Upping the ante on
digital cameras
Huge
data capacity gives photographers more flexibility
by Alan Zisman (c) 2003 First published in
Business in Vancouver ,
Issue #718 July 29- August 4, 2003
Summer is peak season for photo-taking, and snapshots
are increasingly digital. In fact, digital camera sales are expected
to overtake sales of film-based models by 2005.
New models offer five megapixel file sizes, allowing
users to print photos in sizes up to 11 inches by 17 inches, or to
crop their pictures, focusing in on small details while retaining good
picture quality.
Along with still photos, all the recent models
described below can create short video-clips with sound. In all cases,
buyers should budget for optional higher-capacity memory cards because
the 32 MB cards included with most models have room for only 20 or so
full-sized photos.
HP Photosmart 935
HP's $700 five megapixel model focuses on ease of use,
particularly when combined with the company's optional Photosmart 8886
camera dock. For instance, Instant Share buttons on the back of the
camera let the user specify whether a photo should be printed,
e-mailed or sent to a Web site. When the camera is synched with the
computer, these tasks start up automatically. Up to 34 actions are
supported by easily accessed menus and wizards.
The camera uses two AA batteries, which is convenient,
but powers only about 100 shots, far fewer than cameras with higher
battery capacity. The optional ($130) dock is a handy way to connect
to computer or TV, recharging the batteries at the same time.
Canon Powershot G5
The $1,500 Powershot G5 can be used in automatic mode,
but for the extra money, you'll get extra features of interest to
photo-enthusiasts. In many ways, it's similar to Canon's $1,000
four-megapixel G3 model. The G5 offers 12 different shooting modes,
and an LCD display panel that can be rotated 270 degrees for use in
crowds and other difficult shooting situations. Batteries are good for
up to 450 high resolution shots. The high-quality four-times zoom is
comparable to a 35-140 mm lens on a traditional film camera. An
external flash unit, filters, and lenses can be added, offering much
of the flexibility of an SLR film camera.
Both HP's and Canon's models can be connected directly
to selected printer models. (Not surprisingly, each only supports
models from the same manufacturer).
The many models of Sony
Sony is currently offering four digital cameras with
five-megapixel capacity. The $700 Cybershot DSCP92 and $850 DSCP10
look similar to one another and provide similar capabilities, each
including a three-times optical zoom and the ability to produce
VGA-sized (640x480 pixel) video clips, which will appear full-sized
when displayed on a TV screen. E-mail mode features are well
thought-out, creating smaller versions of video clips or still photos
that are ideal for e-mail attachments.
The
$1,000 DSC-V1 offers compact size: about the size of one and a
half decks of playing cards. The much larger $1,300 DSC-F717
stands out with its large rotatable five-times zoom lens. Both of these
higher-end Sony models include fast USB 2.0, speeding up file
transfers to a computer, along with Nightframing and NightShot
low-light shooting modes. These use infrared light to capture images
in total darkness at distances up to about five metres.
Both
of these models include a hot-shoe for adding an external flash to
supplement the built-in flash. The small size of the DSC-V1 limits its
batteries; expect to get 100 to 150 shots to a charge.
Not
only can the DSC-F717's large zoom lens swivel up and down, it's one of
the few cameras in its class that includes manual focus (as well as
automatic focus). Again, add-on lenses and filters are supported,
extending the camera's use. The battery life is among the best in its
class.
Buy a Canon Photoshot G5 from Amazon.com
Buy an HP Photosmart 935 from Amazon.com
Buy a Sony DSCP92 from Amazon.com
Buy a Sony DSCP10 from Amazon.com
Buy a Sony DSCV1 from Amazon.com
Buy a Sony DSCF717 from Amazon.com