The nice part about the Nikon DSLR is that it did not follow the trends of the rapid growth of the DSLR camera market that provided amateur level cameras with only a few added features to make them attractive to consumers in the market for a beginning to mid-grade camera.  The Nikon D7000 defies this notion by offering many new and improved features without being over-equipped for the novice photographer.

Nikon D7000 Features

The following attributes of the Nikon D7000 will provide you with an overview of why it is considered to be feature-rich for a mid-level unit.

• DX-Format CMOS Sensor: This is a new and improved sensor that offers 16.2 Megapixels and more sensitivity than previous sensors.  The sensor has a base ISO-range of 100-6400 ISO with the option to increase the sensitivity to 25600 ISO.

• Increase in Effective Pixels: The Nikon D7000 breaks the trend of amateur series cameras with an increase in Megapixels with the Nikon line offering a resolution ranging from 10 to 16.2 Megapixels in the D7000 where most amateur line DLSR cameras on the market have 12.

• D7000 Lens Mount and Lens: One of the winning features is the Nikon F lens mount which is bayonet-type with many possible functions thanks to the AF Nikkor glass which is high end technology by Nikon.  Although you can apply a number of different high end lenses the Nikon D7000 is equipped with a 5.8x kit lens that includes a vibration reduction feature which provides you with a great start.

• Expeed 2 Processor: The new and improved Megapixels resolution utilizes a fast Expeed 2 processor which makes up the mainstay of the camera and is capable of performing intricate calculations.  This feature is advantageous for delivering high resolution photos and full high definition 1080p video which offers video recorded in MPEG4 H.264 which can be enhanced when you connect an optional external stereo.

• Built-In Video Editing: The Nikon D7000 has a nifty built-in editing feature that allows you to edit video to your liking and right on location.  If you do a lot of serious editing you will need special video editing software however, the built-in feature is an effective solution for light duty editing.

• High Resolution Display: The 3-inch display is high resolution and boasts a 170 degree viewing angle with 100 percent frame coverage.  In addition to these great features, the screen also supports Live View and offers a standard contrast A-F and a contrast A-F with face detection that is capable of identifying more than 30 faces in a time frame of only 0.08 seconds.
• SDXC Memory Card Support: The Nikon D7000 contains two different memory card slots that can be used simultaneously to save photos on one card and full high definition videos on the other card.  This setup can also be configured so that one card slot acts as a backup.  Memory cards that are supported by the Nikon D7000 include SD, SDHC, and the more recent SDXC memory cards.

Sturdy and Solid Build

In addition to being packed with features the Nikon D7000 has a very substantial build with a professional finish and is equipped with protection against dirt and moisture.  It has the customary red accent on the grip with a few other carefully placed Nikon logos.

When you look a bit closer you will find a second LCD readout on the top of the unit that allows you to check the settings without having to place the camera up to your face.  The shutter buttons and controls are conveniently placed to reduce fumbling and make shooting on the fly easy and hassle free.  The bottom of the Nikon D7000 contains the battery compartment, a place for a tripod mount, and an additional location for applying an optional battery pack.

Conclusion

If you look elsewhere in the DLSR market you would be hard pressed to find a semi-professional camera that offers the features of the Nikon D7000.  If you are a discerning amateur photographer the Nikon D7000 will most likely fit the bill and is the perfect upgrade from a beginning level model.  The Nikon D7000 is perfectly placed in the Nikon D series so it exceeds your expectations as an amateur photographer and at the same time does not go overboard with options and features that you pay for but never use.  Overall, it is an ideal middle level camera that offers just the right amount of features to fulfill your expectations.

Tough Camera for People Like Me

Of course I had to discuss these features first since the demise of my camera in the pool but they really make the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 waterproof camera a very durable device.  First, the camera has an airtight exterior shell that allows you to use the camera underwater if you wish.  The interior components are safe due to the rubber padding, carbon resin interior and reinforced glass.  There is also an ultra-thick LCD panel for added protection against underwater pressure.

The second feature is for people like me who drop their camera.  The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is shockproof thanks to the shock-resistant material on the camera’s exterior and the TS1 contains folded optics and a supplementary damper that prevent damage to the lens if the camera is dropped.  What’s more is it is also dustproof and ultra portable and comes in a variety of designer colors including the popular Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 silver color.

