A digital camera captures video or still photographs digitally by recording images on a light-sensitive sensor. There are also many digital camera which can record sound and moving videos as well as still photographs. Restoring the photographs is one of the prime functions of digital camera. With the captured images manipulation can be done through digital cameras, it has all the features for making changes to photographs.
Digital cameras are becoming smaller day by day and the features are also increasing in it. The choice of digital camera depends with the requirement of the user. There are various category of digital cameras like the compact digital cameras, ultra compacts, bridge cameras, digital single lens reflex cameras, line-scan camera, compact digital SLRs and digital SLRs.

This days digital cameras are used in many devices from mobile phones to personal digital assistants and vehicles. The Hubble space telescope and other astronomical devices are having specialised digital cameras. There are high-tech digital cameras available in the market with which one can take underwater photographs. The underwater digital cameras are very useful in capturing sealife, scuba diving and something artistic under the sea.

Taking some underwater pictures is everyone’s dream and while exploring the deep sea, one can take photographs and can save magical memories that can be relived until the next undersea adventure. These photographs about looking into the eyes of rarely seen creatures can be permanent recorded from the underwater digital cameras. There are various underwater digital cameras namely sea and sea DX-1G compact digital 10.0 MP camera, Intova IC-700 7.0 MP digital camera with underwater housing, Sealife SL 320 Reef master mini underwater digital camera, VuPoint DC-WPC-ST531TBLK-VP underwater digital camera and many more.

The most important accessory of a digital camera is the memory card. It is used to store the pictures taken on digital cameras. The memory card in the digital camera can be equated with hard disks in computers. The memory card varies in capacity and the additional memory cards are generally either 128 MB or 265 MB. Memory Stick, Compact Flash and Smart Media, etc. are all different type of memory cards. The use memory card is dependent on the users camera type, the memory card can be re-used, once saving the required photographs on the computer, or copying them on a CDs etc. The most commonly used card in digital cameras is the 16 MB cards, and most of the digital cameras make use of removable storage memory for the purpose of recording images.

There are also cheap digital cameras available in the market; these camera are very handy and useful for all purpose. The cheap digital cameras is equipped with all the high-technology features and are very result oriented. The presence of this type of camera can be felt in the market, where it has a good share in the revenue. Many renowned companies are coming up with cheap digital cameras to cater the demand of the customers and to capture the market. This cheap digital cameras are second to none in terms of quality and durability as compare to any digital camera available in the market.

The demand for digital cameras are increasing with each passing day with some brilliant and high-tech digital camera in the market. The manufacturers are catering to the demand with all new features added everyday in the cameras.

Camera Lens:

Lens is the most important part of your digital camera; it is the window towards the outside world. A small scratch or spot on the lens will destroy the whole picture. Hence, care should be taken to keep it clean but not by touching with the fingers directly. If there is any dust, first try to blow it up, if it is still there wipe it with a soft lens cleaning tissue or you can use a lens brush or lens blower. You can even find lens cleaners specifically meant for digital camera. Do not forget to cover the lens while the digital camera is not in use.

Delicate Parts of the Camera:

Memory card is one of the most delicate components of your digital camera. You may find CompactFlash, SD or MMC cards in your camera. They are small and play a vital role while taking snaps. The other delicate part of your digital camera is camera panel. You need to handle all these delicate components carefully.

Battery:

Taking care of the batteries also comes under digital camera care. Getting the right kind of battery will enhance the performance of the digital camera. Clean the battery component and remove the batteries while the camera is not in use for long time.

Storage:

Another important thing is to turn off the camera while you are not using it. The care of a digital camera also depends on how you are storing it. Make sure that you are keeping it away from any kind of magnet. Magnet in any form may affect the circuitry of the digital camera. It is also essential to store your camera against condensation. Put the silica gel capsules in the storage box of your digital camera to prevent condensation. If you are storing your digital camera for a long duration, there could be corrosive leaks from the battery over the time. You can take the batteries out of the camera in such case. Temperature is one important aspect of consideration while storing camera. Keep your camera away from extremely cold or hot temperature.

