Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, December 30, 2011

Digital SLR Camera Reviews - Best Picks

A digital single lens reflex camera is an incredibly versatile and flexible piece of photographic equipment that can help you take the best photos of your life. There are several brands to choose from today that all have interchangeable lenses, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of shots from wide angle and closeups to telephoto images.

But before you decide that a digital single lens reflex camera is just what you need, first consider how you plan on using it. If you mainly like to take snapshots of your family and friends and maybe some special events like weddings and anniversaries, you probably don't really need a camera as sophisticated and complicated as a digital SLR. In fact, a compact digital camera with a fixed lens will probably do the job just fine. So you can save yourself the added expense and steeper learning curve associated with dSLRs.

But on the other hand, if you are a photography hobbyist or perhaps you plan on increasing your photography skills in the near future, then a digital SLR camera will probably fit your needs well. Or perhaps you need a camera that can do double duty as both a simple fully automated point and shoot camera and a more sophisticated manual camera too, as more than one person with different skill levels will be using it. Happily, a digital SLR can fit the bill here too as most of them also have completely automated settings that can be used by almost anyone.

But if you decide that a digital SLR will work for you, which camera is best for you? Most likely you will need to do some research to find out what models are available in your price range and then read some digital SLR camera reviews online to learn more about which models are the best in that price range.

But from reading many of the online digital slr camera reviews by both independent reviewers and consumers, we have found two cameras that we can highly recommend based on their popularity in these unbiased reviews. For beginners, the Pentax ist DX is often mentioned as an extremely easy camera to learn and use and with a 18-55mm zoom lens and costs just under $1,000. For more advanced users that require even more features and capabilities, the Nikon D70s is well reported on by almost all reviewers that we saw, and with a 18-70mm lens, it costs around $1200. Of course, both of these cameras can be bought for less if you really make a good search for them online.

Regardless of which digital single lens reflex camera that you choose, they will all bring a higher level of photographic capability and sophistication to any photo that you take. If you follow the guidelines and tips provided above it can help you decide whether or not a digital SLR will fit your needs and help you decide also on which one will work best for you.

Friday, December 16, 2011

HDTV Reviews - Toshiba Vs Sony Brands

If you have finally saved up enough money for a new large screen HDTV, you probably want to make sure you get the most value for your money. If you are like many, you may have it narrowed down to Toshiba or Sony for your next HDTV. Below you will find out about the pros and cons of each company and get our recommendation.

Sony HDTV Pros and Cons

Pros of cons of Sony televisions include the following.

Warmer Picture - If you like your colors warm, the Sony is probably going to do a better job. This is really a personal preference, though.
Quality - Many Sony HDTVs cost a little more, but this is because of the slightly higher quality of components used in the televisions.
Higher Price - With the higher quality, you're going to have a higher price. This will turn some people away, but if you want the best you're going to have to pay for it.
Toshiba HDTV Pros and Cons

Pros of cons of Toshiba televisions include the following.

Custom Settings - There is quite a bit to tweak on most Toshiba HDTVs. If you like to tweak settings to get the absolute best picture, you want to consider Toshiba.
Cooler Picture - Most people won't notice this difference, but Toshiba HDTVs tend to offer a lighter, cooler picture.
Lower Price / Quality - You will generally be able to get a Toshiba HDTV for a cheaper price, but you are going to get lower quality components, which means the television may not last as long.
Toshiba vs Sony HDTV: The Winner?

The final decision is going to be yours, of course, but for the money, the Sony is going to give you better quality and overall value for your money. If you want to save money, however, there are many great Toshiba HDTVs in all sorts of sizes. The one thing you want to make sure you do is compare similar televisions. For example, a 1080p Toshiba is going to look better than a Sony at 720p resolution. You want to keep this in mind when you compare televisions. When you compare televisions with the same specifications, you are going to find that the Sony is a bit more money. For many people, however, the extra money for Sony quality is worth it, especially if you want to keep the television around for a long time.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Low Cost Electronics - Digital Camera Reviews

It has been more than 30 years since the seed for the first digital camera was laid by sputnik spacecraft, which necessitated the need for digital camera to transmit images as and when it was taken. It has been an eventful journey to this day when we are venturing into the field of 3D digital photography. Starting from the models which are too huge to even hang on one's neck, we now have models that are so compact that they can fit into our pockets with great ease. But with this exponential growth, came the dilemma of choosing the best digital camera. That is when the level of photography expertise came into play.

Canon, Kodak, Sony, Olympus and Nikon are some of the leaders in the digital camera business. All these top brands always concentrate on just a few key features that define good digital photograph. Any new model addresses one or more of these features and enhances them.

