Digital cameras 101

[wiz]

.What do I need in a digital camera to take quality action pictures( college soccer), # megapixals, zoom amd speed? Any other info. would be helpful.

[Mike54]

Hi wiz and welcome,

You indicate that you want "quality action pictures" but a little more info would be helpful. There are numerous quality cameras available with a wide range of pricing.
So, what kind of budget are you on? This could definitely restrict (or broaden ) you possibilities. Also, what are your intentions for the images, are you going to post them on the web, share prints with friends or do you want to print posters? There are a lot of things to consider before spending the cash for a digital camera. Its worthwhile to consider them ahead rather than end up disappointed with a hasty decision. My suggestion would be to take some time and review some of the articles here, especially in the first three sections, Introduction to digital cameras, buying a digital camera and digital camera features. Then visit  a few of the sites that have more in depth camera reviews for a feel of what's available. Here are a few links to some of them.

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.dcviews.com/

http://www.megapixel.net/html/issueindex.php?lang=en

http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html  

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Wiz,

Welcome to Digicamhelp.

There are several things you should look for in a digital camera to take action pictures. Make sure your digital camera has a quality lens. Make sure too, that it offers full or semi-automatic control over the shutter speed, so you can make adjustments according to the type of action you wish to capture.

You should inquire about lag time. Lag time is the amount of time it takes from when you fully depress the shutter release button for the image to be actually processed onto a memory card. Some digital cameras are faster than others, and you'll want one with as short a lag time as possible for taking action shots.

Buy a digicam with a long telephoto lens so you can zoom close into the action. And by all means, make sure to get an optical zoom. Most cameras have both optical and digital zooms, but a digital zoom is not a true zoom so you can't expect quality photos using it because of the way it works.

Another feature to consider is Image Stabilization, which is a big help in preventing camera shake particularly when using long focal length lenses.

Other useful features for action shots would be the ability to change white balance settings and sensitivity (ISO) and to have a continuous or burst mode for taking photos in rapid sequence.

There are some very fine advanced digital cameras that offer these features and more. Canon, Minolta and Panasonic, for example, have digicams with 10X or 12X optical zooms with image stabilization. I'm currently looking for one of these cameras myself so I know you can buy one for about $400 U.S. Nikon and Olympus also have excellent, quality-built advanced digital cameras with long focal lengths. They currently cost between about $600 - 1000 new.

Depending on how "into" action photography you plan to be, and depending on your budget, you may wish to consider a digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (dSLR). The pros use them, and they take interchangeable lenses. Prices start just under $1000, and that price doesn't always include the lens.

As to megapixels, it depends on how you're going to use your photos after you take them, if you plan to do a lot of cropping, and what size you want to print them.

When you decide on the features you want, do check out some of the links included in Mike's post. They are outstanding resources for reviews and and comparing features between cameras.


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[ShutterbugGail]

The topic of megapixels is very interesting. Here is some information which may help you determine your needs. Personally, I wouldn't get anything less than 3 megapixels.

http://www.digicamhelp.com/what-is-a-megapixel/index.htm

[Deb]

Hi Wiz, thought I'd add my three cents worth (adjusted for inflation). ;-)

If you're really interested in capturing fast moving action (like soccer), then I'd highly recommend a dSLR. It's instantaneous just like a standard 35mm camera with all the flexibility of same (great for those popping shots of that perfect action sequence). Manual control for choice depth-of-field and shutter speed adjustments on the fly are an asset indeed. I use one for all action and love it! :-)

Happy camera shopping,
Deb