Travelling:

We prefer to store each and every memory of our holiday trip or any other trip. Photographs are the best way to preserve the memory for a life time. Everyone likes to take the camera so that they can capture every single moment worth remember. A delicate device like digital camera should be taken care of properly while travelling. Take a digital camera case with you in your trips. It is safer and can protect your camera from scratches. Security is the main concern. Remember to insure your digital camera as the chances of robbery increases when you are travelling.

Your digital camera is a real treasure as it costs a lot of money. Taking care is something that you ca not avoid if you want to use it for a years. Apply every single tip you know to take care of your camera and keep its performance intact for ever.

Normally, the cameras which are not loaded with the SLR feature will not give the photographers the exact view of the subject which actually appears in the final photograph. But, the SLR feature helps the photographers view exactly what will be captured by the film or the digital imaging system. Before the introduction of the SLR camera which stands for single lens reflex all the classical cameras had two optical light paths. This optical light path helps capture photographs well when the subject is at a middle or longer distance. But, when it comes to close-up shot its efficiency goes low. Moreover, the cameras which are not equipped with SLR feature perform very poorly while capturing photos in low light and while using low speed films.

Till the 90s, the cameras equipped with the SLR feature were the most advanced cameras. But, the recent developments have left even the digital SLR cameras far behind. Today, the latest compact digital cameras are equipped with LCD. This helps view exactly what CCD captures. Today, such digital cameras are available at flexible prices in the market. Yet, the SLR cameras are very popular among the professionals and the amateurs because of its clarity and shadow details. The photographers can manually adjust the focus in the SLR cameras and they can also be automatically focused by the auto focus feature. It also supports matter focusing screen to diffuse the light that may spoil a photograph. Thus, these features help get exact viewing, focusing and composition.

The digital SLR cameras have a larger sensor in comparison to many other brands. This helps capture quality photographs even in low light. When the sensitivity of the camera is larger it helps increase the quality of the captured photographs. The sensitivity of the SLR camera is pretty large. The range of the digital SLR is 100 –1600 and it depicts the sensitivity of the digital SLR.

Moreover, the quality of the SLR cameras has further increased over the years. Now, this camera functions faster. The time this camera takes to capture the subject right after the click of the shutter is incredibly faster. But, typical cameras take about 0.5 seconds to complete this task. It is a pretty longer time in comparison to that of the digital SLR. Definitely, one cannot ignore the capacity of the battery as you consider the other features of the SLR digital cameras. With the capacity of the digital SLR you can capture approaching 2000 shots. Moreover, you can interchange the lenses of the digital SLR cameras.

Every thing has its own disadvantages and the digital SLR is no exception. In comparison to typical cameras the digital SLR’s weight and size are more. Since, this camera does not possess LCD screen it is not possible to preview the images in this widget. To view the images in this camera it requires additional accessory. Moreover, the prises of the lenses of the SLR camera may be more than that of the camera itself.

The digital SLR cameras help the users know immediately whether the photographs they have taken are of good quality. So, it helps users take better photographs. In monetary terms as well this camera proves to be profitable as the users need not purchase rolls of films. They can just use memory cards which are reusable and can support hundreds of photographs. Moreover, the battery of this camera is rechargeable and it lasts for years if handled properly.

Incoming search terms for the article:

• digital slr

Kodak EasyShare M893 IS Digital Camera provides great image quality and advanced features in an ultra-compact and affordable package. The camera provides a resolution of 8.1 megapixels, which allows you to print clear, crisp images up to 30 x 40″ in size, and a 3x optical zoom lens that makes the camera great for typical family and vacation shooting.

In addition, the camera includes Digital Image Stabilization that detects camera movements to digitally compensate for camera shake, and blur reduction that uses high ISO settings to produce clearer pictures in low-light situations. It also incorporates Kodak Perfect Touch Technology so you can take consistently better shots under all sorts of shooting conditions.

Kodak’s Face Detection technology is provided so portraits and group shots always look great, and the Versatile Scene and Color Modes allow you to be creative without the difficulty of manual shooting. Finally, the vibrant 2.7-inch LCD screen is perfect for instantly sharing clear, bright pictures and videos, or displaying your own customized Multimedia Slideshows right on the camera.