HD Video Recording

I was amazed when I discovered that this camera provides high quality HD motion JPEG image recording in addition to sharp imaging for taking breathtaking photos all in a 2.5 x 0.9 x 3.9 inch device.  The high definition recording is also available in AVCD Lite which allows for extended recording time, sharpens HD images, and facilitates high quality audio.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 also sports Intelligent Auto and an Optical Image Stabilizer which helps to prevent blurring if your hands tend to be unsteady.  It also recognizes faces and automatically adjusts the focus so the picture turns out accurately.  The Intelligent Exposure Feature automatically adjust to the light conditions with a scene selector that can automatically change between normal, portrait, macro, scenery and low light modes.  If you are shooting videos in windy conditions there is also a nifty feature that will help to cut down on the background noise.

All of the HD videos can recorded to the ACHD Lite via an SD memory card and then they can be played back through the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 VIERA link.  You simply use the card with the VIERA Image Viewer on VIERA TV. You can also opt to view videos and images through a Blu-ray disc player or to your HDTV through the HDMI mini cable.  The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 also contains great playback features for both still and motion images and you can also control the playback through the television remote.

Facial Recognition

Aside from the fact that Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 takes great pictures, it also has an awesome face recognition feature that is capable of remembering faces that you usually record more than once.  Once you shoot or record a face multiple times you will be prompted to register the face and when the same face appears again as your subject, the name is displayed on the screen along with focus prioritization.

It is also possible to view image slideshows of a particular person you designate and the camera is capable of automatically specifying the name and age of the subject.  I like this feature because your photos are automatically labeled if you forget to do it and then you can recognize people years down the road.

There is also a great AF system feature which focuses on the identified subject during the recording process prior to pressing the shutter button down halfway.  The advantage of this feature is that it allows you to capture images on the spur of the moment and all of these shooting functions are easily accessed through the iA mode.

Exceptional Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 Wide Angle Lens

I was quite impressed with the 28mm wide angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom.  You can really take awesome wide angle pictures thanks to the prism unit, ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces.  What’s more, the zoom ratio extends up to 9.0x in 3 megapixel resolution mode without sacrificing the quality of the image.  This is partially due to the Extra Optical Zoom feature which uses the main area of the CCD which focuses on and magnifies subjects from a significant distance.

The only feature you have to be careful with is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 shutter release which is positioned directly behind the zoom which makes it easy to accidentally activate the zoom when you are aiming for the shutter release.

You can also take advantage of the Scene mode which is capable of capturing both still and moving images according to 26 different scene modes for still images and 17 for moving images. This feature is usually used to capture images of the outdoors, beach scenes and other different types of activities.  You can also use the Panorama Assist mode to align your shots according to a guide that performs frame overlapping.  You can then import the images into PanoramaMaker software to create a panoramic scene.

So if you are looking for a camera that is both durable and high-tech the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 may be just what you are looking for.  This great camera usually retails in the ballpark of $380.00 however if you want to find a steal of a deal that offers free shipping you can click here.

The digital camera I settled on is the new Canon PowerShot SX20IS.  It is kind of funny because I found out that Canon released this model less than a year after it first introduced the PowerShot SX10IS.  The difference is that the SX20IS is an upgrade when it comes to a higher megapixel resolution with the same size sensor and a 720p HD video capability which contains an HDMI connection to allow you to playback video and images on your HDTV.  With that being the main difference between the two models, I also discovered some other amazing things which I will share with you in this Canon PowerShot SX20IS review.

Canon Powershot SX20IS Design

As far as external differences from the SX10IS, the SX20IS appears the same on the outside with the exception of the larger digital cover on the right side of the unit to accommodate the HDMI port for watching videos on your HDTV.  The body of the SX20IS is designed to compete with other upscale cameras in this price range with a solid build and composite body. The exterior of the camera is also contoured to facilitate a comfortable grip which can accomplish single-handed photo shoots and sharp imaging due to improved grip stability.

The Canon PowerShot SX20IS optical zoom is a 20x zoom lens which ranges from 28 to 560mm accompanied by a 2.5 inch monitor and complete auto and manual shooting modes.  The wide angle optical zoom allows for excellent telephoto reach and with the Canon PowerShot SX20IS Voice Coil Motor zooming is lightning fast, accurate and very quiet.

