Tips on Digital Camera Buying

Tips on Digital Camera Buying
by David Ford


Tips on Digital Camera Buying Things to keep in mind when purchasing a Digital Camera at Auction
By DAVID FORD
Introduction I have bought and sold many digital cameras both at auction and new from retailers. When buying a digital camera you should keep in mind your purpose, budget and features and select the appropriate searches to target suitable models. Some key points are illustrated in the next section. Items for Consideration * A larger factor optical zoom at minimum 3x is always referrable than a large digital zoom factor which magnifies the image at the expense of quality. The higher the optical zoom range you can afford the better a bare minimum would be 3x.
* Make sure the number of maximum megapixels is adequate for your needs. The higher the number of megapixels the more expensive the camera will be and the larger the image you can print. For everyday use 5 megapixels is adequate.
As a guide the print size and quality per megapixels is roughly:
Max Print Size Buy a camera with Resolution 4 x 6" 2 megapixels 1600 x 1200 5 x 7" 3 megapixels 2048 x 1536 8 x1 0" 5 megapixels 2560 x 1920 11 x 14" 6 megapixels 2816 x 2112 16 x 20" 8 megapixels 3264 x 2468
* Make sure the camera allows you to adjust the quality of the image to various megapixel settings this will allow you to take more shots.
* Most cameras come with very little memory capability. Extra memory can be bought through auction at very reasonable prices compared to store costs often saving up to 50 %. The more memory you can afford the better. As a guide a minimum of 256 megabyte should be considered.
* If you buy a discounted camera as new from an ebay store or commercial seller it is worthwhile checking with the manufacturer on their website if you can purchase extended warranty. I have had cameras fail just after the 12 month warranty period and have had to buy new replacements due to the cost of an out of warranty repair.
* Ensure the camera comes with software and cables to allow viewing and download of pictures onto personal computers.
* Finally if buying at auction ensure that :
 the seller has good positive feedback scores and selling history.
 pay by credit card for any purchases over $100 to ensure you can get your money back in case the goods are not received.
 Ensure postage costs are reasonable
 If you find and item you like unless it is "buy it now" out your bid in right before closing to increase your chances of winning.
I've had most success with finding digital cameras and related accessories especially memory using auction sites such as Ebay.
Auction site resellers also provide a convenient way to find digital camera bargains using targeted searches.
Some useful links for resellers and auction sites are:
Buy Digital CameraseBayOverstock.com
About the Author
I have had extensive experience in buying and selling digital cameras via Auction sites and wish to pass on tips for those wishing to buy digital cameras at auction.
Reproduction allowed with permission.
Copyright David Ford 2006.