The Kodak EasyShare M893 IS Digital Camera provides great image quality and advanced features in an ultra-compact and affordable package. The camera provides a resolution of 8.1 megapixels, which allows you to print clear, crisp images up to 30 x 40″ in size, and a 3x optical zoom lens that makes the camera great for typical family and vacation shooting.

In addition, the camera includes Digital Image Stabilization that detects camera movements to digitally compensate for camera shake, and blur reduction that uses high ISO settings to produce clearer pictures in low-light situations. It also incorporates Kodak Perfect Touch Technology so you can take consistently better shots under all sorts of shooting conditions.

Kodak’s Face Detection technology is provided so portraits and group shots always look great, and the Versatile Scene and Color Modes allow you to be creative without the difficulty of manual shooting. Finally, the vibrant 2.7-inch LCD screen is perfect for instantly sharing clear, bright pictures and videos, or displaying your own customized Multimedia Slideshows right on the camera.

The Kodak EasyShare M893 IS Digital Camera provides great image quality and advanced features in an ultra-compact and affordable package. The camera provides a resolution of 8.1 megapixels, which allows you to print clear, crisp images up to 30 x 40″ in size, and a 3x optical zoom lens that makes the camera great for typical family and vacation shooting.

In addition, the camera includes Digital Image Stabilization that detects camera movements to digitally compensate for camera shake, and blur reduction that uses high ISO settings to produce clearer pictures in low-light situations. It also incorporates Kodak Perfect Touch Technology so you can take consistently better shots under all sorts of shooting conditions.

Kodak’s Face Detection technology is provided so portraits and group shots always look great, and the Versatile Scene and Color Modes allow you to be creative without the difficulty of manual shooting. Finally, the vibrant 2.7-inch LCD screen is perfect for instantly sharing clear, bright pictures and videos, or displaying your own customized Multimedia Slideshows right on the camera.

The Kodak EasyShare M893 IS Digital Camera provides great image quality and advanced features in an ultra-compact and affordable package. The camera provides a resolution of 8.1 megapixels, which allows you to print clear, crisp images up to 30 x 40″ in size, and a 3x optical zoom lens that makes the camera great for typical family and vacation shooting.

In addition, the camera includes Digital Image Stabilization that detects camera movements to digitally compensate for camera shake, and blur reduction that uses high ISO settings to produce clearer pictures in low-light situations. It also incorporates Kodak Perfect Touch Technology so you can take consistently better shots under all sorts of shooting conditions.

Kodak’s Face Detection technology is provided so portraits and group shots always look great, and the Versatile Scene and Color Modes allow you to be creative without the difficulty of manual shooting. Finally, the vibrant 2.7-inch LCD screen is perfect for instantly sharing clear, bright pictures and videos, or displaying your own customized Multimedia Slideshows right on the camera.

The Kodak EasyShare M893 IS Digital Camera provides great image quality and advanced features in an ultra-compact and affordable package. The camera provides a resolution of 8.1 megapixels, which allows you to print clear, crisp images up to 30 x 40″ in size, and a 3x optical zoom lens that makes the camera great for typical family and vacation shooting.

In addition, the camera includes Digital Image Stabilization that detects camera movements to digitally compensate for camera shake, and blur reduction that uses high ISO settings to produce clearer pictures in low-light situations. It also incorporates Kodak Perfect Touch Technology so you can take consistently better shots under all sorts of shooting conditions.

Kodak’s Face Detection technology is provided so portraits and group shots always look great, and the Versatile Scene and Color Modes allow you to be creative without the difficulty of manual shooting. Finally, the vibrant 2.7-inch LCD screen is perfect for instantly sharing clear, bright pictures and videos, or displaying your own customized Multimedia Slideshows right on the camera

There are several things you must consider when choosing your camera system. Just like most technology you can get more features for more money. Choosing a system will require you to consider budget along with wanted features and find a happy median of the two.

The first step is deciding how many cameras you plan to use. A system for just one camera can be set up for very little cost and be very effective. If you choose to have more cameras like 4, 8 or 16 then there are complete packages available that make cameras more cost effective. Once you know how many cameras you want, you will need to decide if you want to run wires or not. Most cameras are available in wired or wireless versions and normally the wired cameras are much more cost effective.

