Abazoo UK: Consumer Advice
Digital Cameras: Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Sony
ABOUT DIGITAL CAMERAS
Because they allow pictures to be easily transferred to a computer, printed, and emailed, digital cameras have now taken over from film cameras for consumer use. They also have the advantage over film cameras that it effectively costs nothing to take a picture, and failed pictures can be easily deleted.
There are two main types of digital camera: compact digital cameras and digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Compact digital cameras are small and convenient, and can produce very high quality images. Digital SLR cameras are bulkier, provide an exact preview of the image through the lens, and can produce even higher quality images; they are more expensive than compact digital cameras, and are mainly bought by keen amateur photographers and professionals.
A critical factor in choosing any type of digital camera is the number of pixels; this dictates the degree of resolution, and your ability to blow up the image to large print size.
CONSUMER ADVICE ON DIGITAL CAMERAS
Cameras.co.uk provides an excellent and comprehensive online guide to buying compact and SLR digital cameras, with advice on how many pixels you need and articles on image manipulation, zoom, printing, and connecting to a TV.
John Lewis publishes a good guide to buying digital cameras, covering digital camera features, memory cards, video-clip recording, creative effects, and direct printing. There is also a section on how digital cameras work.
Which? publishes an online report of its tests on more than 120 digital cameras. The report includes a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about digital cameras; and product comparisons. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.
Olympus publishes a useful Buying Tips article on digital cameras, covering topics such as choosing the lens, viewfinder and camera size.
LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF DIGITAL CAMERAS
Canon. Canon is a leading manufacturer of imaging products, including digital cameras. The Canon website covers both digital compact cameras and digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. There is a glossary of digital camera terms, and an online Canon Camera Museum.
Fuji. Fuji is a leading manufacturer of digital cameras. Its website contains a useful beginner's guide to digital cameras, and a section to help you choose between Fuji digital camera models. The Fuji website also has a dealer locator, and sections dealing with servicing and repair.
Nikon. Nikon specialises in high quality digital cameras. Its website covers Digital SLR cameras, and Coolpix compact digital cameras. The website has a searchable help database in its customer service section, and a locator for dealers and online retailers.
Olympus. Olympus is a well regarded manufacturer of compact and SLR digital cameras. The Olympus website includes a camera finder, which takes you to recommendations through answers to a series of simple questions, such as 'What is the largest size of picture you want to take?'.
Sony is a manufacturer of high quality consumer electronics. Its UK website has a section dealing with digital cameras. The Sony range includes digital SLR cameras and compact digital cameras. There are also sections of the website for digital photo printers and compatible accessories.
LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF DIGITAL CAMERAS
Jessops is a leading specialist supplier of photographic equipment, including digital cameras. It supplies online, and through more than 300 stores throughout the UK, making it the UK's largest photographic retailer. The Jessops website has a handy online product selector; you select the features you want in your compact or SLR digital camera, and the selector lists out appropriate products in price order.
Empire Direct is a leading online supplier of electrical equipment, which claims to offer goods at prices up to 30% lower than those charged by high street stores. Its website has a section on digital cameras. Orders for digital cameras are normally processed and delivered within three working days. UK mainland delivery charges start from £1.49 per order.
John Lewis is a trustworthy firm selling through its department stores and online. Its website has a section on digital cameras. This covers digital SLR cameras; high performance digital cameras; high zoom digital cameras, pocket sized digital cameras; and point and shoot digital cameras. Brands include Canon, Casio, Fuji, Olympus, and Sony. John Lewis provides a free second year service guarantee on digital cameras, and free standard delivery for orders over £100.
PRICE COMPARISONS FOR DIGITAL CAMERAS
The following websites supply UK price comparisons for digital cameras: Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK provides price comparisons for digital cameras together with user reviews.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO DIGITAL CAMERAS
Wikipedia article on digital cameras.
What Digital Camera. The website of What Digital Camera magazine. It includes equipment guides, test reports, and buying advice for digital cameras.
Epinions. User reviews on digital cameras from the US-based Epinions website.
How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how digital cameras work, including illustrations.
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