more money not only adds megapixels, but resolution and
sophistication as well. longer zoom range, pinpoint autofocus,
movie mode, advanced automation functions and manual controls,
built-in or off-camera flash capability, and larger or swiveling
lcd preview screens are just some of the added benefits of bigger
budgets. our sweet spot: 4-megapixel models that produce a honey of
an image up to 11 x 14 and provide enough advanced features to keep
those creative juices flowing.
if you're really a camera and digital fanatic, zoom in on a single
lens reflex (slr) camera. these cameras are feature rich and built
to use the manufacturers' complete system of lenses, lighting, and
accessories to give ultimate control over your photographic
achievement.
industry leader canon introduced the first sub-$1,000 digital
slr in late 2003. its digital rebel not only provides a substantial
breakthrough in price, but in technical offerings as well. nikon
responded this spring with its d70, a similarly priced 6-megapixel
slr. other critically acclaimed slrs to consider are canon's 10d or
pentax's ist d. also worth checking out in this category is the
innovative olympus e-1, which brings to market an entirely new
camera and lens system.
camera makers know a good thing when they see it, and what they see
through their lens is you - buying one of their
digital cameras -
which makes competition among them oh-so-keen. takashi oshiyama,
head of canon's
digital imaging business group, says the company
will deliver more than 20 new cameras to the marketplace over the
course of the year. to keep pace, expect a wealth of offerings from
epson, hp, kodak, nikon, minolta, pentax, olympus, sony, and
others.