AA
AA refers to the standard size of alkaline battery used in most digital cameras. Battery type can vary from alkaline to NiMH, NiCad, or Lithium Ion.

Add-On Lens
This is a lens that attaches to the lens built into the digital camera. While an add-on lens is not as versatile as an actual Interchangeable Lens, it does provide the user with an alternative means of composing a shot, such as telephoto, wide-angle, or add-on filters, to name a few. To date, most digital cameras do not offer this feature. (Please note: a camera offering this option does not necessarily mean that the lens is included with the purchase).

Additional Features
the extra features offered (beyond those noted under Special Features), such as Time Lapse, Solar LCD, and specialty software programs.

Advanced Features
Cameras with the "Advanced" features designation are distinguished from those in the "Intermediate" category in that they possess virtually all of the manual control features associated with a standard SLR/35mm camera, rather than just one (1) or two (2). One of the cameras in our survey has Manual Focus, Manual Aperture, and Manual Shutter controls, for instance. Keep in mind, however, that a digital camera providing these features will also provide you with a hefty price tag.

Alkaline
The most common type of battery used in a variety of products, alkaline batteries can be used with most digital cameras but are probably one of the more expensive power options in the long run, as digital cameras tend to eat up a lot of them.

Aperture
The aperture is the opening in the lens that controls how much light hits the camera's image sensor. Apertures are measured as f-stops (F). The larger the f-stop number, the smaller the lens opening; the smaller the f-stop, the larger the opening and the "faster" the lens. A faster, small f-stop lens allows you to take pictures in lower light situations.

Aperture Modes
The aperture settings available. A lens' aperture is the round hole through which light enters the camera after being focused by the lens. A lens' maximum aperture (specified as an f-stop) indicates the size of the hole through which light enters the camera. Larger apertures (such as f/1.8) let in more light then smaller apertures (such as f/3.2) so you can take images in dimmer light or freeze faster actions (the lower an f/stop the larger the aperture).

Aspect Ratio
The ratio of the size of the horizontal and vertical edges of the image.

Audio Recording
With this feature you can record a short sound bite with each image or in a movie, allowing you to take notes for future reference or add a special note to your image file or have a video with audio.

Auto Flash
"Auto Flash" means the camera has a built-in flash that fires automatically when more light is needed to compose the picture.

Auto Focus
Automatic focus brings the center of interest into sharp focus. (Less expensive cameras have fixed focus lenses with a preset range where everything will be sharp; some of the more expensive digital cameras offer manual focus in addition to or instead of auto focus.)

Basic Features
The cameras that fall into this category typically offer one (1) or two (2) of the following features: Mini-Movie, Time Lapse, Date Stamp, Text Stamp, Digital Print Order Format (DPOF), Rotatable Lens, Remote Control, Solar LCD or Manual Exposure Compensation. As you can see, most of these are special software features, that may be attractive to some users, but certainly do not offer a significant amount of creative influence over picture taking.

Battery Type
Digital cameras use several different battery types. Some offer the option of using AA or AAA alkaline batteries to extend the life of an internal rechargeable battery.

Best Shot
This is a feature whereby the camera chooses the most detailed and vivid image from a series of shots taken.

Brand
Brand is usually the name of the company that makes the particular digital camera, although sometimes companies will produce several brands.

Burst Mode
Also called Continuous Shooting and Rapid-Fire Shots, this feature allows you to take multiple rapid-fire shots with one touch of the exposure button. This can be a very useful feature when shooting subjects in motion. The amount of shots a digital camera can take in burst mode varies from camera to camera. One of the cameras in our guide allows you to take 5 shots in burst mode, at 3.3 frames per second (fps); another one has a 25 shot capability when shooting in burst mode, at 1.5 fps.

Camera-to-Camera Communication
This feature allows image data transfer between other digital cameras made by the same manufacturer.

Card Reader
Card readers store images on "cards" which can then be inserted into a PC or laptop directly or in conjunction with a card adapter. The two available types of card readers are the PC Card and the Mini Card.

