Attention also sensitivity indicated in ISO

The question will arise again: should really put in the closet your beautiful Silver device purchased a few years in the sweat of your brow The answer, unfortunately, is Yes! And, even if you the highlight in nostalgic weekends before lock you in your cellar to your prints, making you the obvious: Digital has indeed won the part. Because today ' today, it converges to the digital experience. First of all, certain equipment can produce images of identical to that of the silver print quality (equal talent of photographers, means!). Everything is easy for sharing with more services to support the simple purchase of a digital camera - or a camcorder. Prints online services are more efficient and fast, with the possibility of sharing your photos on the Internet immediately and free of charge. In addition, print at home today provide a quality close to that issued by professional labs. Then why to deny

Globe-Trotter or perfectionist

If this small introduction speech you persuaded, or simply put an end to the latent guilt that tormented you since you took the decision to switch to digital, you need now to know which of these "AFN" (the small digital cameras name) matches your aspirations. Three families oppose or complement, offering different benefits. If you are rather vadrouilleur and spontaneous, perhaps "compact" so-called devices will be through your eyes. Small and light, they can usually slip into a shirt pocket and the quality of the sensor allows today for high quality printed images. Autofixes are preferred for photos often less worked but made in a user-friendly manner with good surprises.

In the world of compact objects generally that of the "reflex", where it really promotes the art of the photo more thoughtful, more worked, despite the present automatic modes. Essential difference with the compact, they offer interchangeable objectives for a greater freedom of expression. But they are heavy and expensive. Between the two devices are "bridge" that combine the advantages and disadvantages of one and the other - a good compromise for some savvy fans. But there are strong chances that consumer SLR, more compact and lightweight, undercut previously well-designed hybrid.

Good choice criteria

For each of the three families, should ask the same questions before purchase. With if possible mind turned to a set of good arbitrations rather than succumb to the argument of a marketing model sold for a feature only. Starting with the size of the sensor. It is, in the jargon of vendor, number of pixels by which the image will be saved in your device. Be aware that a good five million pixel sensor suffices to print photos in A4 (21 x 30 cm) or A3 (30 x 42 cm). It is better to pay an AFN the virtues which are other than to focus on the race to pixels (8 to 18 million today according to models, often unnecessary!). For example choosing a "brighter" objective apparatus (the first digit indicated behind the "f:" must be as low as possible, ideally between 1.8 and 2.8). For the reflex, this test is not set as objectives are purchased separately (better then choose a less expensive housing and better quality).

Attention also sensitivity (indicated in ISO). The latest models show up to 6 400 ISO sensitivity. Here again, ISO 800 models should already allow you to make images in difficult light conditions. The size of the LCD screen is also to take into account, as the ease of exploit then your images: passage to the mandatory computer Type of memory card And then, nothing beats a good grip of the device in question. A very personal test requires testing the object.

Technical innovations

With the developments and price declines, consumer devices closer more and more professionals for still more affordable costs. There is thus true technical advances, such as the appearance of the modes of stabilizers of images, previously reserved to professionals, to ensure the blurs of jitter. One of the other arguments of sale is today new engines masks. This is a significant asset for the models whose objectives change. This avoids the sensor cleaning sessions or find permanent black spots on its clichés.

Side rates, competition by rage, the sensors are less expensive. We can now buy a compact quality with 400 euros. For the SLR, Canon and Nikon shared essentially the market previously. Today, many manufacturers try to brilliantly to the exercise, which has the effect of squeezing prices with models of high-quality less than EUR 1 000. Need add the appropriate objectives for situations of views more advanced. But that's as many gift ideas to suggest to your friends and family for the future...

On camcorders

If the AFN evolve quite consistently, camcorders, including the acquisition by the general public is most recent, are the most significant technical leaps. This is the case with a revolution in the mode of storage. The cassette to the mini DV (still present), it is now backups on DVDs, internal hard drives, and also simple memory cards (see hybrid modes, as in our selection). With effect a reduction in size of camcorders and a facilitated data transfers since, in the latter case, the images are already in computer format. Another technological advance is the arrival of the shot in high definition with exceptional image quality, insofar as it is read on a medium that showcases this additional resolution of the images. Basically, if you had cracked for a flat screen HD last year, you know what you need to do...