Important digital camera features

This ConsumerSearch report covers mainstream digital cameras, from pocket-sized digital models to advanced enthusiast cameras with lots of manual controls. We also have separate reports on ultra-zoom digital cameras (with optical zooms of 12x and higher) and cheap digital cameras (which cost $200 or less). See our report on digital SLR cameras for advanced single-lens reflex cameras.

Reviewers say the following general notes apply to choosing a digital camera, regardless of brand or model:

  • Megapixels matter less than overall camera quality. Experts say that for most users, megapixels are less of a consideration than in the past, and price differences between megapixel classes have diminished greatly. Even a 7-megapixel digital camera gives you plenty of resolution to create great 8-by-10-inch prints and room for extensive cropping and image editing. Instead, look at sensor size, optics quality, build, ergonomics and image quality, as they all matter more. If you are new to digital photography, you'll find a detailed discussion of megapixels in relation to sensor size in our report on cheap digital cameras, which covers entry-level models.
  • Small camera = small buttons. Before purchasing a camera, it's not a bad idea to try it in person. Consider both the layout and the spacing of the controls, especially if you have large hands.
  • Red-eye is a common shortcoming among compact cameras. Their small size means that the flash sits very close to the lens, which makes red-eye all but inevitable. Even basic photo-editing software can help you fix red-eye after the fact, and most cameras have some sort of red-eye reduction feature.
  • If you want a large LCD, you may have to sacrifice the viewfinder. An optical viewfinder allows you to turn off the LCD and save battery power, and it is useful in low light or bright sunlight, when the LCD may get washed out. However, optical viewfinders aren't as accurate as an LCD for framing photos, often clipping off about 15 percent of the picture. Reviewers point out that many people prefer to frame all their shots with the LCD, so they probably won't miss an optical viewfinder at all.
  • Image stabilization helps avoid the effects of shaky hands. Image stabilization helps counteract minor hand vibrations that are inevitable when you are not using a tripod. It also makes it easier to capture sharp photos at slower shutter speeds or when following fast action. There are three types of image stabilization: electronic (digital), optical and sensor shift. Experts say all help, but optical and sensor shift image stabilization are more effective.
  • Manual focus and exposure controls are available on some high-end compact cameras. Point-and-shoot cameras usually don't offer manual controls, although the top-rated Canon PowerShot S95 (*Est. $370) does. If you want more control over shots, you can step up to a compact camera with interchangeable lenses, discussed in the Advanced Digital Camera section of this report. Ultra-zoom digital cameras and DSLRs, covered in our separate reports, also offer manual controls.
  • Movie modes are becoming more robust. Most digital cameras allow you to record video footage for playback on a TV or computer. If this feature is important to you, be sure to check the camera's spec sheet. Nearly all cameras have this feature, but some don't record sound. Higher-end cameras will allow you to record higher-resolution VGA movies at 30 frames per second or HD video. Many point-and-shoots have a mode optimized for posting videos on YouTube.

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