Buying
Tips - Cameras
The least expensive and the simplest to use- 35mm compact cameras,
are the recyclable single-use models available from Kodak, Fuji,
Konica, and others. These are not officially available in India.
These simple box cameras contain a roll of color-print film,
and have a simple fixed-focus lens, a single shutter speed,
and true point-and-shoot ease of operation. When you finish
the roll of film, you take the whole camera to the photofinisher,
who will process your film and recycle the camera. Single-use
cameras include basic models with and without built-in flash,
panoramic models, water-resistant models and even telephoto/portrait
models. They're great for all kinds of snap shooting, saving
you when you forget to bring your "real" camera (or when shooting
under risky conditions). But they're not suitable for serious
photography.
The next step up in 35mm cameras is the compact lens-shutter
camera, which comes in three varieties: single-focal-length
(usually 38mm semi-wide angle), dual-focal-length (semi-wide
angle plus normal or short telephoto) and zoom (semi-wide-angle
to short telephoto). Some of these cameras are focus-free (i.e.,
focus is fixed at a distance that produces sharp images from
around five feet to infinity, thanks to depth of field), but
most offer active infrared autofocusing. The simplest models
like the Kodak KB-10 are pure point-and-shoot devices (in India
the prices of these cameras would compete favorably with the
recyclable models), while the high-end compacts (such as the
Minolta Riva Zoom 140) offer several automatic shooting modes,
red-eye-reducing flash and other handy features.
Good photos can be created with these handy pocket cameras,
but, since they don't allow you to set specific shutter speeds,
apertures or focus (and they don't let you know what shutter
speed or aperture has been set), they aren't suitable for serious
photography. While a good photographer with a good eye can make
good pictures with just about any camera. Serious photographers
need to be able to set specific shutter speeds (to freeze or
creatively blur action subjects), lens apertures (to control
depth of field), exposure (under unusual lighting conditions),
and focus precisely where they want it, in order to have full
control over the images they create.
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