There are a wide range of options and features available for DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras and it can be confusing if you are buying this type of camera for the first time. This guide will help you decide which features are important to you and hopefully help you to choose your ideal DSLR camera.

Price

A major factor in your decision is, of course, the price. DSLR cameras start at about $400 and can be as much as $8000 for a top of the range camera. A camera of between $400 to $1000 would probably be a good choose for a newcomer. Lenses tend to be expensive and can cost more than the camera body do make sure you take this into account when you make your budget.

Format Size

There are four format sizes at the moment for 35mm DSLR cameras.

Full Frame

This format, with a sensor size of sensor size is 36mm x 24mm, is found on most higher end cameras and is the same size as that used in 35mm film cameras.

APS-C

On a Canon camera this format has a 15mm x 22.5mm sensor and on a Nikon 15.6mm x 23.7mm. This format is used by most DSLR cameras except some higher end cameras and Olympus makes. Nikon call it a DX format.

APS-H

This format is only found in a few cameras such as the Canon EOS 1D MkIII and has a 18.7mm x 28.7mm sensor.

Four Thirds

This is a smaller format at 13.5mm x 18mm and is found on Olympus and Panasonic cameras. The aspect ratio is 3:4 unlike other cameras with an aspect ratio of 2:3.

All of the formats will give a good print out up to 11″ x 14″ which is the largest most amateur photographers will usually need. Most cameras below about $1000 dollars use the Four Thirds or APS-C format so the choice is usually dictated by the price rather than performance.

Image Stabilization Systems

Systems for image stabilisation vary between manufacturers. Some systems are mounted in the camera body others on the lens itself. Nikon and Canon use a lens based system and use gyros on the lens to sense movement and keep the optical groups stable. Gyros mounted on the camera body are used by Sony, Panasonic and Olympus in a stabilisation system called a sensor shift. The sensor shifts to compensate for any movement. Although both systems perform equally as well the lens mounted systems need to be included on every lens which adds to the cost. In addition not all lenses have the system included especially prime lenses under 200mm.

Size and Weight

Cheaper cameras tend to be smaller and lighter although, as no DSLR camera is going to fit into a pocket anyway, the size is not of primary important.

Pixel Count

DSLR camera start at about 6 mega pixels (MP) and can be as much as 22 MP for a high end camera. The pixel count will dictate the size that a print can be blown up to and you need to decide how large you would like your prints before you decide on which model to buy. 240 pixels per inch will give a very good quality print so a 6 MP camera will be adequate for a high quality 8" x 10" print.

If you need larger prints a 10 MP camera will be capable of producing a good print at a size of 11″ x 14″. A top of the range camera with a pixel count of 22 MP will give excellent 11″ x 14″ prints.

ISO Settings

ISO ranges between 100 and 1600 are found on most lower end cameras. Mid range cameras may have settings up to 6400 and a high end camera can reach as high as 25,500 and as low as 50. Most DSLR cameras will give pictures with low noise at ISO settings between 100 and 800 but the noise dramatically increases above this. The noise at the higher levels can vary considerably between models so, if possible, try to see images taken at higher setting with the cameras you are considering.

Noise

All digital images will have some noise which will be more noticeable at higher ISO settings. Noise comes from the electronics and sensor when the digital signal is produced from the analog signal. All DSLR cameras have noise filtering systems but this works less well above an ISO setting of about 800. Noise reduction softens the image so try to see images taken in low light if you will be using the higher range ISO settings.

Autofocus

Autofocus systems vary a great deal between manufacturers. All auto focus systems work well for static images but can vary a great deal for moving subjects, especially in low light. Check reviews of specific cameras for information on how well auto focus works for the model you are considering.

Selecting either a home security camera system, or a camera to be used for a commercial reason, can be frustrating if you don\'t know what you are looking for in protection. For instance, do you want a real or fake home security camera system, meaning, do you need a system that will actually alert the police, or do you feel that the aesthetic of having a camera visible on the premises is good enough to ward off predators? Are you interested in the way that a monitor is going to look? Do you want something that is obvious or discrete? Regardless of what your needs are, there is something that can come close to what you want. Cameras will come in three basic forms, hopefully learning the basics will help to cut down on some future decisions.

The first kind of home security camera is known as a dome camera. Obviously, this camera comes in the shape of a dome and it fits conveniently on the ceiling of your home or business. You will find the dome cameras often times in casinos where they are used to monitor the tables. You will also find home security at its most fashionable with the dome lens. There are dome cameras that can be placed outside, however, you must use a special armor type in order to do this kind of mounting. Sony carries two different types of dome security cameras and they are a leader in the industry. You can choose from the Verifocal dome camera, which has the highest resolution (420 lines) and an adjustable lens. You can also purchase Sony\'s Infrared Armor dome camera, which acts as a hidden camera and is the most durable of all of the dome cameras. Dome cameras are the most popular security cameras because they are impossible to detect which angle they are viewing unless you are at close range. They come in black or white and they all have adjustable lenses.

