Jacobs Digital | Digital Cameras

Technology continues to advance and there’s always a compact camera that’s better than the one before. So here’s what to consider when choosing to upgrade

Bigger and Wider Lenses, Smaller Camera Bodies
Larger zooms (10x, 12x, 14x or 15x, rather than the standard 3x) on a camera pull faraway subjects closer. Look out for lenses wider than 35mm. A 28mm or 24mm is best for groups and landscapes.

Anti Shake/Image Stabilisation
The most effective solutions for avoiding image blur are the shifting of lens elements (optical stabilisation) or the camera sensor (CCD shift) itself.

High Definition Video
High Definition video is now a standard feature at 1920x1080 or 1280x720 pixels – and note the given frame rate: 30 fps (frames per second) being smoother than 24 fps.

Increased Low Light Sensitivity
It’s now common to find ISO options on a compact that would give a DSLR a run for its money – up to ISO12800 in some cases – being very useful for those who want to capture more natural photos.

LCD Size & Visibility
The bigger the screen the better: 3-inches is the norm. And the higher the LCD’s resolution – a measurement given in ‘dots’ – the clearer it will be.

Longer Battery Life
All but the cheapest compacts feature a rechargeable lithium ion cell, typically offering between 250 and 500 shots per charge. Inevitably a spare comes in handy.

Dust, Shock & Water Resistance
An increasing number of specialist compacts add weather, sand and shock resistant capabilities, while supplementary housings are available for underwater snaps.