How does a digital camera active auto focus work

How does a digital camera active auto focus work
by Ziv Haparnas


In focus objects in a digital photo is a very basic requirement for high quality photography. There are two different ways to focus on such objects: manual or automatic. There are a few automatic focus methods one of them is known as active auto focus.
High quality sharp and crisp digital photos are a result of many optical parameters that need to be set right. One of the most important optical parameters is focus. When objects in a digital photo are out of focus they look blurry and are missing details and clarity. When objects are in focus they look sharp and crisp.
While focus can be set manually by the photographer in most cases using the digital camera's automatic focus feature is much easier and faster. There are many different algorithms and methods that digital cameras use in order to automatically determine the right focus for a specific scenario. One of those methods is knows as active auto focus.
Active auto focus
Setting the digital camera focus to its right position can be easy if only you knew the exact distance between the camera and the object or objects that you are trying to focus on. If you know the lenses that you are using, the aperture and all the other optical settings then by simply by knowing the distance to the object or objects in the digital photo the exact focus can be calculated and set.
This is exactly how active focus works. Digital cameras that are equipped with an active auto focus system use distance sensors that measure the distance from the camera to the objects in the scene. Usually the camera measures the distance to the object or objects around the center of the photo.
There are a few techniques to measure the distance. One of them is by using an ultrasonic sensor. Such a sensor transmits an ultrasonic signal toward the object. When the signal hits the object it bounces back and some of its bounced energy is received back by the digital camera sensors. The digital camera measures the time it took the signal to reach back the camera and since the speed of such an ultrasonic signal is known the distance can be calculated. Other methods use infrared signals. Once the camera determined the distance to the objects the focus can be set by calculating the exact position of the lenses and by moving the lenses to that position.
Active auto focus has the advantage of working in complete darkness. Since the camera does not rely on measurements done on the captured photo the camera sensors can calculate the distance to the object in complete darkness and in focus high quality digital photos can be taken in scenarios where otherwise focus would have been impossible.
Since the active auto focus method requires extra sensors it is more expensive to implement and is usually found in higher end digital SLR cameras. Active auto focus can sometimes fail. The reasons can vary: some objects tend to absorb the transmitted signal energy instead of bouncing it back while other objects actually radiate similar signals (for example candles radiate infrared energy) and can confuse the digital camera sensors. When the auto focus fails you can either try to focus on other objects in the same distance from the digital camera, lock the focus and pan back to the original objects you wanted to capture or you can revert to old fashion manual focus.
About the Author
Information about photography and photo prints is on printrates.com - your home for digital prints This article can be reprinted as long as the resource box including the backlink is included. Ziv Haparnas writes about practical technology and science issues.

Nokia 3250 - Twist and turn to the music

Nokia 3250 - Twist and turn to the music
by Keith Rickwood


Though Nokia is the global leader in mobile phone manufacturer, the company have been ignoring the ever growing popularity of music phones. The N91 was their first major competitor in the music phone category. Their latest model, Nokia 3250 is developed to provide a less expensive solution to people looking for a music phone. Built on S60 platform on Symbian operating system as many of their high end models, the Nokia 3250 is closely related to N90 for its rotating block, and N91 for its music capabilities.
The model is a straight candy-bar design with a rotating lower block. Rotate the block in 180 degrees and you'll have the music player automatically activated. It has dedicated music control hard keys and also 3.5 mm stereo headset jack. The optimized media player supports almost all types of media file formats. With enhanced music features like equalizer, stereo widening, bass boost the Nokia 3250 gives you the best of mobile music. Apart from 10 Mb internal memory, a 128 Mb card comes with a standard pack which is expandable up to 2 GB. There is also an inbuilt Visual radio with 20 preset channels.
The integrated 2.0 megapixel camera allows you to capture still pictures and video with a single twist. Just like the media player, when you twist the block in 90 or 270 degrees, the camera is self activated. Features like digital zoom, advance camera modes, self timer helps you to get the best out of the camera. Stream in music videos or watch your own videos with the Real One player on the large TFT active matrix display that delivers 262,144 colours.
The Nokia 3250 supports tri-band and automatically switches bands. Bluetooth and USB connectivity for mass storage and synchronization, GPRS/EDGE (class 10) for faster Internet, Yahoo!go for quick IM, Nokia lifeblog, WAP 2.0 for convenient Internet browsing - the Nokia 3250 is all about remaining connected without being tied up.
With the virtue of superior design and software platform, the Nokia 3250 is stretching the limits of music phones.
Nokia 3250
Nokia 3250 Mobile Phone
About the Author
The Nokia 3250 supports tri-band and automatically switches bands. Bluetooth and USB connectivity for mass storage and synchronization, GPRS/EDGE (class 10) for faster Internet, Yahoo!go for quick IM, Nokia lifeblog, WAP 2.0 for convenient Internet browsing - the Nokia 3250 is all about remaining connected without being tied up.