The second type of home security camera is the bullet camera. The lens is long and resembles a rifle, which is where the camera finds its name. Bullet cameras are easily visible and can be mounted to a wall or a ceiling. They use a 12V DC voltage, and the power cable should be included when the camera is purchased. Most of these cameras will film in color and then change their resolutions to black and white when the light levels are lower. The resolution during the day is much better with the bullet security systems, but if you have an alternate form of lighting, like a streetlight, people can sometimes be seen from up to 70 feet away. The most popular brand of bullet security cameras is the SPECO CVC-6805SX, which is color and has a fixed lens of 4mm.

Many businesses rely on a home security camera at night. However, it can be hard to see the footage when there is no light. The infrared camera has built in lights around the lens so you are able to view your taped footage with ease. However, the infrared lighting can cause a problem when it is used at a home due to the glare that is created from the windows. Some people will think that an infrared camera is the same as a night vision camera, although the night vision camera does not have built in lighting around their lens. Prices can vary on the infrared cameras, but the most affordable home security model is the QSVC422 CCD color outdoor camera made by Digital Peripheral Solutions.

Security cameras can provide a cushion of comfort for a secure home, especially when you have an investment that you want to protect. A home security camera can scare an obvious thief, and also catch an unsuspecting one if it is a strategically hidden camera. Home security cameras have become more popular with people who own second and third homes, and feel like they need an insurance policy for their property, so to speak while the business owner has been protecting his own with security cameras since the advent of the entrepreneur. Just remember that it can never hurt to be proactive about your safety.

Underwater digital cameras are a special designed digital camera make for still and video photography to capture the wonderful marine life flora and fauna. The underwater world offers so many opportunities object to capture once in your lifetime photos of undersea life, vivid colors of coral reefs. This time, underwater digital cameras give you clean and crisp pictures that truly reflect the images of marine and plant life of depths underwater.

With underwater digital cameras you are possible to capture images in a life-like picture that can be shared with friends or you sell it professionally. Adorned with multi-flash function, color correction filter and macro lens, the underwater digital camera offers superb image quality.

If you nosy  which model of underwater digital camera to choose, what features to consider, then here is a briefly guide and tips on the features of the most demanding  underwater digital camera models. Right now you can find so many popular underwater digital cameras such as  Intova IC-700 7.0MP, Sea Live DC800, Nikon D3 plus housing Sea&Sea MDX-D3, Panasonic SDR, Sony A200 Digital SLR Camera combine with Ikelite housing, o Xacti VPC, Pentax Optio W30, Canon G10  and Olympus SW series

Intova IC-700 7.0MP digital camera with underwater housing, available in an affordable price. This underwater digital camera features 7 megapixels, macro mode and built-in flash that can reach up to five feet underwater.

The SeaLife DC800 underwater camera offers sleek, modern design with high-tech functionality. Come with 8-megapixel camera now you could have the best possible photographs, both in and out of the water. This new type promise give the easiest step to set up a graphic on-screen, expand the camera with wide angle lens and Digital Pro Flashes accessories. This camera also have long lasting lithium battery for all day of diving, automatic focus from 2" to infinity, large format continuous video recording with sound,  depth tested to 200ft,  fully rubber armored for shock protection and 1-year warranty covers the underwater housing and camera.

If you looking for popular underwater digital came among professional diving photographers, the answer is Nikon D3 underwater digital cameras. This camera is top line in technology and prize in front of its competitors. Released with a perfect auto exposure, huge viewfinder and accurate auto and fast, Nikon D3 completed with ergonomically Sea&Sea MDX-D3 housing. This 10-megapixel camera has features specifically designed to allow for the best possible photographs, both in and out of the water.

Panasonic SDR-SW20 is compact model for you if you want an easy-to-use and lightweight device. Include 10x optical zoom and MPEG-2 format up to 10 Mbps, this is one of the best digital cameras available for video recording. But, with only 0.3MP 640x480 still imaging capability, the still imaging options are basically non-existent in this model.

Combine with Ikelite Housing Sony DSC-W5 5.1 Megapixel Cyber-shot digital Camera is an entry level digital camera that could captures enough detail for photo quality prints. It has solid construction and offers all of the essentials in an affordable package like an auto-focus system, a large view finder, wireless flash control and gives details at the lowest sensitivities. Its also built-in multimode auto electronic-flash Real Imaging Processor provides natural color, accurate picture quality and faster response 2.0 High-Speed USB Memory Stick media, Memory Stick(R) PRO media compatible PictBridge capability for plug-and-print convenience . Sony DSC-W5 5.1 Megapixel Cyber-shot(R) with Ikelite housing  will give you a compact, clear underwater  with corrosion-free performance and deep under.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 is the one of the best designed underwater  digital camera for up to 5feet depth of water. It has  4GB card, and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640x480 powers, the Xacti E1 could work with an approximate record time of over 5 hours. This camera also offers a solid 5x optical zoom with a 6MP CCD at up to ISO1600 power for still images, Flip out view screen is a special key feature of this underwater digital camera which will saves you from the risk of bumping in with underwater objects while swimming around.