Surveillance cameras can come with many different functions including night vision, covert, color, black & white, weatherproof, high power wireless, pan tilt zoom cameras and many other options. If you need special application cameras they are likely available at a cost. Currently the most commonly used cameras for homes and businesses are dome cameras, bullet style cameras and hidden cameras. The type of camera will greatly depend on the application.

Next you will need to find a way to record your cameras. Recording is not necessary and it is possible to just view the cameras using a monitor, but you will find that having a recorded system has many advantages. The cost of recording can vary greatly depending on your choice of recorders. Below are the different recording options you have to choose from.

VCR -The cheapest may be an extra VCR you have lying around. Most cameras can be plugged directly into a VCR or TV’s video input. If the connection is not the same then there are adaptors available. You may be limited when using a VCR to just one camera. You can split the video of more cameras and use them with a VCR if you purchase a quad. A quad splits video inputs so they take up just a portion of the screen. Most quads are 4 channel, but more channel quads are available. VCRs can’t be viewed over the internet.

Surveillance Software and Hardware – This method of recording can also be a very cheap way to record. You must have a computer with some extra RAM and a USB port . This software will turn your computer into a feature rich DVR or digital video recorder (more on this later). To connect a camera to the computer you will need a analog to digital video converter. Just plug the camera into one end and the other end into the USB port on the computer. Most software will be able to see the camera as soon as it recognizes the video converter. If you have more cameras, you will need more converters and more free USB ports. You can also use a quad between the cameras and the video converter cord to increase the number of cameras you can view using this method. This is a great economic way to go if you only have a few cameras. These systems can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

DVR Card – a DVR card will need to be installed into one of the PCI ports in a PC in order to work. If you can’t add a card to the inside of your PC, then this may not be the best solution for you unless you can get some help. There are many people that have the ability to install a PCI card so help should be easy to come by. These cards range from 4 to 16 cameras and some can be used in sets for systems up to 36 cameras. The exposed part of the card on the back of the computer will allow you to connect the number of cameras the card allows. Most DVR cards will also allow audio microphones to be connected along with the cameras. DVR cards can be full of features and can compared with a high end DVR. DVR cards usually can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

DVR – is a digital video recorder. This device basically allows your cameras video to be recorded onto a hard drive or internal disk. There are 2 types of DVRs, windows based and embedded. Windows based DVRs are similar to a computer and use the Windows operating system to run surveillance software. Most people find Windows based DVRs much easier to use than embedded DVR. The embedded DVR does not use any software and all functions are embedded on software encoded computer chips. Embedded DVRs are cheaper than Windows based DVRs in most cases. DVRs are generally the most expensive way to record your cameras. Both types of DVRs allow you to connect the cameras directly to the back of the DVR. Some DVRs can be connected to the internet and viewed from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

You may also want to hook a monitor up to your system. The monitor will allow you to review the recorded video and also watch it live. Depending on the system you are setting up, the monitor may be a TV or may be a computer monitor. Monitors are available in all different sizes and qualities. If you plan on building a surveillance system you may want to consider one of the many systems available that provide everything you need in one discounted package. For the beginner it is many times easier to purchase a complete surveillance system then to try to piece together each thing individually.

These basics should be enough to get you started on finding a home surveillance system to meet your budget. Many times if you speak to a surveillance expert you can simply tell them your needs and your budget and they will put together a system that will work well for you. There are a lot of options for you to protect your home and family, be sure the system purchase will meet your security needs.

When it comes to the photography field, some years ago, people used bulky cameras to take photographs. Those heavy weight cameras were unable to carry and they did not offer clear and perfect images to their users. To avoid all these inconveniences, digital cameras are introduced in the market with high performance and quality. You can take bright images even in poor light condition with these cameras. As photography is a common hobby for most of the people across the world, the popularity of these innovative devices has been increasing day by day. These sleek cameras offer crystal clear images and are equipped with all the user-friendly multi-functional features like recording videos of moving and still moments, editing and saving images etc. As these sleek devices come with removable storage capacity, you can save thousands of images and video clips on these cameras. You can delete unwanted photos to free the memory capacity. Some of the removable storage technologies that are available in the market are the Multi-Media Card (MMC), Compact Flash (CF-I), Memory Stick, USB flash drive and xD-Picture Card (xD).