The external buttons of the SX20IS are strategically placed so it is easy to change shooting modes and other settings and they are carefully placed so there is no interference during the shooting process.  The front of the camera is entirely free of buttons with stereo mics located on either side.

The SX20IS offers a 0.4 inch electronic viewfinder which replaces the optical viewfinder.  Although the optical viewfinder is better, the electronic viewfinder performs quite well with 148,000 pixels of resolution. The slots for the Canon PowerShot SX20IS SD SDHC card is well designed and easy to access

Handling and Ease of Use

The Canon PowerShot SX20IS is very quick and responsive when it comes to overall performance and it take no more than one second to fire it up including the lens extension.  Focusing is very fast thanks to the Voice Coil Motor and zoom is very smooth.

The SX20IS menu system is very easy to understand and use partially due to the fact it has remained the same across models for a number of years.  Navigation is a breeze with full identifications on each feature as opposed to abbreviations that can be confusing.

Playback for videos and images is smooth and includes a built-in accelerometer which allows the camera to rotate the imaging for the best possible view and all photos are organized into folders so you can easily choose them for viewing purposes.

Imaging

The imaging quality of the Canon PowerShot SX20IS can classically be defined as fantastic due to the camera’s ability to automatically adjust to different light levels which produces an excellent uniform quality to photos, videos, and images.  The lens produces extremely sharp results at most focal lengths and can easily focus on objects regardless of their distance away from the lens.  Although the lens tends to be vulnerable to glare and demonstrates difficulty with purple and red edging in high contrast imaging, it is still capable of creating state-of-the-art images and videos.

The Canon PowerShot SX20IS HD video input is outstanding for a camera in this price range and the HDMI port for HD output is a nice upgrade from the SX10IS and can be directly connected to an HDTV or PC monitor.  The SX20IS also uses a CCD sensor instead of a CMOS sensor which makes it one of the few cameras that offer high definition recording with this type of sensor.  Most of the cameras are using the CMOS sensors in most of the SLR cameras.

Overall Quality

When you look at the Canon PowerShot SX20IS it has maintained the high quality of its predecessors while being able to sport upgraded features that will make most people dispose of their low quality and low priced camcorder.  The camera is very well designed offering exceptional ergonomics, a solid body, and a comprehensive feature set that is unmatched to other cameras in this category.

The main selling point is the added upgrade of the HD video with HDMI output with imaging that is above and beyond for a camera of this class.  Although there are other cameras that offer other features and small advantages I found it hard to argue with the package you get with this camera for the price.  Prices for the Canon PowerShot SX20IS retail around $350 but I found you can get significantly reduced prices by visiting this website where you will find this model in a variety of different price ranges.

The GH1 first caught my eye due to its unusual shape with other features that are obvious in relationship to the size of the camera.  Well the unique shape and size of the camera worked in garnering my attention because I decided to investigate a little further.  Here is my Panasonic GH1 review which reveals what I found in this exceptional and capable camera.

Panasonic GH1 Appearance

The GH1 has an appearance that is obvious when it sits among other similar model cameras.  The GH1 has a peculiar shape which makes some of the features look displaced in proportion to the rest of the camera.  Nevertheless, the features in this little camera are quite comprehensive and the feel is much heavier and more substantial than the G1.  The GH1 also allows for a firm grip on the rubber-like exterior which is purposely situated close to the lens so you can take clear pictures with one hand without the camera slipping away from you.

Panasonic GH1 Exterior Features

Although the exterior features are obvious due to the GH1 design the features are what make this model camera exceptional when it comes to performance.

The repertoire of features on the top deck of the Panasonic GH1 are well placed for easy access and functionality.  The mode dial is unusually large with easy to read functions and is surrounded by one switch that powers up the camera and another that allows you to adjust the Drive mode with room left over to add in three more modes including the Movie mode.

Also on the top deck is a nifty popup flash casing with two microphones cleverly mounted on the top. The entire assembly pops up when you use the flash feature on the GH1.  The shutter release function is set on a metal stand which allows you to easily locate it with the front dial located just below it provides an easy way to change the speed settings and activate the EV adjustment mode.

The only exterior feature you should be aware of is the loops which are located on both sides and attach to a carrying strap.  If you allow these to move while you are in recording mode it is picked up the microphones so it is best to secure them before switching on the recording function.

