contract for Express Digital Darkroom and need help?
A: Contact Express Digital Darkroom customer support provided by Darkroom Software LLC using the same number you have used in the past, which is 888-508-3443.

Q: Where do I purchase an upgrade when the new version of Darkroom is released?
A: You may purchase upgrades from Darkroom Software LLC by calling 888-508-3443.

Q: What happens to Express Digital Graphics, Inc., PhotoReflect and Labtricity?
A: Express Digital Graphics, Inc. remains the same corporate enterprise that is has been in the past and will continue enhancing the features and function of and its service and commitment to its PhotoReflect and Labtricity product lines. Express Digital Darkroom is the brand name of the product line purchased by Darkroom Software LLC from Express Digital Graphics, Inc.

Q: If I use Photoreflect and/or Labtricity with Darkroom, will this affect me?
A: You will be able to keep using both PhotoReflect and Labtricity without interruption. All Express Digital Darkroom products currently in use as well as those sold and supported by Darkroom Software LLC in the future will remain fully compatible with PhotoReflect and Labtricity.

Q: If I am using Darkroom and have issues with Photoreflect or Labtricity, who do I contact?
A: Express Digital Graphics, Inc. will continue to own, sell and support its PhotoReflect and Labtricity products and services. For PhotoReflect assistance, contact your account representative, of if you do not know who that is, email us at accounthelp@photoreflect.com, and we will get back to you promptly. For Labtricity assistance, call 866-681-5906 or email us at support@expressdigital.com.

Q: Is the Darkroom Software LLC corporate website live?
A: It is not live at this time but will be shortly. Darkroom Software LLC will announce on this forum when the site is live. In the meantime, information about the Express Digital Darkroom product line now sold and supported by Desktop Software LLC remains available at www.darkroomsoftware.com.

Q: Where do I buy additional licenses of Darkroom?
A: You may purchase licenses from any of the Darkroom dealers listed at www.darkroomsoftware.com . You may also contact the Darkroom Software LLC sales department at 888-271-3445.

On behalf of all of us at Express Digital Graphics, Inc., I want to thank each and every photographer for their support of Express Digital Graphics, Inc. and the Express Digital Darkroom product line over the years. We look forward to continuing our relationship with you in the future through Photoreflect and Labtricity and the many other new services we will offer in the future to help grow your business.

Best Regards,
Jim Albrecht
Chief Executive Officer
Express Digital Graphics, Inc.

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PhotoReflect Now Offering Studio Direct Ordering

We’ve done it! PhotoReflect has launched a new product that we are proud of and we also know that you will be happy to have at your finger tips. PhotoReflect lab makes it easier than you have ever experienced with ordering studio direct prints.


What’s different? Since inception in 1999, PhotoReflect has been providing websites and online photo services for photographers. Over the past year, we have been listening to our customers and creating newer, better online tools that are designed to be the best in class and easier to use than anything on the market today. Today, we have released the easiest online tool for ordering direct studio prints and professional lab services.

You can now order prints with pebble and linen finishes from wallets up to 24”x30 in regular or metallic. A 3D view of gallery wraps makes ordering canvas stretched prints easy to order and easy to visualize what you’re going to get.


 Studio lab orders shouldn’t have to be hard to do. Nor should they take hours out of your day. It should be easy, quick and intuitive. Try it today. Log in and click the LAB tab to send your first print order. There is a special running for the next 30 days, so you should give it a try before time runs out.


Cool stuff inside:

   

Perfect Picture view of every crop.





 

Better cropping and viewing tools.


Left: Original image

Right: How it will print

  

 

Drop-down menus  and easy check boxes

 

  
Simple drop-down menus and easy check boxes for textures and service add-ons. 
  

Multiple select images, choose product applies to all

  The quickest way to order a large number of images for a single product. Simply select the images you want, and then choose the quantity of the product and add to cart. It really is that easy.

  



3D view of your Gallery Wrap

On the right side  in the cropping tools for Gallery Wraps is a virtual 3D image of your product. It can be rotated to see a 360 degree view from all sides. Order your professional gallery wrap today.

Sign up for our FREE webinar demonstrations. We have multiple days set up for your convenience.

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A happy (& profitable) 4th of July

BLOG VACATION UPDATE: Sign up for our RSS (while I am on vacation) feed so you don't miss our next article

The Fourth of July is an incredible time to promote your local photography business and hone some skills which is why we dedicate our spotlight below to tips on taking the perfect picture as well as some super simple marketing tips … but first … 

… your photography industry headlines

1. PMA Newsline asks us to consider the ramifications of a ruling by The Michigan Supreme Court, wherein the court has held that, with very minor exceptions, a parent cannot enter a child into contract. PMA shutters at the potential ramifications for photographers that use privacy releases to photographic children for advertising or promotional purposes. Click here to read the short warning.

2. Lifeblob.com has two good tips for shooting night creatures. This is a nice complement to our article below which also helps to improve some abilities (or in my case, dust some rust off).