The present day market is offering numerous types of digital cameras like digital single lens reflex cameras, compact digital cameras, ultra compacts, line-scan camera, bridge cameras, digital SLRs and compact.

Most of the latest digital cameras come with USB port connectivity that can be used to connect cameras directly to computers to transfer data. Some of the advanced technology cameras have PictBridge standard that enables you to send images directly to a computer printer which is capable of a PictBridge standard without taking the help of computer. To take different types of images depending on the situations, the digital cameras have several mode options to choose from like exposure, light metering, white balance, aperture and focusing. They operate on rechargeable batteries which are small enough to fit in cameras.

Now-a-days, these digital camera features are equipped in most of the mobile phones, which are known as camera mobile phones. They act like digital cameras, but the image storage capacity of these handsets is less than the cameras. Some of the latest electronic devices that come with in-built-camera features are Blackberry devices, camcorders, laptops and PDAs. The common format for most of the digital cameras is JPEG (Joint Photography Experts Group) standard.

The Wespro Digital Camera, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W130 Silver Digital Camera, Canon Power Shot A590 IS, Fuji film Fine Pix Z20FD and Sony DSC-W110 Silver Digital Camera are some of the cheap digital cameras that are available at affordable prices in the market. These cheap Digital cameras come with high-end technology and offer you great flexibility to carry them with you wherever you go.

To have a close and clear view of all the cheap digital cameras, visiting related websites over the Internet is the best source than the others. This helps you to get the best deal on purchasing the best quality digital camera.

Security video cameras use CMOS or CCD chips to produce quality images. Image quality depends on the size of CCD chips that are 1/4, 1/3, and 1/2 inches. Larger the chip size better will be the image quality. 1/3-inch chips are commonly used in security video cameras. Choose from infrared security cameras, dome security cameras, IP/network security cameras, or wireless security cameras and enjoy high level of security. It is extremely important to keep certain points in mind before choosing a security camera, like the location and lighting conditions. Proper placement of the hidden security camera helps to prevent many crimes. Security camera systems are also effective in monitoring babysitters.

Black and white cameras are ideal for home use, as they provide higher resolution than color cameras. Infrared cameras have the ability to switch over from black and white to color and vice versa depending on lighting conditions. Pick weatherproof cameras or bullet security cameras for outdoor use. These cameras are compact and rugged. Outdoor security cameras can deter criminals before they break in. But now-a-days, most security cameras come with features, which make them effective in both internal and external environments.

You can go for high-quality PTZ cameras to have adequate surveillance in all directions. These cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom offering maximum coverage of an area. They are versatile and can pan 360 degrees, thereby allowing you to view objects directly below them. One of these PTZ cameras is as effective as 10 fixed cameras. These cameras are suitable for law enforcement and casino applications. They can also be used in retail stores. You can place them outdoors or indoors. Dome security cameras are high-end cameras, which are extremely useful because it is very difficult to judge in which direction these cameras are pointed unless you look at them from a close range.

With network cameras, surveillance has become a breeze, as the user can manage the camera through a browser. For covert monitoring, mini spy or hidden cameras are quite effective. Wireless security cameras are highly versatile and portable. You can set them up anywhere and in no time as there are no wires to deal with. Box camera or full body cameras are highly trusted for professional security surveillance. Get incredible deals on security cameras at ApexCCTV, which is your one stop for CCTV package needs.

All those who do not have the liberty as well as the money to keep body guards should not worry. To tackle the problem of security, various types of security camera have been launched in the technological world. Security cameras are recognised as the standard in monitoring property and detection of criminals. Surveillance video is claimed to be the most successful home monitoring device by its ways to protect oneself against theft and violence. This is because these cameras are very effective in deterring criminals, thus protecting your house against theft and violence and further help them to catch those perpetrators.

Surveillance cameras that are primarily used for monitoring but today their scope has not been restricted to government offices or banks.