From novice to professional photographers, megapixel count always holds a sway. But, that is one common mistake we blindly make. Beyond 7 megapixels, it does not in any way increase the clarity of the picture for higher pixels. The difference can only be felt if we are going to take large prints, which will yield different results for different resolutions.

The latest arrival on the digital scene is Leica X1 which was released on December 18th. This German model is a welcome break for the field because it marks a significant period of compact cameras with large sensors. Equipped with 12.2 MP on a CMOS APS-C sensor which offers an angle of view comparable to 35 mm lens, it is highly recommended for professional photographers interested in large prints.

The digital photography world is polarized into the ordinary and expert photographers. For an ordinary user, not used to the technical terms of photography, single-lens reflex camera is an obfuscation. The more the manual features are, the greater are the chances of flexibility offered for the photographers. Hence the DSLR and SLR camera have plenty of manual functions to adjust every feature such as aperture, ISO, exposure settings and many more. Canon digital cameras are into the noble task of blurring the line between professional and novice users.

The Canon Powershot series is preferred by all categories of photography enthusiasts. The new arrival in the Powershot family, Powershot G11 is indeed promising with its increased manual mode, high zoom range and sturdy build. Released almost around the same time, Canon Powershot A1100 IS caters to the requirements of cost-conscious photographers and beginners. However it never fails the user expectations. It has the face recognition and scene recognition features too.

Affordability may not be the first thing in the minds of true photography buffs. But, if comparable features are provided then, it is natural that the more affordable camera will be picked. This is what is tapped by the latest Pentax-k7 which is a greatly affordable DSLR camera which poses serious threat to Nikon and Canon in the DSLR scene. Compared to bulky DSLRs like Nikon D300 and Olympus E-3, the pentax-k7 is a small, compact and light DSLR in the market.

Another exciting feature is, it demonstrates that if we can watch HD prints then we can shoot HD prints as well. Yes! The sensor offers live view as well as the ability to capture HD video.

The latest digital camera with lots of enhancements does not mean the best of features. It is a need-driven market where the best camera for our need should be opted for. If natural scenery brings an enthusing feeling, then a digital camera with minimum 6x zoom is preferred. So, a Canon Powershot is more desirable than a Canon IXUS, in spite of the latter being the most compact of the two because Powershot serves our purpose better in this case. Ask yourself a set of questions on what is actually the requirement and then shortlist the cameras based on the requirements and budget constraints. Make sure to get the latest and the best. Click away with joy!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Reviews of Cameras for 2011 and 2012: Doing Your Research Will Help You Find the Best Camera for You

What camera should you buy? Some questions and answers to help you decide.

There are trillions of camera reviews coming at you from hundreds of photography web sites and magazines; it's enough to intimidate any consumers in today's camera market. Even professional photographers like me can get lost in this reading material.

Reviewing cameras in 2011, 2012: Which model camera is Best?

What camera should you buy? What brand camera should you go with? How much should be budgeted? Do I buy a new camera or will used equipment work out fine? Will I regret what camera I purchase six months from now or 2 years from now and on and on? Lots of questions to ask.

Ask some Pros, friends and family what camera they enjoy using.

At every wedding I photographed it seemed like someone would come up and start talking photography. I enjoy people so, as long it didn't keep me from the job at hand I was always happy to talk shop for a while. Usually the conversation would end up being one of these topics, but many times it ended with a key question.

What cameras do I (the pro) shoot with?

Did I know how to load or rewind film their consumer camera brand x, y, or z?

Could I teach them how to use their camera?

Did I know how to replace the their camera's batteries or could I show them how to "un-jam" their old, tired, warn out, needed replacing years ago camera?

I always avoided touching other peoples camera's if it was something more than loading film.

What camera should they buy next?

The hardest questions where always the ones from people asking which camera I'd recommend they purchase next. There are just too many variables to a question like this and certainly not something I could get into while working a wedding reception. Hell, I have the cake cutting shoot coming up in 5 minutes.

How to make buying your next camera easier: some advice from a pro.

Here are a few steps and thoughts to get you headed in the right direction.

Start putting money aside from paychecks and make a rough budget for your camera.
Decide what type of camera you will need? Will it be a point and shoot pocket camera or something more advanced, a higher end (more quality) consumer camera, semi-pro or even some pro level camera.

Plan on doing some research but be smart about it, visit with friends and start there. See what they are using. Ask them what features they like and ask them how it feels in their hands.

Ask if they think the buttons are in the right place, is it something they are happy with or did they wish they bought something else. Ask them to let you hold it and maybe even fire off a few clicks. Look at the images the cameras produced.

Buy some reading material, join a photography forum, research online.

You can purchase some camera magazines and do searches on the web like "best Nikon Cameras", visit Amazon and see what cameras sell the most there and read the feedbacks of their customers. This will also show you the range of prices with the various cameras.

