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Product summary
Specifications: Digital camera type: SLR; Resolution: 10.2 megapixels; Optical zoom: 3.9 x; See full specs
Price range: $569.44 - $599.99
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Digital cameras. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of digital camera.
RAW image format
The main purpose of RAW image format is to capture a photo with as little processing as possible. In a JPEG file, several parameters are applied to the image, such as white balance, saturation and contrast, among other things; then the file is compressed using a lossy scheme. With RAW format you are generally getting as much information as your camera can record with, so in essence, RAW acts very much like a digital negative. The advantage of having a large amount of data in each image is that the photographer has more to work with in post-processing, and can cull out any unwanted data manually. The disadvantage is that the files are very large, causing more room to be taken up on the camera's memory card, and also slowing down the camera's ability to capture shots because of recording time.
Another thing to be aware of with RAW format is that each camera manufacturer creates their own proprietary type of RAW, so not all photo processing software will work with all RAW photos.
Aperture-priority
Aperture-priority is an automated exposure mode that will allow the photographer to set the aperture, and the camera will then set the appropriate shutter speed based on the light meter reading. In this way, a photographer can control depth of field easily and create images with selective focus. This works well when you have a distracting or unattractive background that you want to keep out of focus, or just want to have more creative options in your images.
See more Aperture-priority products
Shutter-priority
Shutter-priority is an automated exposure mode that will allow the photographer to set the shutter speed, and the camera will then set the appropriate aperture based on the light meter reading. Fast shutter speeds are ideal for capturing sharp images of high speed events, such as sports and other high action occasions. Slow shutter speeds can be set to get artistic blur in images, such as moving water or car taillights at night. Using shutter-priority will allow such flexibility while providing good exposure for your photos.
See more Shutter-priority products
Serious amateur
Photographers who want to go beyond basic point-and-shoot cameras should look for more robust features, such as manual exposure modes, several different metering mode choices, and the ability to use accessories such as adapters, lenses or extra flashes. Higher resolutions will provide the ability for larger print sizes.
The specs that matter
| Resolution | 8 megapixels or greater. |
| Price | $400 and up |
| Lens type | Supports lens converters or interchangeable lenses or zoom with widest focal range possible |
| Storage media | High-capacity CompactFlash, Hitachi Microdrive, or SD/HC |
| Photo file format | JPEG, RAW |
| Interfaces | USB 2.0 |
| Exposure controls | Automatic, aperture- and shutter-priority, manual, choice of metering modes, bracketing |
| Focus controls | Automatic with selectable focus points, manual |
| Flash modes | Automatic, fill, slow sync, hot shoe or contact for external flash |
| Software | Full-featured photo editor, software for PC-controlled capture |
| Multimedia | Voice annotation |
| Cool features to look for | Compatibility with existing 35mm-camera lenses and accessories, customizable user modes, dynamic histogram display, optical or mechanical image stabilization |
Read more in the Digital Camera Buying Guide
Business user
Business owners often need to be able to create photos for Web or print ads, and get professional-looking results without hiring a pro. A camera with manual controls can be useful for getting the right shot.
The specs that matter
| Resolution | 7 megapixels or greater |
| Price | $400 to $700 |
| Lens type | Zoom (range encompassing at least 36mm to 130mm, 35mm equivalent) |
| Storage media | CompactFlash, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or SD/HC |
| Photo file format | JPEG or TIFF |
| Interfaces | USB, NTSC/PAL television connection |
| Exposure controls | Automatic, aperture- and shutter-priority, manual, choice of metering modes, bracketing |
| Focus controls | Automatic, manual |
| Flash modes | Automatic, fill, red-eye reduction, external flash compatibility |
| Software | Photo editor; collaborative image sharing |
| Multimedia | Voice recording, built-in speaker for audio playback |
| Cool features to look for | Support for digital security, Wi-Fi, text-capture mode, world clock |
Read more in the Digital Camera Buying Guide
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Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 (with 18-70mm lens):
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