Nokia N95 - Stylish in looks, high on innovation

Nokia N95 - Stylish in looks, high on innovation
by Keith Rickwood


There are varied used to which the Nokia N95 can be put. One glance at the handset and you would be quite certain about its increasing demand as a fashion and lifestyle accessory. N95 model from Nokia comes within a sleek and stylish profile with a host of innovative capabilities and functions to match the stunning looks. Quite naturally, the Nokia N95 mobile phone finds favour among fashion conscious and tech-savvy users who want only the best and the latest for themselves.
The feature rich Nokia N95 mobile phone can be used for accessing information from the internet and that too at very high speeds. This becomes all the more important in the present context - when people have a lot to do and very little time to do the same. Help in all form becomes very relevant; and with your mobile phone doubling up as your internet facilitator - there is little more that you could ask for. Check your emails or download large files - with the Nokia N95, quite a lot is possible.
The multimedia capabilities of the Nokia N95 are no less compelling. A 5 megapixel digital camera is very much a part of this mobile phone model. Empowered by Carl Zeiss optics, the Nokia N95 gives you crisp and clear images - each time and every time. You have the choice of enjoying the images and video clips on a bigger screen of a compatible television set; the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology inherent in the handset makes this possible.
The Nokia N95 is GPS functional; it is possible to find specific routes or locate particular services in different regions of the globe.
And the best part is the availability of innovative handsets such as the Nokia N95 at industry leading costs. This sleek, stylish and feature-rich mobile phone from Nokia is a part of several attractive deals and offers from leading service providers in different regions of the globe. In the UK, for instance, an interested person can browse through the online mobile phone shops and retailing sites to avail of alluring contract deals on the Nokia N95 and other equally interesting mobile phone models.
Nokia N95
About the Author
Nokia N95 Mobile Phone

Nokia 8800 Black: The Latest Fashion Icon from Nokia

Nokia 8800 Black: The Latest Fashion Icon from Nokia
by Day Kevi


If you are a fashion-conscious person who wants only the most elegant things in life than the new Nokia 8800 phone is perfect for you. Designed for your ultimate pleasure, its graceful looks and seamless functions add a touch of class and exclusivity. Every aspect has been meticulously considered and precisely engineered; from the laser-cut curves of its steel-clad body to the state-of-the-art slide mechanism and a fine scratch resistant screen with reinforced glass that ensures this expensive model always looks great.
The Nokia 8800 is a slim slider measuring 107mm x 45mm with a depth of just16.5mm, making it a very convenient phone to carry around. In spite of its size, this Tri-band phone comes loaded with a host of superlative features.
The iconic Nokia 8800 Sirocco Black contains an integrated SVGA camera with a 262,144-colour active TFT screen display to catch all your exciting moments and view all the images you have captured. It also has a 3D image engine for enhanced graphics, video recording and streaming. The Nokia 8800 can be your favourite music system with its MP3 digital music player and FM Radio and one can download polyphonic ring tones. Other features include Bluetooth compatibility, USB compatibility as well as compatibility with a range of multimedia formats for swifter data synchronization.
The Nokia 8800 Sirocco Silver mobile phone is a stunning phone with a luxurious design and look. It is an upgrade of the original Nokia 8800 handset, with adding and enhanced features, making it a supermodel of the mobile industry. The renewed model is named "Sirocco Edition" - after the wind born in the Sahara to clash with the cold waters of the Mediterranean.
The Nokia 8800 Sirocco has a smooth metal case on the outside and a smooth sliding mechanism to protect the keypad. Slide it open and you will discover a 2 mega pixel camera that takes sharp photos which are good enough to print. You can also record Videos, with the high-quality colour screen acting as an excellent viewfinder.
The Nokia 8800 Sirocco is an attractive little music player, too. Load your MP3 files into the Nokia 8800 Sirocco and enjoy your favourite tunes on the move. Thanks to polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, you can enjoy sweet melodies whenever someone calls you. What makes the experience even more exciting, is the fact that the 8800 has ringtones and sounds composed by award winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.
The Nokia 8800 Sirocco black, besides being an eye-catching handset is flexible enough for business or pleasure as it has Bluetooth connectivity.
A chic camera phone and a musical marvel, the Nokia 8800 Silver is the masterpiece you've been waiting for. Choose the Nokia 8800 or the Nokia 8800 Sirocco black, you'll be a winner all the way.
About the Author
If you want to know more about latest Nokia 8800, Nokia 3250 Music mobile phones please visit : Mobile Phones.

