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April 7, 2006
Dear CNET members,
Do they even sell film cameras anymore? I know they do, but it seems like it's a dying breed. From what I remember, choosing a film camera for the average consumer wasn't a complex thing: you picked a brand that you trusted, a few features that you would use, and all-in-all it worked out great. Today, with the constant technology advancement on digital cameras, it's all more complex. In addition to features you would find on a typical film camera, there are many variables to choose from, such as megapixels and shutter lag, and that long list of never-ending technical specs can cause some hair pulling. So, Lee (no, I'm not talking to myself here), I don't blame you one bit for asking for help from our members to decipher the digital camera technology mumbo jumbo, and I'm sure you're not alone. So let's get started. This week, many of you came through for Lee and shared your expertise, recommendations, and true passion on this topic, and we are all very fortunate to have you here to participate. So for starters, this week's winning answer is by Aric, who really dug deep into the confusing technical aspects of the digital camera. In addition to the winning answer, there are plenty of incredibly helpful and thorough submissions, and I urge you to check them out in the honorable mentions and other advice from our members section. There, you'll find advice, as well as members telling us what their choices of cameras are and what has worked for them. I hope this information will prove helpful to all in need. Thank you, everyone!
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Member Question of the Week
I am looking for a good digital camera but don't know where to
start. Are megapixels or optical zoom more important? I want
to be able to take multiple photos instantly by holding down
one button. I want panoramic photos, as well as photos that
can be enlarged to poster size without losing quality. I want
all of this in a camera that will last and not break the bank
in initial cost nor the cost of cards. (Speaking of cards,
which is the best type of storage type to get in a camera? Can
the card actually affect the speed at which the photo is taken?)
There are so many questions. Please direct me to a good brand
and help me decipher the technology mumbo jumbo.
Submitted by:
Lee W.
Big question with many subjective answers. Typically with technology, the more you pay, the more you get. While this is almost always true and applies directly to digital cameras, there are also times when you get more, but it's not always worth the price difference. Still, you should decide your budget first and figure what options you can afford. Depending on your budget, you may not be able to get all the options you want. Price aside, we'll discuss some of the options below...
Submitted by:
Aric W.
For
Aric's
efforts, we're sending him his choice of any
Help.com Learning CD.
Community Buzz
 Each week we take a look at topics discussed in the forums.
Best regards and enjoy!
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Help WantedHere's your chance to help your fellow CNET members solve their PC and gadget woes.
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Check out next week's question:
I will be traveling to a conference in a month, and the hotel that I am staying at has wireless Internet access. My new computer has the capability to access it, but I haven't had the chance to try it out. What should I expect and what do I need to do to be online while there? Additionally are there any do's or don'ts that I should be aware of? I am running a Dell Inspiron 9300 with Windows XP. Thank you!
--Submitted by:
Dawn C. of Arizona
If you have the answer,
e-mail us at messageboards@cnet.com.
If we choose your response, you'll get a
free Help.com CD.
Have a question?
• Multimedia
• Internet Security
• Digital Cameras
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• PC Upgrading
• PC Troubleshooting
• Digital Music
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| Member Profile of the Week |
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User name: bozeman
Location: Thunder Bay,
Ontario, Canada
Member since: February 13, 2006
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About me: Avid outdoorsy guy--hiking, camping, and big geek. Travel around North America and take my cameras...
(read more)
Each week we feature a CNET member who contributes to our community. Fill out your profile to get a chance to be featured in our newsletter and win a CNET t-shirt!
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Simple question, simple answer
Help your fellow members
This week on CNET
CTIA 2006
Live from Las Vegas at CTIA 2006, CNET editors bring you the latest news and the hottest new cell phones and accessories. Check out our full coverage of the biggest cell phone trade show of the year. Check out the coverage
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