Lightweight, intuitive design or bulky and packed with features — digital cameras are revolutionising the world of photography, giving pictures a whole new dimension.

These days, with a plethora of digital cameras inundating the market, catching the most memorable moment is only a matter of choice.

Digital cameras are redefining photography, getting smaller, smarter, sleeker, and so simple that even children can learn to freeze frames in seconds.

This month BTM has canvassed the electronics market to make your shopping easier. After all, with the summer holidays fast approaching you don’t want to miss out on those warm, sunny memories!

What You Need to Know
Have you ever felt completely ignorant when staring into a mammoth showcase loaded with shiny digital cameras, not knowing what your best pick is? Do all the specifications, instructions and digital jargon leave you dizzy?

Buying a digital camera can be a daunting experience. However, prioritising your needs can save time and trouble. Deciding what, when, why and how you’re going to use the camera is essential. Since digital cameras come in different price ranges, picture qualities and finesses, some ground work can make shopping a smooth experience.

When buying a digital camera, some of the major aspects to consider are the resolution, camera size, optical zoom lens, memory size and battery life, among others.

Cameras are categorised into Single Lens Reflex (SLR) and Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR). While the former is compact and user-friendly the latter demands a certain level of technical know-how. “Compact digital cameras are simple and can be used by anyone as they embody all the features. A DSLR, on the other hand, is meant for professionals, offering plenty of room for creative expression,” said K.R. Chandran, general manager for Yaquby stores.

Crystal Clear
The mega pixel count or resolution determines the quality of an image. The higher the mega pixel range, the higher will be the image resolution.

Can’t figure out the pixels? A camera’s pixel strength is a number that all manufacturers print on the front of their cameras, making it easy to detect. Typical sizes are 6.0, 7.0 or 8.0 megapixels, and every year the numbers go up as technology increases.

Having more pixels means sharper pictures at larger sizes, enabling you to crop more aggressively or print larger pictures whenever you fancy.

Size it up
Sleek, shiny and sophisticated, digital cameras are constantly getting slimmer. While a slim version slips easily into your pocket, there are bulky ones that demand more space and attention.

Considering small cameras are convenient and fashionable, stay on guard for the menu setting and modes which need more effort, and perhaps some squinting.

Smaller cameras also tend to come at the expense of several features which may be included in the bulkier ones. Again don’t invest in a bulky one if you’re an entry level user, or the camera will only gather dust.

Zoom Around the World
Zoom, or the ability to focus into a shot and fill the frame in totality with the subject, is the role of that little elephant trunk that stretches in and out of the camera.

A good zoom determines a good shot. The two types of zooms are optical and digital. Optical zoom produces sharper images than digital zoom. A good digital zoom should also support optical image stabilization for clear pictures.

Ashraf’s
One of the oldest retailers on the island, Ashraf’s markets Sony, Nikon and Kodak. With Sony’s entry into DSLR, you can say cheese with ease.

Some of Sony’s phenomenal selections are Sony Alfa 200 K, Alfa 200 W, Alfa 350K and Alfa 350W. The DSLR-A200 camera targets the new generation of photographers, featuring a superb 10.2-megapixel imaging and 2.7 inch LCD monitor.

Worried about the battery? Sony’s Alfa 200 K can give you up to 750 shots.

Crafted for precision Sony’s DSLR-A200W is appealing and approachable. The 10.2 megapixel camera is graced by a 2.7 LCD monitor and lets you shoot three frames per second.

What better way to celebrate resolution than with Sony’s whopping 14.2 megapixel cam. The DSLR-A350 offers supreme imaging with Quick AF Live View for responsive, flexible shooting.

Designed to deliver explosive results is Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-W130. The 8.1 megapixel camera features a 4x optical zoom lens, 2.5" LCD display, HD slide show with select music playback and more.

Blending elegance and design, the Nikon D300 combines technology with brilliant engineering feat. The D300, 12.3 megapixel range comprises an HDMI video output and a super-impressive 3.0" LCD panel.

One of the smallest Nikon digital SLRs ever, the D60 is a power-packed 10.2 megapixel gadget with exceptional functions.

Built on a custom application of Nikon’s innovative EXPEED concept, the COOLPIX S700 realises optimum performance with its 12.1 megapixel range, 3x zoom lens and a 2.7 inch LCD monitor.

Known for offering excellent service to customers, at Ashraf’s all you have to do is ask.
For the latest in digi-cams check out Ashraf’s in Hoora, Bab Al Bahrain, and Riffa, in addition to Sony in Seef mall, the Ashraf’s corner in Seef Mall and Kodak in Dana Mall.
For information, call 17 534-441.