Things To Consider In Buying A Digital Camera

Things To Consider In Buying A Digital Camera
by Beverly Kane


Today, digital cameras come in a number of sizes and shapes. Each model offers it owner a set of different features for various conditions. It is amazing that all of these cameras are still easy enough for a child to work with.
Around the world the digital camera has become an everyday object in many homes. The camera has been added to other gadgets such as the cell phone. And despite this, the camera still works pretty well when taking shots. You can add memory to your digital camera no matter what gadget it is attached to. In fact if you add enough memory you are able to make video clips.
The brands that you find offering digital cameras are numerous. Traditional camera manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Kodak and Panasonic, Sony and Casio have also joined in.
Basic Features to consider
No matter what brand name the camera comes from there are a number of features that should be looked at while shopping around. One such item would be the megapixel.
Megapixel means millions of pixels and the term pixel is the amount of dots that make an image. This is used to judge the quality of the camera. If a camera has a three megapixel resolution then it would be considered of lower quality than a camera with five megapixel resolution.
A picture that came from a five megapixel resolution can be enlarged with more clarity than the three megapixel camera. However the higher the megapixel resolution the more memory used.
Another basic feature to check out is the zoom feature. There are basically two kinds on the current market. There is the optical zoom setting that can be found in cameras with no permanent lens so a person can just zoom in on their subject and click. The other is the digital zoom feature which has the same value as a software program for editing your pictures. Many cameras offer both features but the zoom feature is the one that is recommended when trying to make a decision on a camera.
On all digital cameras there is usually a LCD screen. This is one difference between traditional cameras and the digital camera. This enables a person to look at the shot as it would appear in the end rather than peering into a small aperture.
What to look for
The camera has slots where the memory sticks are inserted. It is important to think about memory because a camera which requires more memory may end up being more expensive in the end
Most digital cameras come with rechargeable batteries and some have a charger as well if they don't you will have to take that into consideration when totaling the costs of your new camera.
Some cameras allow the pictures to be downloaded into your camera using a USB port and then editing or printing out the end result.
About the Author
Beverly Kane is a staff writer at Digital Photography Journal and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including The Shopping Gazette.

Samsung E370: Get it through top deals and enjoy astonishing features

Samsung E370: Get it through top deals and enjoy astonishing features
by Elizabeth Wills


Samsung E 370 is a tri-band handset with a 1.3 .mega pixel camera. The other features include video recording, FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and MP 3. You can also avail the facility of wireless technology 2.0 and USB 1.1 to transfer photos. The same you can do with data and ring tones as well. As far as memory is considered, it contains 40 MB of internal memory in which you can store plenty of data.
It is a black design; round shaped mobile phone measuring 86 x 43.1 x 20.3 mm. It comes in different colours, so you have a choice of choosing it from different range of colours.
If you are a music lover then it can prove to be the best mobile phone for you. You can listen to your favourite songs in MP 3, AAC or AAC+ format .You can avail terrific audio qualities which will be pleasant for your ears. There are 40 polyphonic ring tones which will give you an enjoyment of listening to variety of melodies.
You can take quality pictures and record quality video clips with the Samsung E370. The features of 5x digital zoom and 1.3 mega pixel of camera will allow you to have astonishing snapshots and better video clips. As far as the E370 deals are concerned O2, Vodafone, Orange and T-mobile allows you to seek top deals where you can get Samsung E370 absolutely free. Here the monthly rental varies from £25 to £75.On the other hand it has a good number of minutes and texts. You can have the free line rental or some amount cash back as a free incentive with these deals. In some of the deals you can also avail the Bluetooth headset absolutely free.
It is difficult to have such deals where you can get plenty of free gifts, minutes and texts. So, grab the opportunity and avail Samsung E370 which is just in front of you, because missing such an opportunity will not be a wise move.
To find some of the exciting contract mobile phones and free mobile phone deals on 3 mobile, t mobile, orange, O2, Vodafone network on latest handsets, please visit the site, one of the best online mobile phone shops in UK.
About the Author
None

