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After discussing the various camera types available in India, lets focus on the features and what exactly the different jargon associated with them means. Most of us are ignorant of many features and aspects that we should be looking for in a digicam and usually get swayed by flashy ads and sleek models displayed in the media. Initially, lets cover the ones which matter the most to us here in India.

Resolution: Trying to find your way through the Mega Maze of Mega Pixels..! Well, don’t get swayed by those 8 MP, 10 MP figures. Resolution is important because it tells you how large an image you’ll be able to print. A 8 MP camera will allow you to print a 16×20-inch image – would you ever need to print an image that size (probably most of us don’t have a printer that can do it, either). A 5 MP camera will do fine for most users - it will allow you to print an 8×10-inch photo with all details still intact. And then if you’re only shooting photos to post on Orkut(Facebook, Bigadda etc) or just email them to your friends, images shot with a large resolution result in huge image files, not of much use. For that 2-3 MP resolution’s just fine. Also, whats more important is the size of the sensor rather than number of pixels. Usual size for standard digicams is 1/2.5 - 1/2.7 inches. About 5 MP is kind of optimum pixels that is placed on a chip that goes with sensors of this size. Manufacturers have placed upto about 8 MP on the same chip. How do they pack so many pixels on the same size chip? They interpolate. Interpolation can increase the resolution to interpolate and use a 5 MP chip to produce a 10 MP image. The quality will be not be as good as if the picture was taken with a true 10 MP chip.  So, just figure out what you need the digital camera for before going blindly on MP count figure.

Zoom:Many first time buyers are fooled by ads/salespersons about phenomenal zoom levels possible in a particular digicam brand. There are two types of zooms you’ll see referenced on a digital camera: optical zoom and digital zoom. Optical zoom is the maximum amount of zoom the lens supports at its highest resolution. This means that if a camera has a 4X optical zoom, you can zoom in to 4 times the image size and still have a high-quality picture. Digital Zoom, on the other hand, is just going deeper into a photograph and will always lead to pixellations and a lot more noise. The effect of Digital Zoom is same as zooming in a picture in your PC/laptop. My advice? Simply, ignore the digital zoom, and look for a digital camera with an optical zoom based upon how you’d actually use it. Unless you want to shoot wildlife(in that case you would need at least 10x to 12x), your usual day to day photography would be well handled by a 3x zoom which is available on most digital cameras.

Battery Life: This may be the last thing that people check while buying a digicam. However, it will save you much in costs and frustration if you factor it in before buying one. Most cameras now boast of a 2.5 or even 3 inch LCD screen which eats up the battery in no time. There are two kinds used by most digicams available here. Standard AA-size batteries and Rechargeable batteries made by the manufacturer, also known as a proprietary battery. So, here’s the cache, initially rechargeable lithium-ion batteries appear much more energy-efficient and cost-effective, but you’d need to wait for them to get recharged before you can shoot anymore, unless you keep one spare. Your friend may have a Sony and you a Canon, but neither of you can exchange your batteries to use in another’s camera. Standard alkaline batteries (AA size) on the other hand can be found at almost any place and you can buy a pair (or two) without burning a hole in your pocket and even if they run out.

Have you made the switch to a digital camera from the traditional film camera, already? or you’re the last person in your lane/office that still uses a film camera? Do you get embarrassed when your friends on Orkut ask you to upload your pictures/email them? Many here in India still prefer film cameras because of their familiarity, affordability and top image quality. A look at the prices on TolMol for digital cameras would assure you that digicams are in your budget range now. Couple with it the advantages digital cameras offer, such as the ability to preview instantly and digitized images, you may be ready to make the leap to digital.
However, with so many models from various brands(approx 300 on TolMol at last count) to choose from and so many features/specs to consider, selecting the best one for your needs might appear like a herculean task. We at TolMol understand this and have tried to explain the types and features of digital cameras in this guide which would be a series of articles on this blog. Once you know what it all means, you can choose the best one for yourself.

First up, lets see the different types of digital cameras available in India currently. You can find one based upon your personality type!

• Ultra Compact:

This camera is for you if you like to take a camera along everywhere you go, to parties, shopping malls and even small outings. It can fit into your pocket and generally has a good build quality with metal body. Of course it comes at a price that’s a little extra compared to ones which have same features but are a bit bigger.

• Compact:

This is most popular amongst all digicam types. Its compact, lightweight and easiest to use. Great for point-and-shoot photo-taking, it offers plenty of scene modes. Some have semi-automatic and manual controls. Right from capturing those languid moments of life to taking pictures of your family and friends, it finds its use on all occasions.

• Mid-Range:

You are a back packer who hitch hikes at the word go. In your camera you expect high quality lenses and advanced features for creative control. You need mega telephoto zooms lenses or wide
angle lenses. Image Stabilization is one feature you can’t do without. Well, if you want so much, then go for this camera type.

• Digital SLR:

If you’re a professional photographer or a photography enthusiast who understands how to use ISO, aperture and shutter speed to your advantage, you need something which is top-of-the-line. A Digital Single Lens Reflex camera has outstanding optics to produce high resolution images. It also comes with interchangeable lenses – if you’re shooting a very specific project, you can change out the lens on a digital SLR to get a better shot and sophisticated accessories. It can function automatically though it also has a full range of manual controls. You would surely be able to capture just what you need with a digital SLR. The only thing that might hold you from going for this one might be its price, though the price is dropping for entry-level digital SLRs.

Hope, this has helps in identifying the digicam type. In the next part, we would cover the various features of digital cameras. Stay tuned!