Too Much Camera
Tomorrow evening we will probably all be saying something like, "Wow, I had too much turkey!" Now that the holidays are here I've started taking lots of pics at my own family events. I find myself saying, "Wow, this is just too much camera to be using, just to get fun snapshots of my family and close friends!" Not to mention the huge files sizes for images that I will probably only be posting on Facebook or ordering as small prints.
If you don't already have a nice point and shoot pocket camera, or if your old one is out-of-date, now is an excellent time to get one for yourself or as a gift. You could even stand in line at 4am somewhere this Friday morning and probably get a pretty good deal on one! Haha.
Here are a few things to look for when buying a point and shoot pocket camera.
Size matters - I have found that the bigger the camera the less likely I am to use it. Go with one that is small enough to take anywhere, but large enough that you aren't constantly dropping it or have trouble pressing the buttons.
Mega Pixel - They all have an adequate amount of resolution these days. Don't just use this feature as a factor in deciding which one to buy.
Power source - Most point and shoot cameras come with a lithium rechargeable batter. Some can use AA size disposable or rechargeable batteries. Here are the pros and cons of each.
Lithium Batteries
•Pros- Once charged the lithium battery will stay charged and be ready for the next shoot. You can charge a lithium at any point (doesn't have to be drained). Lithium batteries last a long time and charge quickly, they also have a long life span.
•Cons- They are more expensive to replace. You can't just pick up disposable batteries at the store if the one you are using runs out. They don't operate well in colder temperatures.
AA Batteries
•Pros- Available everywhere in lithium disposable, alkaline disposable, and NiMH rechargeable and are inexpensive.
•Cons- You have to constantly buying fresh batteries. Rechargeable NiMH batteries don't stay fully charged for more than a few days. They are considered environmentally unfriendly.
Memory - Most point and shoot cameras now use the universal SD memory card, but a few like Sony and Olympus use their own proprietary cards. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, just make sure that they are going to cost the same and be readily available. Also, make sure any card readers you have built into your computer will accept the card.
Speed of Operation - Most cameras are pretty fast on the shutter, but a few of the less expensive models out there still have a cumbersome delay when you press the shutter button. Make sure you demo the camera you are looking at. See how fast it takes a photo at wide angle and telephoto. Also see how long it takes between shots and how long it takes for the flash to recharge. These little things will all add up to make your new camera fun or potentially frustrating to operate.
Zoom - Make sure you look at the amount of OPTICAL zoom the camera has before buying. Also pay attention to the amount of wide-angle. I love to take wide-angle photos and that's why I bought the camera I have. It has an equivalent 24mm wide-angle lens. This came at a sacrifice on the telephoto end of things, so you might want to get a camera with a longer telephoto. If you do, make sure the camera has some sort of image stabilization. Holding a small camera still while magnifying an image 20 times makes it difficult to get a sharp image.
With your new pocket-size camera in hand you can head into the holidays knowing that you will be ready to get the shot at any time and any moment.
Don't let those moments get away... Oh, and keep your finger on the button!