Swivel LCD

The Panasonic GH1 has a neat LCD swivel that swings out on a solid hinge but pivots in different direction to allow more flexibility including taking a picture of yourself.  When you fold the swivel back in toward the camera unit, it will automatically deactivate and turn off.

1080p HD Video

The Panasonic GH1’s video function is completely awesome thanks to the 12.1 megapixel high-speed Live MOS sensor which delivers imaging with minimal noise and Venus Engine HD image processor with dual CPUs.  The GH1 also has a 10x zoom interchangeable lens with D-SLR photo quality and Face Recognition which will remember the faces once they are entered into the unit.

The GH1 also offers extreme high definition video capability which includes auto focus while you are recording videos.  Videos can be recorded at either 1080i or 720p modes with the second mode operating at 60 frames per second.  The video features do not stop here with the offering of an Optical Image Stabilizer which prevents burring that sometimes occurs when your hands shake and when using the high powered zoom feature.

The Intelligent Exposure feature will automatically check the ambient light level and make the necessary adjustments as the light levels change throughout the recording of the video.  This feature also includes an Intelligent Scene Selector which will automatically adjust from normal, close-up, scenery, and portrait settings in low light mode.

If you want to see the video quality for yourself there are Panasonic GH1 sample videos available online for you to view for free. This will provide you with an idea of the awesome result you will get with the HD video capability on the Panasonic GH1.

Shooting Photos

The Panasonic GH1 has two special lenses to make shooting photos a superb experience with a 7-14mm f/4 Aspherical which offers unique angles and the 14-140 offering a 10x range which makes subjects easy to recognize.  The GH1 also contains features that allow you to take a wide variety of different photos with the interchangeable lenses which allow for different shooting settings and subjects.  The zoom on both lenses works somewhat on the stiff side however this is an advantage because it does not accidentally move when the camera is at rest.

The Verdict

The Panasonic GH1 provides a wonderful upgrade while maintaining all of the great features of the G1.  It also meets the goals of camera connoisseurs who desire to have a smaller camera and optics while achieving higher quality photos and videos.  The end result of photos is great once they are printed and the video quality is very professional and impressive.  The retail price can be quite high coming in around $1500 however I found a great deal on this beauty for several hundred dollars less here.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi Features

• Newly Designed Sensor: The XTi has an upgraded 10.1 megapixel complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor which is capable of capturing the fine details of images due to the increased number of pixels it offers.  Also, the CMOS chip does not use as much power which makes it ideal for battery-powered cameras.

  

• DIGIC II Image Processor: DIGIC stands for digital imaging core which is exclusively designed by Canon for signal processing and control units in digital cameras.  The advantage of this technology is that it allows the camera to function at higher speeds without consuming a lot of energy.  The faster speed results in exceptional quality images that are unmatched when compared to earlier model cameras.

• 2.5-inch LCD Monitor: The professional quality LCD monitor contains 230,000 pixels with a versatile screen that is capable of displaying more than just images.  The advantage of this high end monitor is that you can view shooting information and playback at the same time on the same screen.  When compared to the previous SLR model this is a step up because everything can also be viewed on a larger screen and at a large variety of different angles.

• 0.2 Second Startup Time: The startup time is unmatched with a lightning fast startup of 0.2 seconds so you can catch an image at the spur of the moment with a shutter that can record images at an impressive speed of 1/4000 seconds.

• Lightweight Zoom Lens: The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi lens has a great close up focusing capability of 0.9 feet and contains a specialized coating to reduce shadows and other image obstructions.

• Autofocus System: There is a 9-point AF (autofocus) system in the Rebel XTi.  An autofocus system contains a tiny computer that operates a motor to automatically focus the lens for you instead of having to do it by hand.

  

• 6 Picture Styles: This feature of the canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi is quite amazing for all of the functions it contains. Users can choose from six different picture settings with three additional settings for each picture style.  The advantage of this technology is it allows users to adjust the quality of the photo according to the attributes that each setting offers.

• Automatic Off Sensor: This is a nifty feature that turns off the display as soon as it senses the user’s face near the rear panel of the camera.  When the screen is off it provides improved vision for the photographer when focusing on an image.  This feature is offered on both the XTi and Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi models.

• EF-S Lens: In earlier years Canon provided the EF (electofocus) lens which is a single mount lens system.  The EF-S is simply a new lens mount design that is compatible with the EF series and ranges from wide angle to telephoto lens technology.