3. The DARKROOM Assembly edition sale has received some press consideration as of late because of it’s uniqueness. June 30, 2010 is the very last date to take advantage of a 30% off deal on the school and sport software. The promotion continues where in you can take 20% off in the month of July. We blogged about DARKROOM Assembly edition last week, and it is a good place to start learning about the sale and the super-functional tool.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This week’s spotlight is for all photographers (but DARKROOM users should take advantage of unexpected bonuses built into the software):

Fourth of July Photography

The awe and spectacle of fireworks brings out the kid in everyone, and photographers, both professional and enthusiast alike, have a great opportunity to hone abilities, capture portfolio-worthy displays of skill and, with some savvy, even make a little money this 4th.

The good news, after reading and compiling tops tips from a healthy group of sources (see blue box below) it has become clear that DARKROOM users have an advantage.

Because it is our nature to write on workflow, consider this your workflow tutorial for getting the best firework photography this season.

If you are not familiar, ExpressDigital’s DARKROOM software is a workflow solution designed to improve the entire photo taking process from organizing the event, capturing the shot, edits and enhancements, product overlays, printing and selling. Learn more about DARKROOM here.

And finally, this article would be nothing without its sources. Check out these links for even greater detail or click the highlighted items in the tutorial for more information: Digital Photography School; Malektips.com; The-Digital-Picture; Adorama; and DarkroomSoftware.

Location. Location. Location.

To start, you will need to set up your shots. Make sure you pick a place that will allow you to use a stable tripod and that putting one up will not hinder anyone else’s experience and enjoyment of the event (you don’t want to be that guy, right?). Some of the best tips on this topic also suggest having a landmark in the shot and/or a body of water for reflection purposes. This may require you being away from the crowds, so if you have your family and/or sweetheart with you, figure out which local radio station is playing the audio for the show and put a radio in your picnic basket so that you all are a part of the celebration too. This trick also helps you predict upcoming shots and finales. Also, make sure you are upwind! You don’t want your images to be smoky.

Pre-plan Your Set Up.

Now set up your camera. Obviously turn off your flash. There is a little debate on whether or not to increase your ISO. Most suggest leaving it at 100. If you want to toy around with your noise reduction feature, now is a great time to test your limits and take it over 200, understanding you should have digital photo editing software handy (like DARKROOM) just in case. Aperture should be set between f/8 to f/16 depending on your distance and desires.

Setting your shutter speed is a little more debatable depending on the effect you want. Choosing a slower shutter speed can show motion, streaming, capture longer streams of light and multiple bursts. Shorter shutter speeds will stop the motion of the firework, providing a more crisp image, however your timing is critical.

Most writers acknowledge that having a remote shutter release is a significant advantage to reduce camera shake. There are several options to remote shutter release: 1. Cable release, 2. IR remote release and 3. Self timer release. These options work well when you choose to set your shutter speed to “B” (or “bulb”) so that you can take an image of the entire lifespan and trajectory of the rockets. Another option (for DARKROOM users) is to directly capture from a laptop with your automatic --long or short-- shutter settings acting upon one tap of the space bar (thus, “B” setting will not work). The bonus to this is you can also use DARKROOM's editing capabilities to configure multiple exposure shots. Here is a how-to (keep in mind that when they refer to Photoshop, your DARKROOM gives you the same tools in the enhancement tab). The extra bonus is that you won’t need additional memory because you will be directly saving to your laptop.

If you prefer to use “bulb” setting you won’t need to have a laptop with you but you will need to bring extra memory and either own a shutter release solution or skip the sugar that day to keep your hand steady (you also might want to read tips on the topic here and here).

Setting your focus depends on your goals for the day and your skill level. If you have a standard landscape or “infinity” focus setting that is likely all you need. For those a little more advanced, set to manual and use the first bursts as your guide to get the very best shots. It’s your choice, of course. If you’re in it to hone your skills this is a great opportunity. If you want to relax a bit and take some great shots while you’re at it, no one will blame you for letting your camera do some of the work for you.

Great Pictures are Often Not the Greatest Reward.

After you have taken your shots there are two ways you can profit from this experience, if you are so inclined (beyond that of showing them off in your portfolio, of course). Event photographers often negotiate an opportunity with the show organizers to shoot for a fee or on spec, wherein you can also take pictures before the show of families and friends enjoying their picnics on the grass or in the stands. This type of photography is a priceless way to bring in more portrait business while also being incredibly popular sellers (just be sure to hand out something that tells your subjects how to get in touch with you).

Printing on site is a snap with DARKROOM. Just be sure to include some of the show shots in your packages to put everything into context.

If you don’t want to lug a printer around, any DARKROOM edition will allow you to post the pictures online for sale with PhotoReflect. If you choose to sell exclusively online, be sure to find opportunities to promote your pictures either via the event organizer or with flyers, program advertising or local bulletins.

All that said…

The Fourth of July is a great chance to take advantage of your DARKROOM software in a variety of ways and hone your skills. For more tips check out the source links (see the blue box above) and be sure to let us know how it worked out for you in the comments!

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