Photo Tip of the Week :: Digital Cameras

It's that most wonderful time of the year, when many of us are shopping for friends and family. A gift to consider for someone special is a gift that keeps on giving: a digital camera. I was old school and held out for a long time before purchasing my first digital camera in June of 2006. Digital cameras have come a long way and at this point I'm almost ready to bid farewell to my film SLR. Some of you might be debating between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR... if you're in the market for a new digital camera, here are a few things to consider:

• Will you use mostly automatic settings, manual settings, or a mix? Most Point and Shoot and DSLR cameras provide options for both auto and manual settings, but DSLR cameras provide more control and are more advanced in general.
• How much zooming will you need? DSLR cameras allow you to use various lenses, while point and shoot cameras come with a built in lens that usually cannot be changed. It's important to note that some extreme zooms (digital zooms) produce a lower quality image.
• Does the camera fit in your hands? If you or the person you are buying for has large hands then a small camera may be hard for them to operate and adjust. Point and shoot cameras are typically smaller, while the DSLR cameras are larger and require you to carry them by hand or in a case.
• Is the screen big enough? Larger viewing screens allow for easier viewing and shooting but may not always be necessary depending on the situation. Viewing screen sizes vary on both camera types.