If buying used is considered, a trip to ebay.com might be the ticket. Just be sure to know the seller (follow your gut) and trust that what they are saying is the truth about what they are selling. Buyer beware.

Their feedback rating should help you in this department. I have purchased lots of photography gear off eBay with great savings but I suggest you avoid sellers with low or no positive feedback.

Send questions to the seller about how much use the piece has had? Ask about any blemishes and if the lenses are clean and free of scratches. I like to buy cameras that had protective lenses on the various lenses for obvious reasons.

When it comes to cameras: information is everywhere.

There are sorts of places to research and buy cameras, newspapers, eBay, craigslist, local camera shops, amazon and on and on but there is only one person who can figure out what camera you should buy, and that my friend is you.

If you want to make an educated decision you will need to do your research. Build your budget while you do all this and you might end up with something a little better for less money even. Mostly. Pick up the camera before you decide (If possible) as some cameras just don't feel right.

If you love photography I suggest you buy the best your money can afford without buying more than you need. Deciding what it is you want to photograph should help you big time with your decision.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sanyo Digital Camera Reviews

Sanyo digital camera reviews for the Xacti S70 and the Xacti DMX CG65 look appealing. However, the cameras do not have enough user reviews to tell whether the cameras are worth the time or money. The S70 has a slick design with 7.0 megapixels with three times optical zoom. It has a two and a half inch viewing screen and face recognition technology. The camera has a automatic focus feature that reacts quickly making picture taking easy. The camera boasts about the fact that one set of alkaline batteries can take two hundred and fifty images.

The Sanyo digital camera reviews for the DMX CG65 are just as impressive, but once again, the camera has no user reviews so you judge the performance of the camera. This camera has 6.0 megapixels with five times optical zoom. The camera does use all the newest technology to make picture taking easy. The digital cameras do sound very intriguing, but without any user reviews, one will not know if the camera is all it says it is. You would need to check warranties and refund policies before buying any one of these digital cameras unless you judge by what the manufacturer has to say.

The Sanyo digital camera reviews are always good to use for doing comparisons of different makes and models. The reviews are very helpful when you are thinking about buying any digital camera. If you cannot find any reviews, you can always check the manufacturer's reviews, but this will not give you any kind of idea as to how easy the camera is to use or if there are any problems. New cameras do not have reviews when they first come out, but you can still judge by the features and functions if you cannot find a user review to look at.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Digital Camera Reviews 2010

As it comes to the end of the year many camera enthusiasts are eager to read reviews especially as Christmas approaches. It's now at the end of 2010 and many new digital cameras have been released this year. This article will go into small sections of three of the best compact cameras which have been released this year.

One of the first cameras I will start off with is the Lumix TZ10. This special travel camera has been selling like mad and continues to into the New Year. What makes this digital camera so unique is the fact that it has its own GPS tracking system which helps you find landmarks and monument across the country. This is especially useful if you are a picture hobbyist or seek to brag about adventures and conquests.

One of the other compact cameras is slightly different but still offers great value for money. This camera is called the Lumix FS30 and is extremely cheap to its other Lumix counter part. In some cases it can be 100% cheaper. This isn't its biggest selling point though; it has a 14.1 mega pixel camera which is astonishing for its cheap price.

However just because these are two of the best digital cameras currently out doesn't mean you should rush out and buy one of them. Many experts would suggest reading reviews before you make a decision. This will help you think about other options you have and give you a great opportunity to find the best prices as they can change drastically.

Camera Reviews - Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (20x Optical Zoom)

The new Canon PowerShot SX20IS is a new mega-zoom model that has just been release in mid-August this year (2009). It is the successor to the very successful SX10IS model that has been reining the bestseller's charts for quite some time now.

One of the new features found on the Canon PowerShot SX20IS is that it can record HD videos at 720p. This model uses a 28-50mm wide-angle lens that has a 20x optical zoom. The zoom can be used while recording videos. It also has a 12.1MP image sensor, and like most new Canon models, uses a DIGIC 4 processor that produces excellent image quality.

On the back of the camera, you will find a 2.5-inch LCD display that can be rotated at various angles. There is also a button that is dedicated for recording videos that lets you record movies with a push of the button.

As a successor to the SX10IS, the new Canon PowerShot SX20IS did not disappoint. It retains many of the great features of the older model (user-friendly interface) and tops it up with a couple more. The image quality is quite stunning considering its price range. They were even better in many ways than those taken on some of my more expensive DSLR cameras.

At first glance, the Canon PowerShot SX20IS may seem a little bulky, but it is actually surprising comfortable to hold. It has a good, comfortable grip and feels very durable. With the looks of this new model, it looks like Canon is set to rein the mega-zoom camera market for a long time to come. Currently, the Canon PowerShot SX20IS retails at around $399 each.

