Hi!

I have been given the task of purchasing a digital camera for real estate shots. I have very little time in which to do so, and I know next to nothing about digital cameras. I have found loads of information on the web, but it is too voluminous for me to learn and internalize in my allotted time. Could someone answer for me how I should go about determining what kind of resolution I need? How many pixels? How does storage size speak to the issue of number of pictures that can be stored?

Help!

Thanks,

Shoshie Tornberg

-- Shoshie Tornberg (STornberg@recapadvisors.com), March 17, 2000

Answers

Not really enough info in your question to get great answers. this might help you focus your question a little tighter:

Resolution will affect the ultimate size of prints. How big a print will you need? (If you don't need to go beyond 8x10, then any of the 1.3, 1.5 megapixels (and higher) should give you sufficient resolution. If you are only going to show on a computer screen, then practically anything out there will give you adequate resolution. Look at the test section of the reviews to see some of the shots from various cameras already tested. Click on Digital Cameras to the left and check the reviews and image comparisons. There is also an article on resolution.) If the pictures (besides simple flyers, etc.) go to a service, newspapers, magazines or other publication, check with them for their requirements and recommendations.

Memory storage will directly affect the number of pictures you can store in the camera at any given time. And memory size of pictures is a matter of needed resolution and amount of compression you can accept. Don't over compress, you'll never get back lost detail. Don't sweat the memory issue. If you need more pictures, swap cards, just like you change rolls if you need more film. Just be sure you have enough memory (and cards) to cover any given photo session. With some spares just in case. The only limiting factor would be if you choose a Sony Mavica using floppies. You'll know not to choose that if you determine you need a higher resolution than the Sony offers anyway.

Probably most important is comparing to current 35mm camera usage. If you use a point & shoot, probably not a problem. Compare the lenses used now with the available lenses on the digitals. The biggest problem could be availability of a wide enough wide angle. Check what you have against the specs. Most give an equivalent (like 35 to 105, etc.). Most go no wider than a 35mm lens equivalent, which isn't really very wide, with some going to 28mm. Wider than that you may be talking big bucks pro gear. You could potentially also need more flash oomph.

If you let us know the end usage or what you are doing now, we can let you know if there is an equivalent. Also, let us know budget and/or other considerations (like "why" you need/want digital.)

-- Craig Gillette (cgillette@thegrid.net), March 18, 2000.