Jeff you want to get a minimum of 1 megapixel (1000x1000 is technically what that is, 1024x768 or there about is a good starting point for NON software interpolated). Also never get one with "FIXED focus". This means it cannot focus. These type cam's are "compromised" in their focusing field. They are set to provide a clear picture at only a specific range by using a small f-stop (aperture), and anything beyond that range or closer than that range will yield photos that are not as clear or sharp as they otherwise would be with an auto focus. You also want manual focus override since most digital cam's take an "AVERAGE" look at the frame and compromise with a focus setting. When you can set it to manual, you can focus on a specific part of the frame and give it focusing precedence of the rest of the frame. Auto focus with a tight field option would do the same thing. You would simply "point the X" so to speak at the portion of the frame you want to be clearest. A macro focusing feature is nice for taking close up shots. This one below probably is fixed focus. What could be happening to you below, is you're possibly in a darker environment that usual, and since you can't change the aperture to larger aperture (or if you CAN, you're probably not), the cam must compensate for correct exposure by using a slower shutter speed.
You should also look for auto exposure WITH manual override. With this you can compensate for backlit compositions, action photos, bright subject on dark background, etc. With 35mm photography, the minimum shutter speed for STILL objects is the reciprocal of the focal length. (ie 1/60th of a second with the standard 50mm lens, 125th of a second with a 100mm-120mm lens, etc). Probably the same with digital cams. For action photos to ensure the images won't be blurry, an absolute minimum is 250th of a sec. with a short lens (50mm and less) but the faster the better for sharp photos. Look for the widest f-stop range and shutter speeds because this will give more control over the appearance and quality of shots. Check the prices of the media type they use. Some are really cheap, and some are on the expensive side. You always want some extra media in case what is in the cam gets filled up, and you are not in an area where you can upload to a PC, you just another piece of media in the cam. Save formats isn't that big if a deal since with something like Irfanview you can change the image format to whatever you want. Bmp is among the best since it's quality is good, but image it's file size is huge and you can't fit as many photos on the media. One that can save in jpeg, bmp, and maybe tiff is a good option. -Clint God Bless Us All Clint Hamilton, Owner http://OrpheusComputing.com � ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeff Dougherty" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hello, I am considering another digital camera. The one I have now used to take excellent pictures, but lately detects the slightless movement resulting in blurry pictures. I guess this has something to do with 'shutter control' though I never see any specs titled this. Can someone tell me how this camera, with these specs will work? Does it sound cheap, or like a good value for $100. I just want something I can take reliable pictures of the kids with this summer. Thank you. Sensor Type: 24 bit Color VGA (640 x 480) CMOS Image Sensor Interface Type: USB Image Performance: 3 fps for VGA (640x 480) for Video Stream: 9 fps for QVGA (320 x 240) Memory and Images: built in 8 MB of SDRAM 26 pictures for VGA (High Resolution) XGA software interpolated (1024 x 768) 107 pictures for QVGA (Low Resolution) VGA software interpolated (640 x 480) Jeff ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
