Shutter the Thought
By Publications Management, a McMurry Newsletters publication
Your digital camera purchase made easy
 

n a few short years, digital cameras have gone from expensive techno toys to must-have tools for every publishing pro. The problem? There’s a daunting mountain of digital cameras to choose from with an avalanche of features. Here are a few tips for choosing the right camera to meet your publication needs:

Web shots

If you’re a doing nothing but snapping shots to post to your Web site in print sizes smaller than 8 x 10, a “consumer” camera that enables you to take great pictures by simply pointing and shooting is the perfect choice. Priced in the $100 to $300 range, consumer cameras eliminate guesswork by automatically adjusting exposure, flash, focus and color settings.

These cameras generally offer two megapixel (MP) or greater resolution, capture in the JPEG photo file format (perfect for the Web), feature a 35mm to 80mm equivalent zoom lens for shooting flexibility, and provide a USB computer interface for quick photo uploading. Some even double as a Webcam and come with cradles or docks that make transferring images to your computer amazingly easy.

In this category, take a look at the low-end Canon PowerShot series, particularly the S30 (using RAW and JPEG formats) and the tiny Canon S200 Digital Elph. Also check out the ultra compact Nikon Coolpix 2100 and Minolta’s super-thin Dimage X and XT models.

Print pixs

If you’re looking to photograph products and people for articles and photo spreads in a medium-quality print publication, step up to a “prosumer” digital camera. In between professional and consumer models, prosumer digicams offer automated point-and-shoot modes as well as full manual control and superior performance. Most importantly, they offer higher image quality, generally 3 to 5MPs, for better print resolution and color fidelity.

Priced at $300 and up, they shoot in JPEG, TIFF (which stores higher quality images without compression loss) or the even more professional RAW format suitable for large print applications. Some offer optional add-on auxiliary lenses for wide angle and telephoto shooting.

Our nod goes to the prosumer Canon PowerShot G5 and S50 models, the Sony Cyber Shots DSC-F717 and DSC-V1 and the Pentax Optio 555.

Pro quality

If you’re a pro and high-quality photos are an integral part of your publication, choose a “professional” digital camera and expect to spend from $600 to more than $1,000. These cameras capture higher quality images and, like their film counterparts, feature interchangeable lenses, full manual control (for focus, f-stop, shutter speed, bracketing and more), and significantly faster performance than consumer or prosumer models. Remember to factor in costs for optional interchangeable lenses, external strobes and other accessories.

If your budget allows, check out the 6.3 megapixel Canon EOS Digital Rebel kit, and Sony’s eight megapixel Cyber Shot DSC-F828.

Whatever camera you choose, experiment before deadline to ensure the best photos possible.

Publications Management is the leading monthly newsletter for marketers pursuing proven, successful strategies for exceptional corporate or custom publishing. Each issue offers tips, tools, techniques, and best practices on how to write, design, and create world-class publications, including those distributed electronically.