Friday, November 25, 2011

The Best Reviews for Wireless Surveillance Video Camera

Look to the best wireless video surveillance review to help make a decision on what type of system will best suit your home or business needs. Making an informed choice before buying a surveillance camera will help you protect not only your property, but your family and/or employees.

Using a wireless system has many advantages. You will gain improved flexibility with the ability to move a wireless camera to different locations. There are no wires that have to be run to the camera so it makes for a much nicer and professional appearance. There are many sizes and options to choose from.

The provider X10 has a positive wireless video surveillance review. It can be mounted indoor or outdoors, it can be plugged in or operated on batteries and you can use your TV, computer or VCR to view a live feed. When you need are in need of a trusted surveillance system, turn to SkyLink Systems. They provide security needs to everything from small businesses to the government. They work on remote monitoring and archive pictures and videos on a 24 hour basis. This monitoring and security system uses four to eight cameras with low starting costs.

The Thinking Camera is a web-cam that basically processes and thinks about what it is viewing and will send you an email telling you the events as they happen. This camera is wireless and can tell the difference between objects and people. This camera system has a positive wireless video surveillance review. It will give you peace of mind knowing you will be alerted when things are going on. For example, an intruder at the window or door.

Finding the best wireless surveillance video camera systems is made simple by using the best reviews available. These reviews are based on customer satisfaction ratings and more importantly the performance of the equipment. There are numerous companies and surveillance products on the market. Finding what best suites your needs is important and you want to make an informed decision based on the best reviews. This information will be valuable and useful†for deciding on the right protection for your home and office.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Digital Camera Reviews - Sony DSC N2, DSC T100 and Canon EOS 400D

Sony Cyber-shot DSC N2

The Sony DSC N2 is a stylish digital camera with ten mega pixels and a three times optical zoom. The feature that sets the DSC N2 apart from just about all other digital cameras is its large 3" touch LCD screen. This cuts the number of dials and buttons the camera has to an absolute minimum, helping to accentuate its looks and style.

Another feature that adds to the attraction of the camera is the fact it has a manual exposure mode. This allows you to set the shutter speed and aperture you shoot at. This model is probably aimed at the more casual user who still wants the premium picture quality to boast at cocktail parties. There is some debate on whether the CPU, or 'brain', of the DSC is any better than the DSC N1, so that the extra megapixels may not be processed in a manner that makes the pictures any better. I would recommend trying one out in the shop before committing yourself to a purchase.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Sony DSC-T100

The DSC-T100 fits an amazing combination of high-tech features into super-slim dimensions. It has high-resolution 8.1 MP imaging, a powerful 5x optical zoom lens and a huge 3.0" Clear Photo LCD Plus screen that lets you snap and share photos easily. This means that it can zoom in closer to distant objects with better clarity than the majority of the other brands that fit into a pocket. The optical zoom is the best feature of this camera, and would be very useful for images at concerts, wildlife photography or impressive holiday snaps. The size makes it very portable and I would recommend this one over the DSC N2.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Canon EOS 400D

The Canon EOS 400D is the latest member of Canon's extensive range of SLR digital cameras. It is now over three years since Canon released their first entry-level DSLR, the 6 megapixel EOS 300D, which kick-started the whole budget DSLR boom. An entry-level camera, the new Canon 400D has a hard act to follow as it attempts to build on the success of the 300D and 350D models. The 400D closely follows the general design of the 350D, having similar compact proportions to the older model, but it adds some new features to try and remain competitive in what has become a rapidly expanding sector of the photography market. This model is more for the budget professional, perhaps as a useful backup for the main shooter. That said, you can always rely on Canon to bring a functional and competent camera, and the styling of this model would feel at home in any paparazzi's man-bag.

Rating : 4 out of 5.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Small Business Security Cameras - Product Reviews

Small business is the backbone of our country and is the engine that drives our economy. Jobs are created by small business not the government. Starting a small business takes many things including money, know how, time, courage and yes a little luck. I have owned a small business most of my life and have the utmost respect for independent business owners.

It is a well established fact that seventy percent of all business losses are from employee theft and customer theft. Can you imagine what you could do with that money as a small business owner?

The best way to slow those losses down or stop them cold is with security cameras. There are so many to choose from it can be somewhat confusing when deciding on which ones to get. Here's review of some of the best.

1. The wired out or in door IP camera-it connects directly to your computer or DVR and uses an IP address to send video thru a network. Included software can support up to 16 cameras. It is fully networkable so you can watch what the camera sees from any where there is an internet connection.