Pentax Optio W30 is another underwater digital camera you should consider. Released with 7MP - ISO1600 and 3x optical zoom image recording feature, Optio W30 supported with both SD and SDHC, videos in this model is of 640x480 in MOV QuickTime MJPEG format.

The Canon  G10-WP combine with DB28 housing is a Canon's most advanced compact cameras with ability to work under water till 130 feet deep. With well-rounded underwater digital camera package Canon G-10  will gives you richly detailed and high resolution images, It is also has an excellent LCD,  wide-angle lens and many dedicated controls, it gives you good performance like serious photographers.

Olympus SW series may be the best well rounded underwater camera at the moment. This camera completed with 10 Megapixels, ISO1600, and a 3.6x optical zoom feature and you could dive with this camera  as depth as 6.6 feet.

Digital cameras are risky to use in water, as they will malfunction. This deprives those who love diving and spending time in water, the pleasure of taking photographs underwater as well as around water (in the fear that the camera might fall into water and malfunction). Therefore, waterproof digital cameras also called underwater cameras, provide a chance to photograph the underwater world which would have been otherwise inaccessible with normal digital cameras.

The following is a list of some waterproof digital cameras that are commonly used for underwater photography.

The first one of waterproof digital cameras reviewed is Sea and Sea DX-1 G Compact Digital 10.0 MP camera with underwater housing set. This waterproof digital camera has ten megapixels (which is pretty good photo quality), a polycarbonate underwater housing (which makes it waterproof) and a ‘sea and sea’ mode which optimizes digital photography under water. It also has some other features that are advanced, such as manual control over exposure and focus, an extra flash light and the camera also has the ability to shoot videos.

Intevac IC700 7.0 MP Digital Camera with Underwater housing falls under waterproof digital cameras, which provides a pretty good image quality (with seven megapixels) and is affordable as it is under the $300 price range. It is considered a good waterproof camera and is rated for underwater photography to a depth of 180 feet. To emphasize this opinion, the camera comes with features such as macro mode with a built in flash which can reach up to about five feet when underwater.

Olympus SW series may be the best well rounded waterproof camera at the moment. This camera completed with 10 Megapixels, ISO1600, and a 3.6x optical zoom feature and you could diving with this camera as depth as 6.6 feet.

Pentax Optio W30 is another waterproof digital camera design you should consider. Released with 7MP - ISO1600 and 3x optical zoom image recording feature, Optio W30 supported with both SD and SDHC, videos in this model is of 640x480 in MOV QuickTime MJPEG format.

Another one of waterproof digital cameras is Sealife SL320 Reef Master Mini underwater digital camera. Weighing about eight ounces, and being a compact camera, this is very useful for those who want a light weight, easy to use waterproof digital camera. The camera has underwater exposure and sea modes and has six megapixels. The shutter speed of this camera is within a range of 1/60th to 1/1000th of a second. This waterproof digital camera has a rating of 130 feet depth for underwater photography.

With an underwater photography rating of 50 feet depth, VuPoint DC-WPC-ST531TBLK-VP Underwater digital camera is another recommended waterproof digital camera. It has five megapixels and also has video capturing ability. It features digital zooming and has the ability to shoot in macro settings and control aperture settings. Also, it is less expensive compared to other waterproof digital cameras.

One of the best designed waterproof digital camera for up to 5feet depth of water is Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1. With 4GB memory card, and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640x480 powers, the Xacti E1 could work with an approximate record time over 5 hours. This small and easy to handle video camera also offers a solid 5x optical zoom with a 6MP CCD at up to ISO1600 power for still images, so beside video you can also take a pictures every moment. With flip out view screen and special key feature of this video digital camera will saves you from the risk of bumping in underwater objects while diving around.

By choosing wisely from the wide range of good waterproof digital cameras available in today’s market, you can chose a good quality waterproof digital camera at an affordable price, to make the next underwater experience – an unforgettable one.

• 12.0 megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
• 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens (37mm to 134mm); bright 3.0-inch LCD
• Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector; capture 640 x 480 movies with sound at 30fps
• 3-way VR Image Stabilization System
• EXPEED Image Processing; Smart Portrait System

Product Description
COOLPIX L22 BLACK DIG CAM 12MP PERP3.6X EVR 3IN LCD MOVIE MODE... More >>

Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD