Getting a new Camera? What to look out for?

Image by tamaki via Flickr

Getting a camera is quite tricky sometimes. Brands and price of camera does not mean they are good. Never trust the supplier's website advertisements and flyers as well. It is good to check out the camera you are interested in 1st base on the specifications, colour, shape, size, etc. After which, you should visit some sites to read up the reviews for these cameras. The more you read, the more you can understand about the camera before buying.



Review Sites:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.dcresource.com/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/

http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/section/digital_cameras



Most cameras should perform reasonably well in a well lighted outdoor settings, however, when it comes to night time or indoor shots, only a handful of camera can do a good job.



TIPS:

1. Always half-press to focus before taking any shots. I know this is very basic but a lot of people I come across will just press all the way down to take a shot.
   


2. Try to zoom on the preview in order to see if the shot is good, ie. no blurry effect due to hand movement. Camera with image stabiliser will help in a way, or should I say, minimise the "shake", but will not stop the "shake".
   


3. 3MP images are good enough to develop 4R photos. Therefore, unless you need to develop bigger size photos, setting to higher MP will only take up more space, takes less shots on memory and ultimately need more storage (hard disk) to keep your photos.
   
4. Always remember higher mega-pixel camera does not mean the camera should cost more and takes better images.
   
5. If you are proceeding to stores or trade shows to get your camera (some may do it online), be sure to check only for its official list price and freebies, such as http://www.bargaincity.com.sg/ (for Singapore). This will ensure that you do not overpay your new camera. :)

Hope this guide helps. It's my own buying guide/bookmark/favourite as well.