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With more digital cameras and photographic gadgetry out on the market than CCTVs on streets of London (though Boris is working on it), choosing the best gear for one’s needs can be a daunting task. Yet here at What Camera we’ve mapped the photographic jungle to cherry-pick the best that’s on offer and bring it to you, simple and honest. Browse through our guide for digital gear we’ve devised below and choose what’s best for you.
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What Digital SLR |
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“What is this DSLR thing about then?”
DSLRs are a great way to be in control of your photography and to get involved more seriously. They offer interchangeable lenses (really a must if you mean business) and allow for full manual control over your shooting. To start with, I’d really recommed three brands here - Nikon, Canon and Olympus.
Nikon’s budget offering for the beginner is the D40 - an excellent low-cost 6-megapixel digital SLR that is compact yet quite capable. Still, if you’d like something newer with a few more megapixels then the Nikon D40X, or its recent replacement the D60, come into play. These two are great introductions to the world of Digital SLR Photography and will provide you with lots of features to play with. There isn’t much to choose between the D40X and the D60 as they’re both based on the same body and have the same 10-megapixel sensor - main improvements in the D60 are the introduction of a dust reduction system, an eye sensor to control display, and an AF-S silent motor kit lens.
Canon’s model range starts with the EOS 1000D, which is cheap as chips yet packed with features. It has everything you’d need of a Digital SLR including 10 megapixel sensor, 7-point AutoFocus system and even LiveView. One step up in the Canon range is the EOS 450D which has upgrades such as a couple of extra megapixels, larger screen, spot metering and better continuous shooting mode, all fitted in roughtly the same size body. Both of these are really excellent cameras that carry the Canon quality stamp and give you access to an excellent range of lenses.
Lastly I have to mention Olympus’ excellent E-420. This new E-System model boasts extreme user-friendliness in an amazingly light and compact take-anywhere form. It is really a great little camera that you need to pick up and play with to appreciate.
How to choose the perfect Digital SLR for you? Well there is no such thing as a perfect anything, but the models above do get pretty close. The choice between the top brands is really personal and down to what lenses you’re going to use as much as the look and feel of the camera.
Tags: camera buying guide, Digital Cameras, what digital camera, what digital slr
Choosing A Digital Camera For Her
A digital camera is an essential inhabitant of a lady’s pruse and as such deserves equal consideration to its numerous roomies, the mobile phone charm, the moisturiser, and the hundred others. One advice when choosing a camera for a woman (and here I presume you’re a guy) is to step back and think about what she’d really appreciate. Yup, looks would score high. She wouldn’t care if it has the latest DIGIC4 Image Processor if the camera looks like it belongs to the secret lab of a Soviet villain. It needs colour, sparkle, sophistication.
But by no means should the digital camera lack features. To the contrary, missing a vital hen do group shot because of a fiddly camera needs to be avoided at all costs. With all these needs and musts picking a camera for our better halves may seem like a daunting task, but fear not, as we’ve picked four of the best bits of modern technology and design. Take your pick from these glamorous digital cameras for women, we’ve made sure you can’t go wrong.
Panasonic Lumix LS80 - Under £100
DMC-LS80 offers women an ultimate ease and convenience to let them enjoy shooting beautiful photographs. Available in silver, black and pink.
Canon IXUS 80 IS - Under £150
Pure aluminium bodywork enhances the smooth curves of the Digital IXUS 80 IS. Available in four distinctive colours, the camera packs an Image Stabiliser lens and other leading technologies into its slim form, for fun photography with a large dash of elegance.
Olympus MJU 1060 - Under £200
The μ 1060 combines miniaturised optics, state-of-theart design and cutting edge technology in a slim metal camera body. With a stunning 7x optical zoom there are practically no limits to the distance from your subject, and the Dual Image Stabilisation prevents blurry photographs.
Nikon Coolpix S60 - Under £300
This is one digital camera women are going to love to touch! The Coolpix S60 is the perfect marriage between technology and style. Nikon has introduced a host of features to make this camera easy to use and packed it with superb innovations derived from professional D-SLR line for optimal imaging.
Buying Him A Digital Camera
Choosing a digital camera for him can be a daunting task with so many models out there all claiming to be the best at everything while still fitting in the tiniest of shirt pockets. The camera needs to look manly, have a long lasting battery (why are chargers the first thing to forget when going away?!) and have large man-sized buttons to be easy to use even under the influence. Oh, and they need to take excellent photos. Well, we’ve done the hard work for you and have picked 4 great digital cameras with a macho look and feel. Take your pick, all of these are great cameras for men that splurt out impressive photos, you really can’t go wrong!
Fuji FinePix J10 - Under £100
This sleek Fuji digital camera is designed for men seeking an affordable compact camera that still does the job perfectly. This is a compact easy to use model offering 8-megapixel image resolution and 5x optical zoom.
Samsung NV30 - Under £100
Samsung’s new model NV30 features the clever Smart Touch user interface (basically it is realy cool to fiddle with!) and incorporates the new DRIM something-or-other Engine image processor for making really nice photos. And it does! Combined with a shiny 3x optical zoom Schneider lens, the new Samsung NV produces sharp and vivid images shot after shot without the annoying wait between them.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W130 - Under £200
This Sony camera is a real gem, featuring an 8 megapixel sensor and an excellent range of features. The top quality Carl Ziess Lens delivers razor sharp photos whilst the 4x zoom allows you to zoom into any interesting bits. Available in a stylish Black aluminium case, the W130 comes complete with Face Detection, Smile Shutter and even built-in image stabalisation.
Minox Digital Classic - Under £200
Treat him to real retro chic. Minox’s ethos comes to the forefront within this camera: clever electronics combined with a touch of extravagance. The top technology and optical systems provide quality images, while the iconic retro look is real head turner. This is a truly great buy for anybody who’s into nostalgia, design, photography or just… anybody really.
