SHOPPING FOR PHOTO ITEMS

Buying your Digital Camera

When looking to buy a digital camera, the first decision you need to make is the choice of a
point-and-shoot or a D-SLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex).  Below describes the differences:
 

POINT-AND SHOOT CAMERAS:  These cameras have a non-removable lens, a built in flash
and zoom lens, an LCD screen, and fully automatic "idiot-proof" settings.  These cameras are ideal
for the enthusiastic family/personal photographer and  considered fine for about 90% or everyday shots.
Tips for selecting a point-and-shoot camera are listed:
Megapixels - Need 5 or more to produce prints up to 8 X 10.
Zoom - Look for optical and avoid a digital zoom size.
Manual override - this will allow you to grow with the camera and experiment.
A  mode that allows one to dial in settings for different styles as sports, night, portraits, etc.
Flash - Look for flash with red-eye reduction setting
LCD Screen - A large LCD screen will help in reviewing and checking pictures.
Battery Life - Look for rechargeable battery with long battery life.  Recommend spare battery.
Memory Card - Recommend 1 GB memory or more.  SanDisk and Lexar  are popular brands.

DIGITAL SINGLE LENS REFLEX CAMERAS:  This refers to a camera that uses the same lens
for both viewing and shooting. A mirror reflects the image from the lens to the viewfinder.  This camera
is recommend for the serious enthusiast and has a wealth of features and functions such as the ability
to use interchangeable lenses, a variety of flashguns, an adapter to connect to a microscope, quality
adjustments in the JPEG to RAW format.  Tips for selecting a SLR camera are listed:
Megapixels - Recommend 7 or more.
Settings - Need a full range of automatic and manual settings.
Allow Growth - Need a full system to allow for different lenses, flashguns, etc
Quality - allowing for JPEG to RAW format
LCD screen - Recommend large screen.
Battery Life - Recommend rechargeable battery with long life.

Repair

Information on camera and lens repair can first be obtained by locating the manufacturer of the item
(try Google) through computer search engine's).

Locally, few options are seen.  Lee Hartman and Sons in Roanoke can repair or advise you of other options by calling
toll free 1-800-344-1832 per photo club member Sue Cooper.