Today, these CCTV cameras are applicable in houses as well. Cities such as London have installed several surveillance cameras throughout the city as a means of deterring and capturing criminals. Car theft is one arena where these cameras are extremely helpful. So much so is the advantage of security cameras that even cities like New York and Chicago are beginning to use surveillance cameras throughout the city. Though some people argue that surveillance cameras evade the privacy of people, thus stripping them of their civil rights. Critics have also charged that surveillance cameras are used more for social control than as criminal deterrents. However, with the rise in many anti social happenings, these cameras have proven to be very useful.

Initially these security cameras were analogue, but the digital phase has taken over them now.

These digital security cameras transmit their data feed via WiFi technology to the Internet. From there a digital video recorder or a computer can view the feed with a specially configured Web browser. The video recorders are thus able to store data feed to a DVD-ROM.

Apart from the digital video security cameras that are present in a variety of options in the computer hardware industry, digital still surveillance cameras are also available. These cameras are equipped with motion detectors that alert the camera to take a photo when any activity occurs. This camera is very much in methodology like the digital cameras that hold hundreds of photographs at one time.

In this world where a new technology is born everyday, there are a wide variety of options to choose from in the security cameras segment as well.

There are spy cameras that are the smallest and most powerful covert spy camera/recorder in the world. The micro hidden camera, though looks like an air freshener, is ultra-covert with 2GB of RAM for fast-action snapshot video when motion is detected. Then there is the night vision camera that capture footage even in complete darkness. This type of motion-activated wireless night vision camera has a 150 foot night vision range, which is capable of recording anywhere, anytime.

Many popular companies like Sony, today, are involved in the manufacturing of these CCTV cameras.

All one needs to do is to choose the one that suits one’s requirements. In recent times, they are used by many government branches, businesses and by private homeowners. Choose from Wireless Cameras, Hidden Cameras, Secure Recording Devices, and even Decoy Cameras to protect your home or office.

The variety available when seeking a new camera is rapidly increasing. Whether you search for the brand Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Casio, Kodak, Sony, Fuji or Panasonic, all these digital cameras can be obtained in both store sales and online for the lowest price. Digital camera purchasing may now offer a few too many choices rather than too few.

Sometimes the style of camera model may be the clincher when selecting a digital camera, even when searching only for a camera of the lowest price. Digital camera shape, color, size, or function can all play a part in the purchase decision, but sometimes the look alone can make the final decision. Perhaps you are looking for a sleek black compact model, or maybe a silver feature-filled style of camera fits your purpose better. You may alternatively prefer a red or green modern design.

Some of the features you may be concerned with include the zoom and megapixel counts. Zoom comes in both optical and digital zoon, and frequently a combination of the two is offered. The megapixel count may be of importance to you, the better models of digital camera having the higher rating if you have a choice between models of the lowest price. Digital camera features also include various sizes of on-screen display. If you want to ensure the optimum photograph before taking it, a larger display screen will offer extra detail.

Some purchasers of the lowest price digital camera may make their choice based on the battery. There are two main styles of battery, the easily inserted and often rechargeable AA size regular camera battery and the smaller watch-like batteries made from materials such as lithium-ion. These also are rechargeable, and some camera packages offer a free recharger among their contents. Cheap priced battery chargers for digital camera batteries are also purchasable from most camera stores, both online and off.

The higher classed models available on the market often come with a variety of detachable lenses. These may add to the zoom capacity, or simple alter the photographic image. Some lenses allow for fisheye shots, others cater for distortions or microscopic imaging. These tend to appeal most to the camera buff seeking something new in their images, or the expert, professional photographer who needs to cover a wide range of options for their occupational use of the digital camera.

Some of the more expensive brands and styles of digital camera can still be purchased at a lower rate during sales and other opportunities to buy at the lowest price. Digital camera sales increase at sales time accordingly. However, this can also happen when a camera store sells off former stock to make way for new models, at which time many fantastic bargains are obtainable, allowing for purchasers to buy a better model with their money than they expected.

If you are simply searching for an everyday digital camera at a great price, many of the features will be irrelevant and you simply need to ensure that all necessary items are included to save further purchases later on. The essentials generally include batteries, a battery recharger, a camera case, and a memory card or USB attachment, the latter two enabling you to transfer your pictures from camera to computer or printed photograph. These complete camera packages can be located online or in sale for the lowest price. Digital camera use is now within everyone’s budget.