Camera Size
Camera Size is a proxy for categorizing the varying dimensions and weights of digital cameras. Pocket Size - a camera so small you can put it in your shirt pocket. Typically, these are extremely lightweight (maximum weight of less than .56 lb.) and have a width under 5 inches. They are also quite flat, with depths rarely exceeding 1.5 inches.
Medium Size - These cameras are slightly larger than Pocket Size cameras, especially in terms of depth and weight. A Medium Size camera weighs somewhere between 0.5 lb. - 1 lb., averaging 0.75 lb. Most digital cameras are Medium Size.
SLR Size - digital cameras which look like standard SLR (Single-Lens-Reflex) cameras. Larger than Medium Size cameras, these typically have rectangular bodies with substantial protruding lenses, and they usually weigh more than one (1) lb. each.

Computer Interface
This describes the way the digital camera can communicate with a computer. A Serial or Parallel interface connects with a port in the back of the computer, like a printer or modem. PCMCIA interfaces plug directly into special slots that are built into most laptop and notebook computers. Other links between a computer and camera include Infrared, SCSI, and even 3.5-inch Floppy Disks.

Continuous Shooting
"Continuous Shooting" is another term for Burst Mode or Rapid-Fire Shots. (See other definitions for more information.)

Date Stamp
This is a feature that allows you to overlay the date on your picture.

Delay Between Shots
The amount of time (measured in seconds) it takes the camera to process and store an image when shooting in normal mode (non-burst), at the camera's maximum resolution setting. This feature is also known as "lag time." While this guide is measuring the recycle time in high resolution mode, it important to note that this feature will vary, depending on the resolution chosen for the particular shot. For example, one of the cameras in our guide has a lag time of 8.5 seconds in "High Resolution Mode" (1280 x 960 pixels); in "Standard Resolution Mode" (640 x 480 pixels) the lag time for the same camera is only 2.5 seconds.

Description
Short summary of the camera's most important features.

Detachable Lens
Detachable lenses allow you to place the lens strategically in those places not readily accessible from a particular vantage point, while still allowing you to see the image on the LCD panel. A detachable lens is tethered to the PC by a cable and can be a great option when trying to take shots over crowds of people, for instance.

Digital Zoom
Magnifies the center 50% of an image through digital Interpolation of the pixels. This magnification technology is inherently less vivid than the magnification abilities of an optical (real multi-focal length) zoom lens. As a matter of fact, the same effect of a digital zoom can be re-created with some in-camera editing tools using a technique called "cropping."

Dimensions
The external size of the camera, measured in inches (Height x Width x Depth).

Disk Copy
Disk copy is a feature which uses internal memory as temporary storage, allowing you to insert a blank disk into the camera and record the standing images. Of course, this feature is only available on cameras whose method of image transfer is the 3.5 in. floppy disk.

Document Mode
An uncommon feature, document mode allows you to adjust the contrast of your photograph to emphasize black text--something that may be useful when taking shots of documents.

DPOF
DPOF stands for Digital Print Order Format-- a feature that allows you to send images directly to the printer while controlling the quantity and order of the images being printed.

Ease of Download
This refers to how the camera downloads its pictures to your computer or printer. Some digital cameras offer more than one means of downloading your images.
Via 3.5" Floppy Disk - With this feature, the camera stores its images on the same floppy disks that you use in your PC or Macintosh. You transfer the image by taking the floppy from the camera and putting it in your computer.
Via Removable Memory - Many digital cameras store images on removable memory devices that can be swapped in and out of the camera like rolls of film (CompactFlash and SmartMedia are two common examples). These can then be used with a variety of card readers (depending on the type of storage), which are typically purchased as an additional accessory (i.e., they are not provided by the manufacturer "in the box"). PCMCIA Type II or III cards are credit card size memory that do not require a card reader to download the images; you can insert the card directly into laptop computers. "Removable Memory" does not include 3.5 in. floppy disks.
Via Infrared - Infrared transmission uses invisible light to transfer pictures to your computer or printer. Also known as "IrDA," this technology allows you to download images without using cables or wires, but is also extremely slow.
Via Parallel Cable - A parallel cable transfers images faster than a serial connection, as it is able to send multiple bits of information at the same time (i.e. "in parallel").
Via SCSI Cable - SCSI is a form of image transfer involving a high speed bus cable system, used only with Macintosh computers and high-end PCs.
Via Serial Cable - The most standard type of serial cable is identified as a "RS-232" interconnector. This method is relatively slow in comparison to a USB cable connection, but it's still quite common.
Via USB Cable - A USB (short for Universal Serial Bus) cable transports images from your digital camera via a serial connection that is the fastest among all cable download options available today. It is important to note, however, that this type of connection can only be used with newer Pentium computers, and won't work on PCs with slower or older processors. Note that most cameras that come with a USB cable will also include a serial and/or parallel cable.
Via CDR - Some newer cameras use specially made recordable CDs to save images. This gives you the opportunity to save about 150 megabytes of pictures onto a disc that will slip into you computer's CD-Rom drive, where you can copy the pictures straight to your hard drive. This feature will tend to make the camera larger and bulkier, and you won't be able to copy over your pictures once you close the disc, but you may appreciate or prefer the ease of transfer.

