Each of the cameras in this range can be characterized by a number of parameters. There are critical ones that affect the quality of the image, and there are simply marketing gimmicks of manufacturers. So, let's begin:
Megapixels
It has long been a myth that the more megapixels, the better the image quality in the picture. This myth is as wrong as it is old. Remember once and for all. In the case of compact cameras, the resolution of the matrix is not important (at least if it is more than 2 Mp) and has no effect on the subjective quality of the print. There are many reasons. Firstly, cameras of this size and price have not yet learned how to install lenses that can provide high resolution.
That is, even if you have a 12 megapixel matrix, it is quite possible that in practice you will get 5. In any case, the output image will be just like that. Secondly, the physical size of the matrix itself. The smaller it is, and as a consequence, the smaller the distance between pixels, the worse. In fact, it turns out that digital noise appears in the pictures, and not even in the worst lighting conditions.
The third reason is that such images take a long time to process by the camera itself and take up a lot of space on the memory card.
As you can see, the number of megapixels can in some cases have the opposite effect. Therefore, chasing this parameter when choosing a compact digital camera is not worth it.
Digital zoom
Like megapixels, this is another marketing gimmick and exists only to surprise with impressive numbers. If you see that the camera has 20x, 30x, or even 50x zoom, it's too early to rejoice. The fact is that the camera will not magnify the image optically, but simply stretch the fragment you have selected. It is not difficult to imagine what will happen to quality in this case.
Optical zoom
But this parameter is quite important and the old rule applies here: the more, the better. Of course, cameras with advanced optical zoom capabilities cost an order of magnitude more than their less functional counterparts, but at the same time, they provide much more impressive versatility. If you plan to shoot not only family and various feasts - ultrazoom is an excellent choice. However, to ensure decent quality at long focal lengths, make sure your camera has an optical image stabilizer. About him - below.
Optical stabilizer
There are various types of image stabilization in compact cameras, but optical stabilization provides the best results. Since the cameras themselves are compact and lightweight, they shake in the hands, resulting in blurry images.
Size and weight
This parameter is quite subjective, and since everyone has their own requirements, it is necessary to decide on an individual basis. Of course, there are now cameras the size of a deck of cards, but they have their drawbacks. For example, high price and weak optics. Therefore, if the size of the camera does not really matter, it is better not to take extremely compact models.
Shooting video
Almost all cameras, even entry-level ones, can shoot movies, not to mention the more expensive models. True, in any case, the quality will hardly please you. In order to save space on the memory card and also due to the weak hardware of such models, the clips are compressed as much as possible. Accordingly, when viewed on a computer or TV screen, everything will not look so optimistic.Therefore, video in a camera is good, but it should not be considered as a decisive parameter.
Physical size of the matrix
But this is almost the most important parameter in a compact digital camera. In this case, the larger the physical size of the matrix, the smaller the distance between pixels, which means better image quality and almost complete absence of noise. Accordingly, if the matrix is small, 12 megapixels are “shoved” into it, then there is no special sense from either one or the other, which will certainly affect the quality of the images.
Functionality
Of course, compact cameras are designed not to think about various parameters such as aperture, but we recommend that if you have the means to take a model with the maximum number of manual settings and shooting modes. The fact is that sooner or later you will get tired of using the device fully automatic, so it is better to take a device that is called "for growth", the difference in price in this case is sometimes just ridiculous.
Display
Of course, it is more convenient to view pictures on a large display and decide whether to leave one or another photo before they reach the computer, but keep in mind that with a large display, the battery will drain faster, so take care of a capacious battery in advance. In addition, it is better to take a device with a conventional optical and finder in addition to the display. The fact is that from time to time the display can be turned off in order to save power, and shoot through the viewfinder.
We hope that these tips will allow you to take a decent camera for the exact amount that you expect to spend and just for your requirements.
