Digital Cameras - Specs to consider

Lil306

I'm thinking about changing my Digicam again

I'm looking at this model :
Fujifilm S2500HD 12MP Camera - Black

It's in argos for about £150

I pretty much love the Fujis' I've never have any problems with them and they seem to have good features

For any of those photography experts what things should I consider looking for on Digital Cameras the most for the best pictures possible

Offhand my thoughts what I'd consider

• ISO Exposure Levels (this allows more light the higher the number?)
• Megapixels (obviously more picture quality before reduction in size)
• Optical zoom (for those long distance ones)

What else should I look for?
I'm not a CRAZY photographer, but I will be using them for taking some detailed pictures and from a distance, that model also comes with HD Quality video with sound so it's a bonus....

I'd just like to note something.... whilst most people won't sway my opinion because I'm a Fuji convert and pretty much a cheapo I AM willing to consider other makes with the right advice, consideration and guidance...

I don't know much when it comes to cameras I just look for Zoom, Pixels and LCD size. I haven't really played much with the Manual settings because I don't understand how to use them properly. I feel a camera with more features would encourage me to play and learn more however. I know I would be able to get better pics manually as opposed to automatically applied

Thanks

Lil306

Additionally, I'd like to work to Budget of £200 max



Here's the specs...
Model number S2500HD

• 12 mega pixels.
• Black.
• Plastic body.
• 28mm wide angle lens Fujinon lens.
• 18 x optical zoom.
• 6.3 x digital zoom.
• 3in LCD screen.

Features

• PictBridge compatible.
• Dual digital and optical anti-blur.
• Face detection up to 10 faces.
• Continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second.
• Red eye reduction.
• Memory card compatibility: SD/SDHC.
• 720 high definition movie capture with sound.
• Maximum ISO 6400.
• 16 scene modes.
• Intelligent scene mode.
• Manual over-ride.
• Viewfinder.
• Smile shutter.
• Self timer.
• Built-in flash.

General information

• HDMI connection.
• Accessories included: USB cable, AV cable carry strap.
• Batteries required 4 x AA (included).
• Weight 386g.
• Size H7.3, W11.1, D8.1cm.

fitshase

Basically spend your money on the best lens you can get on a camera in your budget range. The better the optics on the lens, the better the quality of pic. Unless you are going to be printing the photos larger than A4, don't get hung up on the megapixel count over 6 megapixels.

In terms of your questions:-

ISO exposure levels - think film speed in old language. The higher the number, the more sensitive the sensor becomes to let light in. Good for shots in low light without a flash. However, the downside is that the higher the ISO, the more the "noise" on the picture.

Megapixels - The more megapixels a camera has doesn't mean the better the picture quality. I use a digital SLR and it is "only" 6 megapixels but the quality of pics is superior to a lot of point and shoot cameras because of the lens on it (the lens cost over £300 alone and that is a cheap lens!).

Optical Zoom - yes, if you are going to be taking shots of things far away. Ignore any figures for "Digital Zoom" as this is just enlarging the image taken not actually doing anything with the lens. However, remember the best zoom you have is your legs (i.e., get closer to the subject to take the photos!).

Worth reading some reviews and looking through some photography magazines for recommendations.

Marty_J

Unfortunately, specs tell you very little about a camera. For instance, if one camera has more megapixels than another, all that tells you is that its files will take up more space; it tells you nothing about which will look better.

You'd be better served by looking up camera reviews on reputable websites such as dpreview.com than by comparing specs.

For what it's worth, Canon consistently make the best compact cameras I've ever used (and I'm a Nikon guy), so I would give them some serious consideration.

I did own a Fuji bridge camera once though, and I liked it very much.

Lil306

Thanks, both valuable inputs

I don't think that Fuji has a lens you can seperate that's why I was considering other models

My current digital camera has 6 mega pixels but it's a compact version so no removable lens..

Ideally I want to find myself an "SLR" style so I can remove the lenses and change when needed.

I suppose I'll have to practice using the different camera modes too as I'm mostly a point and shoot type person but I'd really like to maximise the picture quality I can get by the additional features available in Manual modes

What about Canon Powershots?

Lil306

I would prefer a camera being as high MP as poss because sometimes I will want to have stuff in high sizes (large family portraits etc)

As the true cameras are worth £0000's, are there any low-end digital cameras. That have the ability to swap lenses to increase their quality / zoom, etc yet have a high MP count (say 14MP) - I noticed the REALLY good ones are 21MP but those are like £3k

sheldon08

Hi. Sorry, can't answer your question....however I thought you might like this thread once you have decided...


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2175679


and maybe share some of your photos with us.

fitshase

Sorry - I didn't mean to get a camera with a removable lens - I meant get a compact with a good lens ;-)

In terms of printing large and the megapixel count, this is worth a read:-

Megapixel Myth

[Deleted User]

Are you printing billboards? If not, you don't need 14MP. I can squeeze some very nice photos out of my 3mp Canon ixus (and my newer 8mp Panaasonic compact is rarely better)

You won't like the dSLR route, it's not cheap The cheapest are around £300. Lenses aren't cheap.

I'd rather have a great prime lens (not zoomable) than a mediocre zoom lens (like those 'big zoom' compacts have)

Lil306

Thanks, they both make interesting reads

How can you determine a good lens from a bad lens, is there a method of doing it ?

My camera I have now is 6.3 megapixels and I really don't play it enough because I don't understand all the functions

It's more the zoom control on the other camera what interests me as there are quite a few pictures I've never been able to get from a distance which would come in useful with that camera.

totalsolutions

Why are you hung up on a new camera when you say "I really don't play it enough because I don't understand all the functions" WT*

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Don't waste your money, you are not ready ! RTFM then.

The zoom control only an angular rotation of the body, nothing to get excited about.

What about Macro photography, try that.
Some people use "pin hole" cameras to experiment with try it.