How to Choose the Right Camera - Part 3

Scenery or landscape shots can be enhanced when you have a camera that is suited for this task specifically.

All cameras will do a good job in taking scenery shots in general. This usuaully means objects that are considered in the range of infinity. For me that range starts from about 10 meters onwards. To photograph images of distant objects the camera must be very sensitive to the light and have the ability to capture the light reflected off of distant objects with little or no distortion. Since there are no guarantees that you will be presented with the perfect lighting conditions everytime, the built in flash for the most part will not help you for these distant objects.

Here is a list of features that will help:

1: A good level of optical zoom like 5X or higher with built in image stabilization

2: Ability to adjust the aperture manually. Larger the number, the smaller the aperture (opening) selection will be and allow for better image clarity between close and distant objects. Specially between objects that fall in the shorter portrait shot distance and the more distant landscape objects.

3: Camera with a SP (scene position) setting for sunset, sunrise and night scenes. These will help in situations of extremely bright light or low light conditions.

4: Camera should have an image preview after each shot taken that can be adjusted for viewing length. Anywhere from 3 - 5 seconds is sufficient. This will allow you to see quickly if the shot was satisfactory or not without switching to picture view mode each time.

5: If at all possible, a lens thread that allows for the addition of lens filters. Filters are great for reducing glare when taking water scenes, capturing the motion of moving water while insuring the stationary object are in perfect focus, creating lens flare, enhancing certain colors. If standard filters are not available, look for adapters that allow filters on non threaded lenses. Like a magnetic mounted lens adapter.

6: Tripod mount. This is a common feature but some cameras do not have them. This can be something that is easily overlooked and should be mandatory for any camera that will be used for landscape shots. Also make sure the tripod mount is made of metal instead of plastic. Plastic threads will quickly wear out.

7: LCD display that is clearly visible in outdoor light. Therefore, check to see if the LCD has an anti-glare protection coating.

8: Wide screen and lens for wide image capturing. This will allow you to take pictures that stand out from most landscape pictures automatically. If you want to create panoramic shots, a camera that has a wider angle of image capturing will allow you to create that perfect panorama shot using fewer images. This insures that the lighting and contrast levels are more even throught the shot. Less adjusting required later of each individual shot used to create the panoramic shot.

9: Slow shutter speeds of 2 seconds or higher. 6 or 8 seconds would be ideal which allows for great night shots and also gives you more flexility during sunset or low light conditions during the day.

10: Avoid a camera that exhibits large amounts of purple fringing when taking shots which include trees in bright sunshine. The purple fringing occurs around the outer edges of the trees. You can quickly determine this by taking distant shots of trees and viewing them on the LCD screen. The range of purple fringing varies from camera to camera with some being overly prominent. Most cameras will exhibit some level of purple fringing.

These are my suggestions for features that will allow you to take good scenic shots in any condition. Hopefully you will find a camera that is suitable in the price range you have budgeted for yourself.