2. The vandal resistant IR day night Dome Camera-will record color images in night conditions up to 80 feet away with great picture resolution using 550 TV lines.

3. The day/night color bullet camera-that can be wired or wireless and transmits color images. It is fully weatherproof and uses a digital CCD chip that automatically switches from color to black and white in low light conditions.

Of course there are many other security cameras for your small business but these are three of the best.

When you need to keep an eye on what's going at your home, office or business get a Hidden Security Camera.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Camera Reviews - The Best Digital SLR Camera of 2010

If you are now the proud owner of a brand new Nikon digital camera, the next thing that you have to do is to learn how to take care of it so that you can have it for as long as possible without any problems. Below are some maintenance tips that should help you with this.

The most delicate part of your Nikon digi-cam is the lens. You will therefore have to take the most care when it comes to it specifically. If you want to have great high quality pictures then you will have to make sure that you keep all scratches, dust and smudges from it.

You are going to have to learn the lens care instructions. These will be available for you in the camera's manual. Make sure that anytime you are not using the camera that you cover it. This will keep out the excess dust and sunlight. Do not always touch your cameras lens. This will put smudges of finger prints in your finished photos.

You are going to also need a very good lens cleaning kit. This should come with the special cleaning fluid and the cloth as well.

Invest in a proper shock resistant bag for carrying it. This will keep it from getting dust and scratches. Whenever the camera is in storage, make sure that you have removed the batteries so that they do not leak and damage the Nikon camera.

If you want it even better, make sure that the bag you invest in is a weather resistant bag so that you can protect your camera from the harsh rain, heat and cold elements.

How you handle your camera will also greatly determine how long you will have it for. Avoid dropping it or banging it onto hard objects.

If you take heed of the above tips your Nikon digital camera will function at optimum for years to come.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Best Home Security Cameras - Product Reviews

One out of six homes this year will be the victim of a home burglary. According to police statistics, 60 percent of all home burglaries happen through unsecured doors and windows. And unfortunately police do not keep track of a separate category of property crimes called home invasion. Home invasions are growing just as rapidly as burglaries and seem to be the crime of choice these days.

Before burglars pick a home as a target they go out and "case" a neighborhood. They are looking for the easiest homes to get into. If they see any signs of obstacles for a home they go onto another. Homeowners do make it easy for the bad guys.

What they are looking for is any signage out front warning of security system or a vicious guard dog. They look for one of those signs on a street that says that there's a neighborhood watch. They look for potential hiding places near lower-level doors and windows created by overgrown shrubs. They look for home security cameras.

If they see any of these obstacles hey are most likely go on to someone else. That's exactly what you want isn't it?

Home security cameras used to be expensive but not anymore. The three best ones are:

1. A vandal resistant infrared date night high resolution color dome camera with 540 TV lines of resolution. The 36 infrared LEDs allow for night vision up to 80 feet away. It's completely weatherproof and vandal resistant

2. Next is the day night camera with infrared LEDs that allow up to 60 feet of visibility in total darkness and comes wired or wireless,

3. Then there is a high resolution color camera with wide-angle lens. Built in LEDs allow you to see up to 150 feet away at night. A wide-angle lens can be adjusted on the back panel from 9 to 22 mm. This is only available in wired version.

Those are three of the best security cameras for your home. Get one for your front door and one for your back door. They send a signal to the bad guys to stay away or get caught.

When are you getting one?

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Camera Reviews - Canon Rebel XS 10-1 MP Digital SLR Camera

Design: Offering two body designs the Canon Rebel XS comes in black and black with silver. Each comes with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens and weighs in around 1 pound and a bit more. While this makes it quite lightweight it also makes it feel a little less substantial. The 2.5 inch LCD is good enough for the job while the body has a nice rubbery cover for a better grip with almost all the buttons in reach of your right hand. This allows you to use the camera one-handed with ease.

Specifications: At 10.1 MP the Canon Rebel XS is quite solid for its class. Its feature-set includes APS-C-size, a CMOS sensor with a 1.6x focal-length multiplier and a 7-point autofocus. The DSLR also switches from SDHC to CompactFlash for faster more reliable operation and features an Auto Lighting Optimizer for post capture contrast and brightness adjustment. The DSLR also offers a flash sync speed of 1/200th of a second with shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4000th of a second. Other features include a TTL-metering system (35-zone) and a BG-E5 battery grip.

Features & Performance: While the My Menu allows some menu customization, the overall interface is quite basic. With ISO sensitivity up to 1600 the camera is very entry-level. However, in shooting speed the DSLR is very fast with a startup-to-shot time of less than 0.2 second and a shooting lag of 0.4 second in good conditions. In dim conditions this extends a bit to 0.8 second but shot-to-shot time redeems it at 0.7 second for raw shots and 0.4 second for JPEG shots. With flash-recycling the speed goes to 0.8 second while burst mode goes at 85, outpacing nearly every other DSLR in its class.