F-stop (F)
Apertures are measured as f-stops (F). The larger the f-stop number, the smaller the lens opening; the smaller the f-stop, the larger the opening and the "faster" the lens. A faster, small f-stop lens allows you to take pictures in lower light situations. The range of f-stop settings varies from camera-to-camera, and can fall anywhere along the full range of f-stop settings available in standard SLR cameras: F1, F1.4, F2, F2.8, F4, F5.6, F8, F11, F16, F22, F32, F45.

Flash Type
Like many film cameras, some digital cameras have a built-in flash. The flash makes a burst of light for shooting inside or in low-light conditions. Some cameras have automatic flash, which automatically turns on the flash when more light is needed. The flashes built into most digital cameras have limited range and adjustability (on average, these flashes do not work well beyond 10 feet), in comparison to external flash options which can provide a much more powerful and versatile flash. Keep in mind that a camera with a "Hot Shoe" or "Flash Sync," will often come with the standard built-in flash as well.(See definitions of Flash Sync or Hot Shoe for more information regarding external flashes.)

Flash "Off" Mode
Allows user to turn off the flash when it isn't needed, or when an alternative effect is desired.

Flash "On" Mode
By turning the flash mode to this setting, the user is able to fire a flash everytime a picture is taken, regardless of "good" or "bad" lighting conditions. One example where this would be useful is a technique known as "Fill Flash." When shooting subjects in extremely bright light, such as on sunny ski slopes, using the flash will actually serve to lighten or "fill" the shadows created by the subjects, thereby creating more visible detail.

Flash Sync
Flash sync allows you to use more powerful flashes and/or place the flash strategically by attaching an external flash unit to the camera. The flash is connected to the camera via a sync cord (cable). Most digital cameras have limited on-camera (built-in) flash capabilities, limiting the effectiveness of their flash mechanisms to approximately ten feet. Typically, a camera with flash sync will also offer the more traditional forms of flash, such as auto flash.

Focal Length
When you translate familiar 35 mm camera focal lengths to digital cameras, you'll find a great deal of confusion. This is because the size and shape of image sensors isn't standardized. To make digital camera focal lengths more comprehensible, you'll often see references to lens focal lengths such as: 7 mm equivalent to a 50 mm lens. The 7mm figure is the actual focal length of the lens in the camera. It's so short because most image sensors are tiny, perhaps 1/3 or an inch or so. The "equivalent to a 50mm lens" is given because many people are familiar with 35 mm cameras and we are still in a transition to a new way of thinking about cameras and lenses.

Wide angle lenses, between 20-40mm in length, can capture a large scene even if the camera is close. Normal lenses, ranging between 40-55mm, are closely matched to human vision. Longer telephoto lenses help make distant objects look closer.

Focus
There are three (3) types of focus available on cameras: automatic, manual, or fixed. Automatic focus cameras typically use an infrared beam to determine the camera's distance from the object in the center brackets of the viewfinder, adjusting the lens' focus to that distance. Manual Focus allows you to adjust the focus to a desired setting. Fixed focus cameras do not allow their lenses to be adjusted, but often will offer several fixed settings.

High Recycle Time
"High Recycle Time" refers to the amount of time it takes the camera to process and store an image when shooting in normal (non-burst) mode at the camera's maximum resolution setting.

Hot Shoe
The hot shoe is a structure found on some digital cameras, to which you may attach an external flash unit. The flash slides into the "hot shoe" which makes an electrical connection to the shutter and auto exposure system and fires when the picture is taken. Some cameras offering hot shoe capabilities also offer the more traditional forms of flash, such as automatic.

