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From: "Walter Hamler"
Subject: Choosing a Digital Camera
I need some input. I have been asked to give a short presentation to a
group of senior citizens on "choosing and using a digital camera".
I know what I have and need, but my criteria may be different than
some, or even most. So how about some input from you folks. DSLR's and
P&S will be addressed.
Don't mention all the technical drivel that gets used as criteria on camera
forums.
They don't need to know about megapixels, colourspace, bit depth and all the
other stuff that we use to confuse.
Here is what matters:
How big are the buttons?
Are there a lot of them?
Can the pictographs and printing on the camera controls be easily read by
aging eyes?
This addresses the confusion factor that I saw a lot of elderly people
dealing with regarding digital cameras.
Does it have a viewfinder? If so, it it of any use at all?
The awful appendage viewfinders that are the hallmark of the P&S camera is
something that should be addressed. I don't know how many, if any P&Ss still
have viewfinders, but make mention that the screen may be a better option.
Which takes us to ergonomics.
Can the screen be seen clearly in a variety of light conditions?
Is it big enough to use as a viewfinder?
Is it bright and contrasty enough to be seen with an eye that may be
partially blind due to cataract?
Is it comfortable to carry?
A camera that is too small and fiddly will get used just as much as a camera
that is too big and heavy to carry.
Can things like batteries and cards be inserted and removed with ease?
As an example, I wouldn't recommend a K7 to anyone who isn't familiar with
cameras because the card slot is an epic fail.
Hit on battery types. While I wouldn't recommend rechargeable AA batteries
to anyone who wasn't willing to subject themselves to the special Hell that
they put people through, AA Lithium batteries are a good option for a long
lasting battery that is easy to use.
It's also nice to be able to run to the corner store to pick up batteries
that will let the camera be used, even if it isn't ideal.
Old people sometimes forget things, charging a camera battery may well fall
into this category.
As a summary, the camera needs to be simple to use and understandable.
Mechanical manipulations required to run it need to be doable by people who
may have problems with coordination and eyesight.
William Robb
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