Image quality is top-notch, typical of Canon digital cameras with the Canon Rebel XS delivering great color and accurate exposures even on high ISO. Overall the Canon Rebel XS delivers awesome photo quality with faster performance in low-light focus conditions than any of its other competitors in the same class, making it ideal for most DSLR beginners.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Camera Reviews - Canon Rebel XS 10-1 MP Digital SLR Camera

Design: Offering two body designs the Canon Rebel XS comes in black and black with silver. Each comes with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens and weighs in around 1 pound and a bit more. While this makes it quite lightweight it also makes it feel a little less substantial. The 2.5 inch LCD is good enough for the job while the body has a nice rubbery cover for a better grip with almost all the buttons in reach of your right hand. This allows you to use the camera one-handed with ease.

Specifications: At 10.1 MP the Canon Rebel XS is quite solid for its class. Its feature-set includes APS-C-size, a CMOS sensor with a 1.6x focal-length multiplier and a 7-point autofocus. The DSLR also switches from SDHC to CompactFlash for faster more reliable operation and features an Auto Lighting Optimizer for post capture contrast and brightness adjustment. The DSLR also offers a flash sync speed of 1/200th of a second with shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4000th of a second. Other features include a TTL-metering system (35-zone) and a BG-E5 battery grip.

Features & Performance: While the My Menu allows some menu customization, the overall interface is quite basic. With ISO sensitivity up to 1600 the camera is very entry-level. However, in shooting speed the DSLR is very fast with a startup-to-shot time of less than 0.2 second and a shooting lag of 0.4 second in good conditions. In dim conditions this extends a bit to 0.8 second but shot-to-shot time redeems it at 0.7 second for raw shots and 0.4 second for JPEG shots. With flash-recycling the speed goes to 0.8 second while burst mode goes at 85, outpacing nearly every other DSLR in its class.

Image quality is top-notch, typical of Canon digital cameras with the Canon Rebel XS delivering great color and accurate exposures even on high ISO. Overall the Canon Rebel XS delivers awesome photo quality with faster performance in low-light focus conditions than any of its other competitors in the same class, making it ideal for most DSLR beginners.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings De-Mystify the Choices

Shopping for a new digital camera can be quite frustrating with the hundreds of choices available. Digital camera reviews clarify this confusion by comparing camera features and options, then rating how each camera compares with similar models.

An effective comparison of best digital cameras requires two things: 1) the camera's specs and features, and 2) performance ratings. Spec sheets and ratings are plentiful, but to efficiently compare digital cameras it's important to set some guidelines.

Decide on how the camera will be used, the quality and size of final prints, and necessary features. Write these down and rank camera reviews and ratings against these standards. Whether looking for a professional or snapshot camera, scan the reviews and narrow your choices down to a few cameras before making final comparisons.

OK, Lets Cut to the Chase...

Re-visit the reviews for this short list and evaluate the digital camera ratings in more depth for the following criteria:

Design, Construction and Controls

Minor design differences can become significant in daily camera use. Carefully compare how each camera's review is rated for design elements. Size and weight, body configuration, plus location of buttons, knobs and other controls can make a camera a joy to use or a real pain in the neck.

Evaluate how well the camera is put together. Are access doors for battery, memory, etc. solid and stable? What does the reviewer say about the shutter release, zoom and other buttons and knobs? How many photos will a fully charged battery take? Is the LCD bright and clear in both low light and sunny conditions?

The reviewer's evaluation of the camera's controls is critical. Can manual adjustments be made for different lighting conditions? How about auto-focus zones and exposure modes? Are controls simple and intuitive, or complicated menus?

Sensors, Pixels and Processors

These are the heart of a digital camera and determine photo quality, so closely compare how the reviewer rates them.

Generally larger sensors have more powerful and efficient photodiodes, and will produce higher quality photo images. Both CCD and CMOS sensor technology is advancing rapidly, but with each new development there are usually draw-backs, so compare carefully.

Digital camera marketing would have us believe it's all about more megapixels. But it's more complicated than that. Evaluate how each camera's review rates pixel quality, not just quantity. Some cameras will actually take better pictures with fewer pixels.

What the camera's processor does with the data collected from the sensor's diodes is equally important. It must properly interpret color balance and interpolate pixels for sharp natural looking pictures. It must be able to do it quickly or you'll have to wait too long between shots.

Lens Optics

In many ways lenses for digital cameras are simpler and less expensive than for conventional 35mm cameras. Even so, sensors and processors can't produce a better photo than what's visible through the lens. Compare the ratings because cheap lenses can distort images and colors.

In conclusion, decide on camera basics and budget range, scan enough reviews to pick a handful of finalists, then scrutinize the reviews and ratings on those cameras to find the perfect choice.

A list of top rated digital cameras can be found at our Digital Cameras Ratings page.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Should You Trust Digital Camera Reviews

Digital camera reviews have been all over the place. All of these media outlets from newspapers, TV and radio, have filled each review with nothing but praises. So what we really need is an outline to detect reliable reviews that actually HELP. The Question is Should You Trust Digital camera Reviews?

First point: Never trust reviews from press releases directly rooted from the manufacturer. All they reveal are the good attributes. Of course, if you do sell your own line of digital cameras, the only way to boost up your sales is to promote its good points. Glitches, as well as, limitations and bad points pertaining to your camera line will never help your sales go up. These press releases are often half-truths. Indeed, a certain digital camera on sale might have its advantages but press releases rather not talk about its disadvantages. Press releases are for promotional purposes alone to entice potential customers and give the product a better name.

Next, home shopping networks and advertisements do the same thing press releases do. They are half-truths as well. But, the good thing though, customers can always return products that do not work for them.

Lastly, digital camera reviews that actually HELP are often found in specialty magazines on gadgets and gizmos computer based and technical. There are also specialty websites for these subjects that do contain unofficial yet reliable reviews. Reviewers coming from these sources are those who are never afraid to enumerate the pluses and the minuses of each digital product out in the market. These digital camera reviews are very TRUTHFUL. Often, reviewers point out differences in the digital cameras released by a certain company for comparison whether, the digital camera line have progressed technologically or not. These reviewers are well-equipped in the field and they know what they are talking about. Reviews from these people root from first-hand experiences with using the digital camera in study and not just any review under some advertising agent out to capture you and your wallet with all the flowery words they can write down.

In addition, YOU can be among the best sources for a digital camera review. But, buy your own camera first. Check everything, play with everything and make sure this fits with what it claims to be. Be keen on specifications, options, and features especially the words, weatherproof and waterproof. If the digital camera is weatherproof, it is splash resistant. If its waterproof, it is water resistant. Never interchange these two terms. And after everything else, you can write down the myriad things you did with your camera attaching either your thumbs-up or down. Emphasize that your review is based from a first-hand experience with the product to heighten its reliability value. And if your digital camera does not satisfy you at all, call customer service.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Beginner DSLR Camera Reviews - Best Entry Level DSLR

If you're interested in photography and want to get into DSLR photography then there has never been a better time to do so. There are many DSLR cameras out on the market right now that are designed not to overwhelm the user, today I will be talking about these cameras so you can make an educated decision on which camera you would like to buy.

Canon Rebel XS

The Canon Rebel XS is probably the most common entry level DSLR camera simply because it's a good little camera that's user friendly and it's also affordable. I personally love this camera and owned one when I was learning about photography.

The Rebel XS has some great features and produces excellent quality images, the only bad point that I would say about the Rebel XS is that the ISO range sometimes left me wanting and needing more, however this was only a small problem and for every day shooting this isn't a problem.

Canon Rebel T1i

This is the bigger sister to the Rebel XS and generally it costs around $100 more. However for that extra $100 you get a better camera in many departments.

Image quality is still excellent as you would expect from a well known camera manufacturer such as canon.

The Rebel T1i has a higher ISO range 100-3200 and can also record in high definition video which is a nice feature if you're interested in recording home movies without the need for an extra video camera.

Other Cameras

There are other cameras from other manufacturers suitable for beginner photographers, however I have used and tested the above cameras when I was beginning in photography and they helped me progress as a photographer greatly therefore I highly recommend them to you.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Fuji Digital Cameras Reviews

If you are looking for Fuji digital cameras reviews, the Internet is the best place to find user reviews. Sometimes, you can find useful ratings and reviews in camera buying guides. Many of Fuji's degree cameras have excellent reviews from users around the world. Fuji has always been a comparable camera to Casio and Canon as well as others. Most of the reviews will tell you what features and functions the camera has and how they rate as far as being easy to use. The reviews are available for almost every camera that Fuji makes.

The Fuji digital cameras reviews for the 3800Z are very impressive. The cameras rated highly for ease-of-use, durability, quality and shutter lag. This six times zoom, lightweight camera uses AA batteries and has an easy to follow menu. The battery life for this camera is actually rated very high compared to other cameras. The camera only has 3.3 megapixels, but reviews show that the quality of the picture good.

More Fuji digital cameras reviews are or the Fuji FinePix S9000 and the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro. The S9000 offers 9.0 megapixels, built-in flash, movie captured. XD picture card storage as well as two times digital zoom and ten times optical zoom. The reviews for this camera are all positive. The camera itself feels easy to handle at the features and functions are very easy to understand.

