Kamera Digital News

SHOPPING FOR . . .A digital camera

December 17th, 2007

SHOPPING FOR . . .A digital camera
Newsday, NY
As told to Laurie Squire

The expert: Scott Gries, Getty Images photographer. Some of his recent projects include a shoot for TLC’s new show “Fashionably Late,” several MTV productions, as well as a trip to Gibraltar for The History Channel. An archive of photos is at gettyimages.com.

What I want: Small enough to fit in my pocket. After lugging 50 pounds of photo gear with me every day, the last thing I want on my day off is to have to carry heavy equipment!

I must have: Strong rechargeable batteries. And a wide lens (as a rule, I don’t leave the house without a lens that is at least 28-mm wide, forcing me to get close to my subject, which makes the picture that much more intimate).

What I hate: Testing out a digital camera in a store is far from a real life situation . . . unless, of course, every picture you plan on taking is in fluorescent light!

Savvy shopper: Buy a spare battery and always keep it on hand – the displays on the back of digital cameras use a lot of power, and you don’t want to miss a shot because you were at the drugstore buying AAs. Disposable batteries aren’t so great for the environment either – think green. Research cameras before you make a purchase; an excellent site for learning about cameras and comparing models is dpreview.com. Plus, this research will let you know what prices you can haggle the salespeople down to.

My pick: Canon Powershot G9 has a nice wide lens, superb construction and produces amazing quality photos for a point-and-shoot ($450 at B&H).

Next best thing: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55, a great, easy-to-use, ultra-compact camera. Small enough to fit in your pants’ front pocket and still has a giant 3-inch monitor that makes composing a breeze ($350 at B&H).

Entry Filed under: World Digital Camera