Digital cameras 101

[camerabeginner]

Hi
I'm buying a camera for a christmas present and have choosen either the samsung es63 or the samsung es55. The es55 is 10 pound cheaper at 63.44 whereas te es63 is 79.99. I don't mind paying the extra if i knew there i was getting more benefit out of it ie there were better benefits with the es63 that are worth paying the extra for. The specifications for the samsung es63 are as follows:
Picture Resolution 12.2 million pixels
Optical Zoom 3 times magnification Optical zoom is most important. Motion picture recording YES Allows you to record short video footage with audio
LCD Screen Size 2.5 inches
LCD Screen YES Memory Type flash  
Aperture/Shutter priority YES
USB Connection YES
Video Output YES
View Finder No
Manual Focus YES
Image modes YES  
Manual ISO overrides YES  
Multi mode flash YES
Exposure compensation YES
Self timer YES
External flash terminal NO  
Picture Effects YES
Camera Weight 116 g  
Body Colour Black  
Metal body YES
Battery Supplied YES  
Type of Battery Included INFO LITHIUM  
Wrist Strap Supplied YES  
Case Supplied NO
Software Supplied YES  
SLR Optical Zoom NO  
Auto/Manual exposure YES
Battery life (up to) 2 hours  
Connection Type USB  

Whereas the specification for the samsung es55 are as follows:

Digital Image Stabilisation gives you sharper images, even without flash in low light conditions
MP: 10
Optical Zoom: 3x
Anti-blur: Digital
LCD size: 2.5”
Face Detection: Up to 11
Blink Detection
Smile Detection
Movie Mode: MJPEG4
Battery type: Lithium Ion
Dimensions: 90.4 x 59 x 21.6 mm
Beauty Shot
Recycle Bin
Photo Help Guide
Function Description
In camera charging system

Thanks. Any help would be great!

[admin]

Hi camerabeginner and welcome!

The main differences that I can see are that the es63 has more manual controls such as Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, and adjust Exposure Compensation.

The es55 is purely a fully automatic camera, leaving all exposure decisions up to the camera. There is certainly nothing wrong with that as most casual users never change settings anyway, even if their camera provides those options.

If the person who will be using it fits into the category of casual shooter, the less expensive camera may actually have a benefit. That benefit is that is has 10 megapixels (more than enough) whereas the es63 has 12.2 mp.

Both cameras have digital image stablization, which typically simply boost the ISO. When ISO is increased there is a great chance for noise in photos. Digital cameras with less megapixels may show less noise, which is desireable.

I don't know if their are similar cameras in that price range with OPTICAL image stabilization, but optical IS is more effective than digital IS.

Below are links to information about some of the terms used in my reply. If you have further questions, please let us know.

ISO

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-features/advanced-settings/iso/

Digital image noise

http://www.digicamhelp.com/taking-photos/basic-techniques/noise-in-digital-images/

Image stabilization (explains the difference between optical and digital IS).

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-features/shooting-modes/is-modes/