When looking to buy a digital camera there are some things we actively watch such as the lens, megapixels, and sensor. However, we often overlook three other important components: media, batteries and flash. Let’s have a look at what you should watch for.
The Media
If you are buying a cheap digital camera with only internal memory that’s fine, but for most digital cameras you are going to have some type of external removable storage medium. The most common types are SmartMedia and CompactFlash. Most Sony cameras use memory sticks and a few actually still use mini CDs. IBM Microdrives and MultiMedia Cards (MMC) are commonly used. What’s most important is ensuring the camera you buy offers you the type of storage that will provide you with the amount of storage space you are looking for. It is a good idea to understand the difference between these media options before making your final choice.
The Batteries
All digital cameras use some type of battery – either lithium-ion, nickel-metal-hydride, or alkaline batteries. You can buy alkaline batteries anywhere, which makes them really convenient; however, they do not last very long and so if you take a lot of photos this can get very expensive. If a digital camera comes with a rechargeable battery than the charger should also come with it. Some cameras allow the use of more than one battery type. Whatever battery you have make sure that you have adequate spares so that you don’t find yourself missing that great shot because your batteries are dead.
The Flash
If you have low light conditions it can be hard to shoot unless you have a good reliable built in automatic flash. Cameras that have all kinds of presets for your flash are really great too because you don’t have to do anything but point and click. After all, not all of us want to understand about the lighting, we just want to point and click, and get a great picture. Look for forced fill flash and slow sync flash too. If you want more power out of your flash than built in flashes offer then look for a digital camera that is equipped with a hotshoe or that is compatible with off camera flashes. If there isn’t a recommended flash unit there are many different providers out there so shop around for a good price.
Choose the right media, batteries and flash will make owning your digital camera that much more enjoyable.
