Digital Camera Technology

Digital cameras are changing the way we look at the world.  Anybody can take a picture, transfer it, delete it, and then take another picture with these new gadgets that hit the market every day.  But what separates the normal digital cameras from the ones that really do a great job in all aspects is the amount of zoom that’s possible.  Mind you, we’re talking about optical zoom; not digital zoom that loses quality the farther it goes.  So let’s take a look at these extended zoom cameras that seem to be taking the spotlight in every outdoor person’s photography experience.

Sony DSC-H7

Extended zoom cameras are known for their one feature; their zoom barrel.  The DSC-H7 (Sony CyberShot H7) is one of the most popular extended zoom cameras out in the market since the H5, its predecessor.  Boasting a 15x optical zoom, it has the second longest zoom range in the digital camera market.  It also features an 8.1 mega pixel sensor so quality is not sacrificed much halfway through the digital zoom of which it has 30x.  Beyond that, and you can expect pixilation and all sorts of artifacts.  Of course, these can all be taken care of with a little editing on the computer.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50

The extended zoom cameras that Panasonic develops are some of the well-respected.  Fairly priced, you will want to get your hands on the Lumix DMC-FZ50, which not only looks gorgeous in black, but also sports a gorgeous zoom barrel that promises 12x optical zoom.  The Lumix also plays it safe in the extended zoom cameras category, as it only provides 4x digital zoom, unlike the Sony H7.  This is just as well since digital zoom will only stand to ruin an image further.  With the much lauded OIS technology that Panasonic has built into the Lumix to reduce shake, this makes for one outdoor camera that stands firmly against its competitors.

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon is never to be one to be outdone by its competition.  Their extended zoom cameras are beautifully designed and yet built for the outdoors.  The PowerShot S3 IS is their latest extended zoom offering; sleek and built with a black metal and grey paintjob, this camera is definitely one that you can literally throw in the bag.  With a 6 mega pixel sensor and a 12x optical zoom, the PowerShot S3 IS is a camera that is practical in form and function; and it doesn’t sacrifice any detail.  With a strong video mode, the camera seems to even be built to go against any standard video recorder.  Now this is a camera that is meant to be experienced.

Olympus Stylus 550UZ

The most wanted adventure camera comes in the form of an 18x optical zoom, super-telephoto lens, 7.1 mega pixel monster; and this is exactly what Olympus has built for the outdoors consumer.  With sensor-shift and digital image stabilization, the Olympus is in a class of its own.  The most powerful of present extended zoom cameras, the Stylus 550UZ means business and pushes the limits of photography pleasure.

Digital cameras were meant for all consumers.  And this means everybody who wishes to protect their valuable digital cameras to those who want to buy one but can’t help throwing it around once in a while.  The folks over at Olympus anticipated that there would be a market that would want a camera to go through all sorts of torture.  And so they went on to develop some of the best Olympus all weather cameras that the world never expected.

What It Is

The Olympus all weather cameras are not at all special in that they behave differently from other digital cameras.  In fact, they pack just about the same features as any regular digital camera has.  Take, for example, the Olympus Stylus 770 SW; this camera packs 7.1 mega pixels, has a 3x optical and digital zoom, records movie with sound, and has a special LCD that works extremely well in direct sunlight.

Why It’s Special

Now, think of the same camera mentioned above and add these features that will probably have your jaws dropped if you don’t expect situations where they might come in handy:  The Olympus Stylus 770SW is one of the toughest Olympus All Weather Cameras because it has a durable body that can stand up to all sorts of weathering and erosion.  This camera (like most in the Olympus all weather cameras series) can survive 5 foot drops, be dipped in 5 fathoms of water, and can be frozen to up to 10 degrees Celcius.  We bet that you can’t say the same for your current camera!  The Olympus all weather cameras are so durable that not even 220 pounds of weight can damage them.  Well, at least up to 220 pounds of weight; we’re not sure what kind of damage will be done if weight is added to that.  We imagine you’d end up with a pretty expensive paperweight.

What It Can’t Do

Aside from the obvious features that this camera does not have compared with other regular digital cameras, this camera was built to last and built to survive.  However this does not mean that it can just be thrown about, smashed on the ground or forcefully drowned whenever you feel like it.  We would also advise against leaving it in the freezer overnight as some kind of torture test.  The only thing you will succeed in doing that would be breaching your warranty.

The Olympus all weather cameras are not for everybody; and for a price tag of anywhere between $300 and $350, it really isn’t for the average user at all.  However, it is the perfect choice for the outdoors person, the one who goes out camping, hiking, and maybe even mountain climbing.  Not exactly for the fashion conscious person, these cameras are also designed to fit in the smallest of spaces and you won’t have to worry about scratching any of its glass parts either.  Whatever reason there is for a consumer to go through rough and natural conditions, the Olympus all weather cameras were specifically designed to go through them as well.

Digital cameras are all the rave these days and it’s no surprise that people go wild when the latest digital cameras are released each year.  The latest digital cameras prove that the machine can outrun the skill of the photographer; and this makes for a great opportunity to let consumers show everybody what they have an eye for in a great photograph.

Olympus

With all the competition out in the digital camera market, it’s no easy feat for any of the big brands to maintain one over the rest.  Companies like Olympus do strive to push the letter, though.  The latest digital cameras from Olympus include one called the Stylus 550UZ.  Contrary to the name that suggests the use of an actual stylus, the 550UZ features the highest optical zoom ever in the digital camera market.  Packed with an 18x optical zoom and telephoto lens, the unit promises any user to take shots with higher detail and improved precision.  Strangely enough, with mega pixels already going over 10 in the latest digital cameras, the Stylus 550UZ still packs 7.1 mega pixels which is still above the standard.  The camera also packs a built-in image stabilization feature which makes this great for outdoor usage and the perfect camera to take action shots like in soccer games.  The power source for this item will be greatly appreciated since it can run on 4 AA batteries, which can be found on almost any shelf at any department store.  Packing rechargeable batteries will most likely be a better suggestion.

Sony

There is no competition like that which comes from one of the pioneers of digital camera perfection.  In Sony’s line-up of the latest digital cameras can be found the Cybershot H9, a follow-up to the popular H5 extended zoom unit.  The H9 also pushes the optical zoom feature but only up to about 15x, just a tad lower than it’s competitor on the Olympus line.  The latest digital cameras from Sony’s assembly also promise a feature that they call Super Steady Shot image stabilization.  This, coupled with 8.1 mega pixels, will make sure that you don’t take a blurry picture again, even if you’re taking shots of moving objects.  Long distance shots will be greatly improved and there is also the promise of HDTV quality output; now that’s something to think about.  Sony had to sacrifice some screen space, however, with the H9’s LCD display screen coming in short at 2.5 inches, but that’s one feature that one can dismiss with all the other possibilities that will hopefully make this camera just as famous as its predecessor.

Canon and the DSLR

Moving up a notch, let’s take a look at the latest offering from Canon for professional photographers.  The latest digital cameras from Canon have proven to be very successful, especially those in the DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) category.  The Canon Digital Rebel XTi (more commonly known as the D400) is definitely the product to upgrade to, especially if you have had the experience with its popular predecessor the D350.  With a whopping 10.1 mega pixel offering and 9-point CMOS sensor with auto focus, it promises faster photo captures that are even more accurate.  This camera is still great for the starting professional photographer and a great upgrade for those who have been warming up to the D350.

Picking out the best digital camera is one of the hardest things to do. This is because there are so many to choose from. However, for most people, the best choice of digital camera all depends on the budget that they have set for themselves. Buying digital cameras on a budget actually can make it easier for you as you can narrow down your choices to just a handful of available and known brands in the digital camera market.

Below $150

Believe it or not but you can actually get a very good camera for less than $150. There are a few brands that you can choose from, and each of these digital cameras on a budget is competitive on a global scale. You can pick a fine camera from brands like Canon, Fuji, Sony, Nikon, and Olympus. For an average of about $120, some (if not all) of these cameras even have outputs of anywhere between 5 mega pixels and over 8 mega pixels. And if it’s the number of mega pixels that make sense to you, then cameras like the Canon PowerShot A460 (5 mega pixels) or the Fuji FinePix A820 (8.3 mega pixels) should suit you fine.

$200 to $300 Choices

For those with a little more money to spend, your choices are broadened as well. For digital cameras on a budget from $200 to $300 you can buy yourself a Panasonic Lumix with 12x optical zoom and over 7 mega pixels. The popular Canon PowerShot SD800 IS is also available in this price range alongside competitive products from Casio, Pentax, Fuji, and Sony. With your options broadened, the features of these cameras are also much more varied than those that cost below $150. Research on what cameras you think might suit your lifestyle and taste. If you can’t find what you like, you can wait a little longer for more models to appear in this budget category as time goes by.

$350 to $600 Options

For digital cameras on a budget that nears $600, you will find that some of the best cameras can be found. You can opt for the Sony Cybershot H7, which is the successor to the popular H5. The Sony Cybershot H7 is known for its 15x optical zoom, 8.1 mega pixels and its output which promises HDTV quality. Other brands that comoete with this product and are slightly more expensive include the Canon PowerShot G7, the Nikon D40, and the Pentax K100D. Depending on what features you want or require as a photographer, you can choose among these winning products; rest assured, you won’t regret any of the purchases you make with this range of budget.

Digital cameras on a budget really depend on what you want out of a camera. There are some cameras that even go well over the $1000 mark (which includes lenses and other accessories that you will need to maintain the camera) and these are well suited for professionals who can make the money back if photography is how they make a living. Whatever your choice may be, make sure it stays within a reasonable budget.

Digital cameras were meant for all consumers.  And this means everybody who wishes to protect their valuable digital cameras to those who want to buy one but can’t help throwing it around once in a while.  The folks over at Olympus anticipated that there would be a market that would want a camera to go through all sorts of torture.  And so they went on to develop some of the best Olympus all weather cameras that the world never expected.

What It Is

The Olympus all weather cameras are not at all special in that they behave differently from other digital cameras.  In fact, they pack just about the same features as any regular digital camera has.  Take, for example, the Olympus Stylus 770 SW; this camera packs 7.1 mega pixels, has a 3x optical and digital zoom, records movie with sound, and has a special LCD that works extremely well in direct sunlight.

Why It’s Special

Now, think of the same camera mentioned above and add these features that will probably have your jaws dropped if you don’t expect situations where they might come in handy:  The Olympus Stylus 770SW is one of the toughest Olympus All Weather Cameras because it has a durable body that can stand up to all sorts of weathering and erosion.  This camera (like most in the Olympus all weather cameras series) can survive 5 foot drops, be dipped in 5 fathoms of water, and can be frozen to up to 10 degrees Celcius.  We bet that you can’t say the same for your current camera!  The Olympus all weather cameras are so durable that not even 220 pounds of weight can damage them.  Well, at least up to 220 pounds of weight; we’re not sure what kind of damage will be done if weight is added to that.  We imagine you’d end up with a pretty expensive paperweight.

What It Can’t Do

Aside from the obvious features that this camera does not have compared with other regular digital cameras, this camera was built to last and built to survive.  However this does not mean that it can just be thrown about, smashed on the ground or forcefully drowned whenever you feel like it.  We would also advise against leaving it in the freezer overnight as some kind of torture test.  The only thing you will succeed in doing that would be breaching your warranty.

The Olympus all weather cameras are not for everybody; and for a price tag of anywhere between $300 and $350, it really isn’t for the average user at all.  However, it is the perfect choice for the outdoors person, the one who goes out camping, hiking, and maybe even mountain climbing.  Not exactly for the fashion conscious person, these cameras are also designed to fit in the smallest of spaces and you won’t have to worry about scratching any of its glass parts either.  Whatever reason there is for a consumer to go through rough and natural conditions, the Olympus all weather cameras were specifically designed to go through them as well.