Which? Reviews: digital cameras

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Digital cameras are constantly evolving, with manufacturers introducing new and exciting features all the time. At Which? we understand how difficult choosing the right one can be. 

That’s why our tests constantly evolve too, so we can properly assess all the latest cameras and offer you the illuminating and informed insights you need. Every camera is put through hundreds of tests, designed to emulate how they will be used in real life. Our experts put them through their paces in artificial light, bright light and low light, to see how colour details and sharpness are affected.

Below you’ll find some useful information, shedding light on some of the things you should look out for when choosing a digital camera.

 
 
 

Resolution

The quality of a digital photograph depends heavily on the camera's resolution – the amount of detail it records. Resolution is defined in megapixels (Mp). More megapixels mean more detail, so you can create bigger prints without noticing blockiness on the picture. 

Shutter delay

With some digital cameras, the photo is taken more than a second after you press the shutter release. 

A tip is to half-press the shutter button as you compose a shot. This sets off the camera's autofocus system. When the camera finds the focus, it will beep or a light will come on to show it's ready.

Make sure you're happy with the composition of the picture, using the LCD screen or viewfinder, while keeping the button half pressed. Finally, press it down all the way to take the picture. 

ISO

The ISO setting on a camera tells you how sensitive the camera's sensor is to light. You can change the ISO setting manually on most cameras.

Viewfinder

Virtually all digital cameras have an LCD screen for composing shots. Some (especially bigger digital cameras) have a viewfinder too, which is a useful alternative as it's easier to use in bright sunlight when the LCD screen is hard to view because of reflection.

You can steady a shot more easily with a viewfinder, because you hold the digital camera up to your eye. Using the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen also saves a bit of battery life. 

Viewfinders are optical or electronic. An optical viewfinder on a digital camera other than a digital SLR isn't 100% accurate. What you see when you look through it will differ from what the lens sees because it is in a different position. 

Manual focusing

Nearly all cameras have auto-focusing but only some have manual focusing (MF). 

A digital camera with MF is useful for close-ups as it lets you focus on exactly what you want (the centre of a flower instead of the petals, for example). It's also handy for special effects, such as shooting a street light out of focus for a dreamy, romantic effect. 

 
 
 

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With so many new models and features on offer, getting a clear view about what’s right for you isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re here to help. To see all our reviews and advice today, why not try Which? for £1 and get a downloadable guide detailing which camera to buy for your holiday.

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