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South Korean digital camera and smartphone maker Samsung revealed that around 2.5 billion people now has a digital camera but while Samsung and other camera manufacturers are enjoying their popularity in the world of cameras, photography film Kodak is struggling to compete with the market. Critics say that Kodak was not able to adapt to digital photography and won’t ever be as good as the likes of Nikon, Canon and other second tier camera brands such as Samsung and Sony.

About four decades ago however, the photography company was given credit for making the first digital camera ever –an innovation, according to the BBC, that changed the world.

Not everyone knows that Kodak took its very first image in 1975 nearly obliterating the market’s need for camera film. Later on of course, all of us got to go digital and can now even take decent photos on our phones.

It was Steven Sasson who invented the first digital camera for the company. It is unfortunate though that Kodak was not able to fully profit from the said invention as its share price went down last year.

There is very little prospect left for Kodak, experts say and now people are paying more attention to the company than ever before. Some are hoping that it will bounce back somehow.

Although the digital camera is revolutionary on its own, one of the greatest fruits of Kodak’s invention is the advent of the cameras on cell phones.

In 2011, while the international media had a hard time getting into Libya, the people captured the goings on on the ground through their camera phones. The looting that happened in England was also captured by camera phones making them a wonderful invention in terms of keeping the world updated with events that matter. It’s not just the news agencies that benefited from this though, families and individuals also got to capture special moments of their lives.

As the year comes to an end, lots of people are still bent on doing some last-minute shopping before 2012. Since most of the malls are now selling items at real low prices to make way for new items for the coming year, those who like bargain shopping and those who would like to save some money are now hitting their nearest department stores.

For those who are thinking of buying a new digital camera before the year ends, here are a few of the best and the most affordable digital cameras one can find.

Canon PowerShot SD1300IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera

This digital camera from Canon features a 2.7 inch LCD screen that’s also scratch-resistant and has anti-reflective coating. More information

Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0 MP Digital Camera

With the Nikon Coolpix L22, taking sharp photos does not necessarily have to be expensive. With its advanced stabilizing features, this product from Nikon is definitely a good buy. The camera also has the capability to adjust shutter speed to suit the preferences of the user. Last time we checked, the camera is sold under $100. More information

Fujifilm FinePix S1800 12.2 MP Digital Camera

This is a professional-looking camera that many would mistake for one of those expensive DSLRs. It features 12.2 megapixels for crisp pictures as well as a lens with 18x wide angle optical zoom. More information

Kodak EasyShare Z981 14MP Digital Camera

Although Kodak does not really have a good reputation when it comes to cameras, this one offers high quality photos as well as precision. It boasts 16x optical zoom and can produce stunning prints. More information

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP Digital Camera

This model is a wonderful little gadget that includes 12.1 megapixels equipped with effective recording. Other product features of this Panasonic digital camera include built-in GPS making it easy for you to keep track of the photos you take depending of course on your location. More information

Photos via gadgetsee.com, pma-show.com, doubledroy.hubpages.com, nikon.com, photographyreview.com

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently visited Bangkok to extend America’s help to the flooded city. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is a hub for manufacturing companies including those that make computer spare parts and other technology-related hardware.

While lots of manufacturing companies were affected with the floods, reports say that Nikon is trying its best to be right on schedule.

Rumors in September said that Nikon might be releasing the D800 by the end of October and the Nikon D4 will be launched first quarter of 2012. So far, there is still no announcement from Nikon.

According to the rumor mill, the Nikon D4 will sport an 18 Megapixel sensor while the D800 is rumored to have 36 MPs. What is more interesting is that some sources claim that Sony will be using the very same sensor from the Nikon D800 for its upcoming Fullframe camera called the Alpha99 or A99. This is not a shocking revelation though because the D800’s sensor is made by Sony. Compared to Nikon’s D800 however, the A99 will be sold at a lower price, sources say.

As the excitement for the new Nikon cameras mount, there is still no official announcement from the camera giant leaving photography enthusiasts to rely on the rumor mill for news. Just yesterday, photos of the D800 were leaked by an insider along with a few tidbits on the basic specifications of the camera.

The headline feature of the D800 according to sources is its video recording capability –a feature that its predecessor the Nikon D700 does not have. Rumor has it that the D800 will be able to shoot up to 1080 p and at 24fps, 30fps and 25fps too.

For those interested in the D4, as of date there is still no news regarding its specifications but one thing is for sure, you will hear more about these upcoming cameras soon.