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi kit includes powerful software programs that help users extend capabilities to their PC and comes with an EF-S 18-55 MM 3.5-5.6 lens, strap, battery charger, battery pack, USB interface cable, video cable, and software CD-ROM.  This model is favored by a wide variety of users and others like me who are upgrading from their SLR.  After doing a shopping comparison, I was able to get a great price on the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi here.

You won’t need a computer to print with this device and it comes with the wireless keyboard and a remote control. The wireless keyboard can also be used with PCs or Macs. There are also two USB 2.0 ports in the device. You can use the screen as a calendar or to view your photos and Epson states the printing times are fast at just 30 seconds for a full color postcard.

It is going to release in Japan for around $600 but they haven’t stated whether it will be released elsewhere yet. It actually looks like something you might find in a shop rather than buy as a home device. The rounded grey plastic is not the most attractive look however Epson are aiming to make their printers more like home appliances than peripheral devices for the PC.

The E-600 was also announced and it seems to be identical to the E-800 except that it lacks the wireless keyboard. I have to admit I’m not really seeing the benefit of the remote control or the wireless keyboard and there are already lots of compact printers out that don’t require a computer. It also doesn’t make a very attractive digital photo frame so I’m not convinced people would be rushing out to buy these even if they did get a release over here.

The specs do look impressive and this camera packs a 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor with shake reduction. It has a 2.7 inch color LCD with Live View that supports contrast, phase difference and face detection (for up to 16 faces). There are a number of filter options, high dynamic range and 4.7 frames per second capture speed as well as a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000 second.

The video capture is widescreen at a maximum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. You can also capture at a truly cinematic 24 frames per second using any of the Pentax 35mm lenses. The camera also has auto-focus and tracking.

It takes four AA batteries and you can use normal alkaline ones or the rechargeable variety. You can buy the camera with a choice of lenses depending on your needs and budget. The $650 package comes with a Pentax DA L 18-55mm lens.

This is an impressive camera for the price and it looks to be an ideal transition device for photographers looking to step up from point and shoot and learn some new skills. You can check out the red variety at the Pentax website. This is bound to be a popular release.

You do accomplish what the camera says it will do (take pictures), but if you want extra features like, high definition and sharp images, you might as well throw in some extra bucks and upgrade to a feature packed camera.

The thing with cameras is that the more you use them the more you want to express your creative style. So if you are a newbie, this one would work for now and I am sure you would get your money’s worth before you need to upgrade.

So let’s get right into it.

What’s Hot

• This Camera is very cute and small enough to hang at the end of your key chain. The price is just as small, so you can purchase this beauty for anywhere in the price range of $10 – $22 depending on where you shop.  Any price above that would be robbery.
• Your Innovage Mini Digital Camera can be used as a web cam, although you would only be able to capture a few seconds of action.
• A USB cord is provided so you can load your photos to your PC and you also receive a cover to protect your camera.
• With just one AAA battery required to run this mini camera, you would not break your bank to operate it.

What’s Not

• Due to the dimensions of the Innovage Mini Digital Camera there isn’t a display screen.  Instead you have a screen that displays function codes.  The pre-transfer images produced are so small that the only one who would find them adequate would be Tinkerbell.  (They would probably look like a billboard to her.)
• The 1 megapixel doesn’t quite screen quality shots.
• The software (if you’re fortunate enough to have it shipped with your product) is quite difficult to use.  Things are so bad with this software that there are forums dedicated to finding or using the Innovage software and drivers.

You can access the software and drivers here.  To read what others are saying, access the forum here.

For all the time and effort it takes to find and use the software, your $22 could be better spent.

Could Live With

16mb of memory should keep you happy. Not sure for how long though, because after 20 high quality photos, you would need to transfer them to your PC and even then the photos aren’t the best quality

Conclusion

I don’t see how anyone could use this camera for any extended period of time and not get bored with its lack of features. There are disposable cameras that work better than the Innovage Mini Digital Camera.

Sure you don’t get to see your photos on your PC with the disposable, but if that is what you really want, invest in a digital camera that takes high quality photos that you would be able to see clearly when you load them to your PC.

If you want a toy that takes ok photos occasionally, while you develop your photography skills, go for it.  But you would need to upgrade after some months.

Would I recommend this camera?

Let me see…… No.

But all the fun and games can come to a crashing halt when something goes wrong – and that’s when knowing something about Olympus digital camera repair will come in handy.