Nokia 7373: The next buzz of fashion savvy

Nokia 7373: The next buzz of fashion savvy
by Grace Lewis


Bringing the best of style and innovation, Nokia is always ready to bring something new for the mobile phone users. Concentrating more on looks, this time, Nokia came up with the Nokia 7373. Based on exquisite L'Amour collection, the Nokia 7373 reflects the perfect combination of features and looks--truly a treat for a mobile phone user.
The rich design is influenced from the ethnic and cultural developments, which merged together to come as a stunning design. Well, Nokia 7373 is not about enticing looks only, as this cool gizmo is packed up with a comprehensive range of substantial features with 2.0 mega-pixel camera, advanced messaging features, Bluetooth, digital music player, EDGE technology etc.
When looks get more attention, then the colours of mobile phones become as vital as anything. This exquisite mobile phone is available in two gorgeous colours, which are bronzed black and pink and they are very well fused with attractive L'Amour collection motifs. The Nokia 7373 offers a dazzling display with 262,144 colours, which gives you perfect viewing experience.
Make the maximum use of your Nokia 7373 to capture all the rare moments of your life with its 2.0 mega-pixel camera, which is further supported by 8x digital zoom and dedicated camera buttons to give you clear pictures. Moreover, capture all the moving action with its video features, which allow you to capture video footage. Capture and share your video clips with your loved ones via MMS.
Enjoy reverberating music on your Nokia 7373, which is loaded with an inbuilt music player--keep rocking. You can treasure all your best songs by downloading through Internet. If that is just not enough for you, then tune into its FM radio and enjoy music to the fullest. Use video clips, songs and images as your modes of expression by sending via excellent messaging services.
Do not bother about connectivity, as the Nokia 7373 supports tri-band technology, which keeps you connected around the globe. Besides, it also supports various other latest technologies including Bluetooth, EDGE, GPRS and HSCSD--easier and reliable options to share your world. The Style icon Nokia 7373 has loads of things to offer.
About the Author
Grace Lewis is an Internet Marketing Professional. He maintains a mobile phone shop in UK for Internet related Business and Services.
Mobile Phone Deals
Nokia 7373

Nokia N73 - the new era of mobile imaging

Nokia N73 - the new era of mobile imaging.
by caitlin lucy


The first camera phone - 'J-SH04' was introduced in Japan in November 2000. In the span of the last six years, the camera have taken many giants leaps and now threatening to outgrow the phone itself. Imagine a high definition camera with digital zoom, auto focus and everything you'd expect in it that also doubles up as a 3G mobile phone. That's Nokia N73 for you. We are yet to realize it but the future of mobile imaging is already here.
Nokia regards their N-series models as multimedia computers and rightly so. The size, resolution and color depth of pictures taken by the N73 strongly justifies that. The integrated 3.2 mega pixel camera uses a CMOS sensor to get the great shot. But what makes the picture perfect is the Carl Zeiss auto focus lens with the mechanical shutter. You can develop images of 'actual' photos quality up to 25 x 20 cm size. The Nokia N73 also records high quality videos at a maximum 352 x 288 resolution in MPEG4 format. There is also a second VGA camera with video conferencing.
What makes the N73 more appealing is the simplicity it maintains despite its extraordinary capabilities. It has a straightforward candy bar design and an absolutely standard keypad. The rocker keys serves as control for volume when you're listening to music or talking to someone as well as zoom keys when you are taking photographs. The camera is active the moment to slide the protective cover. The company have done a good job by keeping it simple and easy which surprisingly not common in other smart phones. Quad band, with EDGE and UMTS, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), Video calling, Call Conferencing, MS Office and PDF document viewer, web and WAP browser, - the Nokia N73 have the answers to everything you'd want from a 3G phone. The Nokia N73 are for those looking for a great camera phone but do not want to compromise on any features.
About the Author
Caitlin Lucy is a Expert Author. She has written good quality articles on Mobile phones and sim free phones