It’s that time of the year again and the lot of us are now planning to go shopping for the upcoming holidays. Since Christmas bonuses may have already been given, more and more people are hitting the malls but those who are more careful with their money are probably listing the things they want to buy while wrestling with a war in their heads on the things they need and the things they want.

If you are looking for a good camera however, there is no more need for you to be confused as to which one you should buy because all you would have to do is to read reliable digital camera reviews.

For Canon fans, perhaps the best digital camera one can find is the PowerShot SD1300IS. The camera also costs below $200 making it a good buy for those who are trying to save some money.

Canon PowerShot SD1300IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera

Photo via digitalreview.ca

The Canon PowerShot SD1300IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera features a 2.7 inch LCD screen with spectacular color thanks to Canon’s PureColor System.

Technical Details

Shoots in low light environments or dimly-lit places

PureColor System LCD 2.7 inch

12.1 MP resolution allowing sharp image detail and larger print sizes

Smart auto mode

28mm wide-angle lens equipped with an optical image stabilizer and 4x optical zoom

18 predefined settings

Another wonderful choice for digital camera enthusiasts is Nikon’s Coolpix L22.

Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0 MP Digital Camera

Photo via nikon.com

Sold lower than $100, this digital camera from Nikon fixes red-eye and detects faces too. According to other reviews, this digicam makes great portraits thanks to Nikon’s Smart Portrait System.

Technical Details

EXPEED Image processing i.e. Smart Portrait System

Stabilization system (3-way VR Image)

12.0 megapixel; prints up to 16 x 20 inches

Nikkor glass lens 3.6x zoom

Bright 3.0 inch LCD display

Auto mode

Captures 640 x 480 movies; 30fps sound

Nikon got an order from NASA last 2009 for a few D3S digital cameras along with the AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses. These digital cameras along with the lenses were later on whisked off to space to document well space.

Nikon had some sort of celebration about this order of course since it would eventually show the world how sturdy Nikon cameras are.

The photos has been released recently and the photos taken were rather spectacular. The images were taken by astronauts who were at the International Space Station at the time. NASA said that to date, the digital cameras from Nikon has captured over 700, 000 images. What is great about this is that it showed off D3S’s noise suppression features and how good it is in coping with low light environments such as outer space.

It is interesting to note that NASA’s relationship with the camera manufacturer started in 1971 when the Photomic FTN was commissioned by NASA to be used inside Apollo 15. In 2008, Nikon was contacted by NASA again got a shipment of DSLR cameras from the company. The bodies of these D2Xs cameras are still being used in space today. This is definitely wonderful news for many Nikon fans because this goes to show how cool Nikon is and how sturdy it is to be able to go through such a journey and still take wonderful and very sharp images.

When it comes to the cameras used by NASA in 2009, the ISO sensitivity of the said models is no doubt a good addition to what the camera can do especially when one is taking photos in orbit. The most awe-inspiring images were taken by these Nikon cameras.

To date, Nikon products that are kept aboard the International Space Station include 8 modified D2Xs DSLR cameras, 36 Nikkor lenses which also includes 3 teleconverters, 1 unmodified standard consumer D3S from Nikon used for capturing night time scenes and images on the earth’s surface, 7 SB-800 speedlights and 4 eyepieces for D2Xs made exclusively for the space station.

Nikon’s D3100 shoots HD video and has autofocus both in movie and live modes. It offers good image quality for photos and videos for the price of the camera which is relatively cheap compared to other Nikon cameras. This digital camera has good low light abilities as well as intuitive controls and an easy to use guide menu for beginners.

The only problem is, the autofocus makes a lot of noise when the Nikon D3100 is on movie mode. Apart from this, there is no exposure bracketing too and the LCD screen is fixed.

This is however a wonderful entry level DSLR. It has a set of useful features for newbies in the field of photography and has decent image quality as well. Its fresh features make it a very attractive model and a great option for those who would like to hone their photography skills. One of the most notable features of the camera includes its high definition video and autofocus. This does not mean however that the camera is complicated to use. It is a smart piece of gadget and even features a simple design too.

According to Nikon the D3100 is not the company replacement for the D3000 which is still very much available. These two models however are quite similar and have almost the same features. This goes to show though that these series are aimed for the same audience –only with a small price difference.

What’s great about the D3100 is that it has a 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor –an upgrade from its predecessor. Its body is also boasts a rubbery grip making it possible for the photographer to hold it with ease. This Nikon model also features an HDMI port on the side and also has an edit button if you would like to edit right on your camera.