If you want to find the best source for the Lowest Price Digital Camera, then your search has ended. You will also find thousands and thousands of the lowest priced consumer electronics at Consumer Home Electronics

further info visit: http://www.petrousdigitalcameraprices.blogspot.com

Bird photography requirements

There are a couple of generic requirements that a good birding camera must fulfill. A birding camera needs a lens with strong magnification. Getting close to birds is difficult and you will need a lens capable of capturing a good image at a distance that won’t spook your subjects. Ignore the 3X or 5X rating on cameras. It is a relative measure that gives little objective basis for comparison. More useful is the focal length. On digital cameras that is normally stated as either effective focal length or 35 mm equivalent focal length. Those measurements compare the magnification to what a 35 mm camera would offer. As digital camera sensors essentially magnify the actual focal length of a camera anywhere from 1.5 yo 2 times, the effective or 35 mm focal length measurement gives a standard for comparison. Consumer camera lenses that offer 450 mm – 600 mm effective focal lengths are good choices.

Another feature that a birding camera needs is manual focus. Under normal conditions the automatic focus on digital cameras does a great job. Unfortunately, birds often hang out among branches and leaves. Your camera can’t know which of the many possible subjects to focus on. Therefor, you will sometime, or often, need to manually focus on the bird to get a good shot. If you primarily observe shore birds that many not be as important a consideration. Otherwise it’s essential.

Camera manufacturers often advertise the number of megapixels their cameras will capture. That’s mostly a marketing gimmick. For current consumer level cameras anything more than 10-12 megapixels, and perhaps less, provides no measurable advantage and some experts feel that larger megapixel sensors produce more image noise or graininess. 

All modern digital cameras that cost more than a couple hundred dollars are extremely capable and will produce excellent images under most conditions. A $300 camera that you have with you will do you more good than a $3000 one that got left behind because it was too heavy or complicated to take along. Yes, the more expensive camera will do a better job under difficult photo taking conditions. It will offer more controls. The photos it takes will provide more editing latitude. It will also, at a minimum, weigh and cost two to three times as much. For the casual or beginning photographer the disadvantages of cost, weight and complexity will often outweigh the technical advantages. For smaller or less fit individuals the weight alone can be the most important consideration.

Photography Intentions

That brings us to the question of intentions. If photography is the primary intent of for your birding outing then a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) offers more creative control and will give you better photos in poor light as well as more post processing options. Under average daytime lighting conditions the image quality advantage diminishes to minuscule for image printed around 11” X 17” or smaller. If you want to make posters, shoot in minimal very early morning or late evening light then get the DSLR camera.

If photography is a secondary goal to observation and identification then a point and shoot camera with a long zoom lens might be a better choice. These are classified as super zoom cameras and can take excellent images under adequate daytime lighting. The advantages of a super zoom are lighter weight, lower cost and lower complexity. Their single lens can can do the job of two or three DSLR lenses, meaning that you only need the camera not a whole bag or backpack full of equipment. Street prices run from $300 – $400 for models that offer manual zoom capability. They are a particularly good choice for people moving up from a pocket point and shoot camera. The provide enough manual controls to keep a dedicate learner busy for a couple of years and are not unreasonable to haul around along with a good pair of binoculars. Super zooms also include movie capture modes, which as of Jan 09, only two DSLR’s offer. While the movie mode isn’t a substitute for a good video camera, it is a nice bonus to grab an occasional movie clip.

A good super zoom camera can make a good bridge camera. If you think you want to get into photography but haven’t actually done a lot of it, then the lower cost is a big plus. If you later decide to upgrade to a DSLR you won’t have wasted your money. There will always be situations where the super-zoom’s lower weight and wide focal length capacity make it a good choice. It also makes a great camera to lend.

I you already have extensive photography experience then a DSLR would be the better choice. It is a more capable camera. It will give usable photos at a higher ISO setting (lower light). You won’t be intimidated by the extra controls and buttons. You may already own 35 mm camera lenses that will work with the camera. You’ll be used to dealing with multiple lenses. If you enjoy digital darkroom work then a DSLR shooting in raw mode will give you more information to work with. You will also be familiar with the high price tags that quality lenses carry and won’t suffer as much from sticker shock.