Digital Cameras in India

Digital cameras are becoming extremely popular in India with each passing year. The days when everyone owned a film camera are now becoming passé. It is worthwhile to examine how this trend has become popular in the recent times.

Not many years ago, film cameras dominated the scene in India. The 35 mm format was especially popular and loads of people would be clicking away at literally everything that stands on earth and flies in the sky. Professionals swore by their 35 mm SLRs while amateurs would be more than happy with their point and shoot 35 mm cameras.

Happy and not-so-happy exposures would end up at the film-processing centre in the friendly Indian neighbourhood where they would be developed and printed as per the orders of the client. With the growing popularity of 35 mm film cameras, other formats such as the 110-format camera also became popular.

However, introduction of digital cameras in India have changed customer fancies in a relatively short period. Many companies like Casio, Panasonic, Nikon, Fuji, and Pentax have introduced digital SLRs and point-and-shoot pocket sized digital cameras in the market. These cameras have proved immensely popular with professionals and amateurs alike.

One of the main reasons for the popularity of digital cameras is they avoid the recurring cost of film and printing costs. Although film is a better medium for higher end professional work, at a lesser level, digital cameras provide similar results to film cameras.

Digital cameras store the picture information in a readable and reusable card reader, which is easily downloadable to a computer for further management and use. In addition, common blemishes and errors that amateurs make can be removed using software such as Photoshop®. Regular prints are also possible from these memory cards using modern technology.

Given the technology and the pace of the market in present times, a range of cameras are now available in the market costing from a few thousand rupees to a few lakhs. It is surely intimidating to try to learn which camera can be the right one for you. Follow the following points to determine which digital camera will suit you the most.

• At the outset, the best way forward is to study the market and decide upon a budget. Doing this will allow you to spend money within the exact range. Thus, you can avoid buying a camera that you cannot really afford.
• Do a little research and see which camera your friends or relatives own. Tell them you are planning to buy one, and ask them for a few tips and try to get a dekko of the camera.
• Decide what you really want to photograph. Avoid buying expensive cameras if you want to click just friends and family. In this case, an ordinary camera will suit your needs.
• In case you are just a beginner, there is no need to purchase a professional level camera for taking pictures. Gradually, you will require a more expensive camera with increasing experience. Hence, choose a camera that suits both your pockets as well as your experience level.
• If you are looking at taking simple small sized prints, then ordinary 2.0 mega pixel cameras will suit the bill. However, if you are a professional and require larger print sizes then investing in professional digital cameras is a better idea.
• Check the zoom level in case you want to take a lot of close ups. For decent close ups, a 3x or 4x camera is ideal.
• Before you end up purchasing the camera, it is a good idea to check prices before you take the final decision. Usually, different stores offer different prices and you can end up saving some money before you finally make the purchase.
• Avoid buying the camera from the grey market. Also, make sure you get the bill and the warranty card duly signed by the dealer before you hand over your precious money.

Finally, make sure that you keep good care of it in the days to come. Ensure that no grime settles on it. Always wipe the camera with a clean cloth before you store it away after use. A good idea is to put a small pouch of silica gel desiccant to absorb the moisture. This will prevent moisture related damage to your precious instrument.

A bit of advice, never attempt to repair the camera yourself. There have been many cases where people have repented for their not-so-clever decision to do so. That is all! Make your pick as we wish wishing happy clicking always in the future.