Canon PowerShot G12

Price Range: $484-$641

Date of Release: September 2010

Specifications:

Standard Point and Shoot

5.0x Optical Zoom

10.4 Megapixel

LCD Screen Size of 2.8 inches

720p HDTV Recording


The Good

The great thing about Canon’s PowerShot G12 is that it takes good photos. All photos taken with this digital camera is of high quality. There are many ways for you to tweak your photos with this camera too. Its HDR is also a wonderful addition for those who like taking photos of still subjects.

The Bad

If the ISOs are elevated, this camera has too much noise. To top it off, there is no dedicated button for video recording. This Canon is quite expensive too.

Nikon D700 Digital Camera

Price Range: $1099-$2450

Date of Release: September 2010

Specifications:

SLR/Professional

5.8x Optical Zoom

16.9 Megapizel

CMOS Image Sensor

3.0 inches LCD Screen

1080p HDTV, 720p HDTV

The Good

The great thing about this SLR camera is that it takes terrific photos. At 6 fps, this camera is very responsive. It also focuses faster than other cameras.

The Bad

This camera is not the number 1 in the market because of its price tag but if you are serious about taking photos, this is definitely the camera to buy. Another technical issue that you need to take into consideration is its problematic HD video features.

Sony SLT-A55VL Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens

Price Range: $698-$950

Date of Release: August 2010

Specifications:

SLR/Professional

3.0x Optical Zoom

16.7 Megapixel

Dust proof

CMOS Image Sensor

3.0   inches LCD Screen

The Good

This Sony digital camera takes very good photos. It is the company’s first digicam that uses translucent mirror. This makes it possible for it to autofocus continuously without interruption. It even has an amazing burst mode giving it a high capture speed as compared to other digital SLRs.

The Bad

This camera overheats easily especially if you are overworking it. If you are planning to use it with the 18-250 lens, it is going to be a bit heavier than your previous digital SLRs.

Taking photos is a relaxing and rewarding hobby but how will you take great photographs if you do not know the basics of photography?

Contrary to popular belief, a great camera will not really give you the skills you need to produce amazing photos. You should not discount the potential of a good model from Canon or Nikon to improve your shots though but be sure to learn the basics of photography before taking another shot.

Digital photography is very user-friendly so there is no need to worry too much about the results but if you really want a more hands-on experience, it would be best to take photography classes. Just the basics will help if you are not planning on taking photos as a profession. But before you go ahead with the classes, you would need to choose the proper camera for you.

Here are the basics on choosing the right camera:

1. There are two leading brands when it comes to digital cameras and they are Nikon and Canon.
2. Determine your path as a photographer by asking yourself whether you want to go pro or just want to be a casual photographer.
3. For casual photographers, a Nikon or a Canon under $1000 would do just fine. The Nikon D40 is one great example. If you want a Canon you can take the EOS Rebel XS also known as 1000D.
4. If you are planning to go pro the Nikon D90 and the Canon EOS 50D are great choices.

If you do not belong to the two categories mentioned and consider yourself a very serious photographer, Nikon’s D3 and Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II are the best options.

Improved performance and excellent images for fast shooting and dark conditions with the 12.1-megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor provided by COOLPIX S8100, one of Nikon Inc.’s most recent compact digital cameras.

This CMOS sensor offers enhanced shooting functions in low-light circumstances incorporating the advanced Night Portrait mode which duplicates moments in hours of darkness and interior photos as the photographer views the scene, at the same time minimizing picture haziness.

The COOLPIX S8100 also highlights the Creative Slider, which effortlessly regulates light, saturation and color tone in-camera. Quick Retouch and D-Lighting, additional notable editing functions, provide camera owners the capability to fiddle with their shots while viewing.

Vivid colors black, gold and red are available to choose from in late September for only $299.95. Buyers outside the U.S.A. must have the virtue of patience though, for now, one of the newest digital cameras to hit town is for sale only in the land of milk and honey.

Teleplan Camera Repair is sponsoring a photo story contest on Photography Review and giving away a Nikon D3000 to the winning story. Submit a memorable, funny, special or other story about a camera experience here by May 20th to be eligible to win.

Nikon is well known for making some of the best (Canon fans will argue) cameras in the market today. Their line of DLSR cameras, the D3000 included, is no exception producing some of the best quality pictures available.

The Nikon D3000 is an exceptional entry-level DSLR at10.2 mega-pixels and an inexpensive $600. One unique feature beginners are bound to love is an optional interface to guide first-time DSLR users to taking better pictures.

To win a FREE Nikon D3000, click on the link above and submit a camera story.