Now don’t worry.  You, personally, do not need to repair your camera.  In fact, beyond trying some tried-and-true techniques such as replacing the batteries and turning everything off and back on again, you probably shouldn’t even try.  But Olympus digital camera repair doesn’t need to be a mystery.  You just need to go to the right place.

The first place to start is Olympus’ product support site for your digital camera.  You can access a range of frequently asked questions, trouble-shooting ideas and forum with hints from other users on how they solved their camera problems on their own.  Here you’ll be able to figure out if the problem you’re having is solvable quickly and easily.

Sometimes resolving your Olympus digital camera repair problem is just a matter of figuring out how a certain camera function operates.  This kind of information is good to have before you send your camera off to the repair shop.  There’s nothing more frustrating than sending it off, waiting six days, and having it returned to you with the comment that there didn’t seem to be any problem!

Of course, sometimes you just know the camera is broken – like, say, when you drop it and the casing breaks.  In these cases, or after you’ve tried all the options on the support site, you’ll want to go to the Olympus Customer Service and Repair Center.  Here you’ll be able to look up warranty information, talk to a customer service rep, and make arrangements for the repair of your beloved gadget.

A couple things to bear in mind while exploring an Olympus digital camera repair:  first, be sure to follow the shipping instructions on the site very closely.  Olympus will not be responsible for cameras that aren’t carefully packaged.  Second, you’ll want to check to see if the warranty is still good for your camera – if you haven’t kept that information, don’t worry.  The customer service reps can usually track it down through the camera’s serial number.  Finally, you’ll want to be sure you fully understand the potential cost of repair.  Be very clear on the materials you send in with the camera (a form is available on the website), how much you are willing to spend on a repair.

As you’re waiting for your Olympus digital camera repair to be completed, you can keep track of its progress through Olympus’ customer service website.  Just be sure you have your repair number available.

Finally, bear in mind that you don’t necessarily need to go through the manufacturer to have your camera repaired.  In fact, you might find it less expensive and faster to go through an independent repair shop, such as CameraRepair.  This option may be especially useful if you have an older model camera for which the manufacturer does not offer service.

Follow these instructions and you’ll soon be happily pointing and shooting away!

Of the many Sony digital camera review sites out there, one great place to start is Cnet. Here you’ll be able to compare and contrast 62 different Sony cameras. You also have the option to do a side-by-side comparison of specific models you select. So, if you want to know how many megapixels a certain camera has versus another camera, you don’t have to page through 60+ reviews – you can have the site do the work for you!

Another option for Sony digital camera reviews is Digital Camera HQ. Here, professionals and novice users alike have joined forces to provide comments on various cameras. In addition, the site includes details on features of the camera that the user should consider as part of the purchase decision.

Some of the factors you’ll want to look at in a Sony digital camera review include the following:

Megapixel specifications: The term “megapixel” is a measurement tool, representing how many bits of information the camera can “take in” for each picture. In general, the higher the megapixel rate the better the quality of the picture. Of course, this all depends on the size of the image. If you’re not going to be printing enormous images (say, larger than 5×7), then you don’t necessarily need a high number of megapixels. You might be better off going for a camera that has a lower number of megapixels, but does have other important features.

Ease of Use: In almost all cases with your camera, you’re going to need to connect the camera to your computer through a USB cable and upload pictures for sharing with family and friends. Be sure that the process is user-friendly (especially if you’re not so good with the technology) and that any drivers you’ll need to get for your computer to recognize the camera are easily available.

Zoom functions: Most cameras include a zoom capability (i.e., with the press of a button you can move the lens closer to or further away from your image). Most consumer digital cameras have an optical zoom anywhere from 2X to 12X, meaning you can get, for example, four times closer to your image without moving. Some also include a lower “digital zoom.” In this case, the zoom function is not physical –- the lens doesn’t move – the image is just narrowed in on digitally. Zoom functions may be important to people doing more specialized photography – for the vacation photographer a 3X optical zoom is just fine.

Autofocus vs. Manualfocus: Most cameras provide some sort of autofocus mechanism and for the casual user that’s often enough. For more serious photographers, the option of a manual focus will allow them to alter the focus for different parts of the image as they wish.

With so many Sony cameras out there, these Sony digital camera review sites will be a welcome tool for sorting out your options.