The S3 Pro is another exceptional camera by Fuji. It seems that all Fuji digital cameras reviews include this camera for some reason or another. The camera comes with this super CCD SR sensor and has a reputation for taking Chris clearer pictures that are very close to film in quality. The camera is a bit expensive, but for the price, you get high-resolution quality pictures without the expense of film.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Digital SLR Camera Reviews - Nikon D90 (12.3 MP) Digital SLR Camera (18-105mm Lens)

The Nikon D90 is the successor to the highly rated Nikon D80. After testing the D90 I must say that this newer model is a wonderful upgrade from the older model. It weighs at a little more than 1 pound, which is a little heavier than digital SLRs of its class. Nevertheless if feels substantial and has a sturdy build.

The Nikon D90 was a delight to use. It has a very comfortable grip and the controls are well laid out. On the back, there is a 3" TFT LCD screen. Most of the controls are laid out on the left and right side of the screen.

The Nikon D90 can also capture HD movies (720p) at 24fps. Although this is a cool feature, it does have certain limitations. For instance, you can only record HD movies for 5 minutes at one go. The exposure level also can't be adjusted while recording videos. Despite that, the HD video recording is still a nice novelty feature to have. The photos taken have very accurate colors and well saturated.

In continuous shooting mode, the Nikon D90 can manage 4fps. This is pretty good for a digital SLR of its class. It is also a speedy digital SLR model. From a cold start, it takes just 0.2 seconds before it is ready to take its first shot. As for its shot-to-shot time, it clocked in a just 0.6 seconds. All in all, this is an extremely impressive mid-range digital SLR model for its price. Currently, the Nikon D90 retails for just $1139 each, an excellent buy considering its feature set and performance.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Compact Digital Camera Reviews - Which One Should You Buy?

Over the last few years manufactures have been releasing a vast array of compact digital cameras. If you are thinking of buying a compact digital camera for yourself, or as a present for someone else then there are a few features you should be looking out for?

1. Amount of Megapixels

2. Camera Size

3. Optical/Digital zoom

4. LCD screen size

5. Memory cards

6. Battery type

Amount of Megapixels: Many people are confused into thinking that the more megapixels a camera has, the better the camera or picture will be, but this is not necessarily true. A 10 megapixel camera may produce sharper, crisper and better pictures than a 12 megapixel digital camera. When looking for a digital camera you should choose a model with 8 megapixels or more. But don't get sucked in by the more megapixels the better, hype. Canon for example have released some new cameras with lower megapixels than their previous versions.

Camera Size: Compact digital cameras come in many different sizes and thicknesses. Before you buy one it is important to decide what you want to use it for. If you just want a point and shoot camera that will fit in your purse or pocket then look for one of the slim digital cameras. If you want to be more creative then you will find that most slim digital cameras will not have the features that you need, so a larger digital camera will be more suitable. These cameras will normally need a case to put them in, and will be too large for a pocket. Slim and thin or compact and creative, you decide.

Optical/Digital zoom: All digital compact cameras have both an optical and digital zoom. Sometimes the manufactures make the digital zoom sound really good. Again don't be taken in by a 10x or 20x digital zoom, because using it will actually make the picture look very grainy. The optical zoom is much more important as the picture quality doesn't degrade when using it. Look for an optical zoom of 3x and above. The bigger the optical zoom, the closer and bigger the image will look through the view finder or LCD screen.

LCD size: Many compact digital cameras have a viewfinder and an LCD screen to take pictures with. But these days most people just use the LCD screen as it is easier to use. Having a bigger screen allows you to easily see what you are taking a picture of. It is also easier to navigate menus and review pictures after they have been taken. Buy a camera with an LCD screen of 2.5 inch or bigger.

Memory cards: My advice here would be to find out what memory card the camera will use, and buy the largest capacity that you can. Memory cards sizes are normally between 16MB and 8GB. When taking digital pictures you will find that a 1GB card doesn't hold as many pictures as you think, especially if you go on holiday or like to travel. For example if you have a 10 megapixel camera, you will be able to get around 200 jpeg images on a 1GB card. The best option is to buy two and then you always have a spare, if one gets lost or is damaged then you always have a back up.

Battery type: Your camera will either use disposable batteries or the manufactures own rechargeable battery. I always prefer to buy a compact digital camera that uses the manufactures own battery. The reason is that you are normally able to take more pictures, and they are easier and cheaper in the long run, as you don't need to constantly buy batteries. I would always recommend having a spare one, as they have a tendency to go flat just when you need them most.

The compact digital camera reviews article above covers the most important things you should be looking for when buying a camera. I hope you found it helpful.