Testing Digital Cameras Before You Buy

To test cameras, take a memory card to a camera store. While you are there, shoot the full range of tonal values. A midtone such as green grass or blue sky will give a good idea of color accuracy. Shoot dark shadows. Lesser cameras often produce noticeable “noise” in deep shadow. A very bright subject may overwhelm the digital sensor so that no detail appears. Then take the card home, download it on your computer, and blow the image up to at least 100 percent. This will reveal digital noise, pixelation, and unevenness of color if these exist. If the file quality meets your standards, the camera is a candidate for purchase, and you can make your decision based on features, feel, and price.

-- Adapted from Digital Photography Outdoors, 2nd ed by James Martin (The Mountaineers Books, $18.95 paperback)

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