Image Capacity
Image capacity is the number of pictures you can take before you are out of storage space. Some cameras store pictures in memory built into the camera itself, while others store the images on removable memory cards or even standard diskettes, which you can think of as digital rolls of "film". Of course, the more storage available, the more pictures you can take before having to "reload." The quality of the image will also affect the amount of storage you use. The higher the resolution of the picture, the more memory it requires.

Images at Max Resolution
The number of high-resolution pictures the camera can store. If the camera has only one resolution mode, then this number is the same as Image Capacity. Higher resolution images require more memory, so fewer of them can be stored than standard- or low-resolution pictures.

Image Quality
The capability of the camera to reproduce color and shades of gray. A camera with 24-bit color quality is capable of reproducing millions of different colors. Cameras offering a "Grayscale" option can produce black and white images, which require very little storage space.

Image Sensor
The type of device used in digital cameras to capture an image. The two (2) most common types are known as "CCD" and "CMOS." A CCD is a "charged coupled device" and CMOS stands for "complementary metal oxide semi-conductor."

In-Camera Editing
In-camera editing allows you to decide whether or not to keep pictures in your camera. You can review the pictures through the viewfinder or LCD display, and delete those you do not want to keep. This way, you can free up memory to store more pictures. Without this feature, you would have to keep all the pictures you shoot, then download them to a computer for editing.

Infrared (IrDA)
Infrared transmission uses invisible light to transfer pictures to your computer or printer. Also known as "IrDA," this technology allows you to download images without using cables or wires, but it's also extremely slow.

Instant Prints
A feature that allows you to print your pictures from film you load into the camera, just like the instant photo cameras of the past. You can preview each photo before printing, and either save the picture, or print it out, or both.

Interchangeable Lens
This option allows youa user to physically change the type of lens you use. It's a rare feature on digital cameras, and it adds quite a bit to the cost.

Intermediate Features
Cameras in this category offer some manual control options, such as Manual Focus or Manual White Balance, in addition to the some of the features in the "Basic" category. An example of a camera with this designation is the Casio QV-7000SX, with its manual white balance control, Rotatable Lens and Mini-Movie feature.

Interpolation
When talking about digital cameras, "interpolation" refers to a digital means of adding pixels to an image by using a complex algorithm. This creates an enlarged or magnified image.

ISO Equivalent
Conventional camera film is rated using the International Standards Organization (ISO), which determines the film speed. The higher the ISO number, the "faster" the film, meaning the less light needed to take a picture. Although digital cameras do not use traditional film, the industry uses an ISO equivalency rating to describe their light sensitivity. For example, a digital camera with an ISO 100 rating could be used for outside shots in the sun, while an ISO 800 camera could take shots indoors with no flash.

LCD Display
With this feature you view your subject on a small rectangular display screen ranging between 2 and 4 inches measured diagonally. This method may be preferable to viewing your image through a standard eyepiece.

Level of Features
"Level of Features" refers to the various "bells and whistles" of a digital camera that distinguish it from the other models. These features can be categorized into different groups, depending on the degree of creative control that is being offered by the feature(s). Please note that the actual features will be listed on the results page under Special Features.

Lithium Ion
A type of rechargeable battery that is lighterthan either a NiMH or a NiCad battery. Unfortunately it Lithium Ion batteries are also more expensive than their NiMH or MiCad cousins.

Low Recycle Time
"Low Recycle Time" refers to the amount of time it takes the camera to process and store an image when shooting in normal (non-burst) mode, at the camera's lowest resolution setting.

Macro Focus
A camera with a macro focus feature has a lens that can focus very close to the subject. This allows you to close-up shots, usually within one foot or less.

Manual Aperture
The aperture setting on most digital cameras is set automatically, as most digital cameras have automatic exposure. Manual aperture control however, gives the user more control over exactly how much light hits the lens. This feature can be quite useful when working with depth of field to create a desired look.

Manual Exposure
Manual exposure allows the user to control both the shutter speed and the aperture settings on a camera. Most digital cameras offer fully automatic exposure or automatic exposure with an exposure compensation option which is slightly more versatile than simple auto. While these options can often be good enough to compose a beautiful image, when going for more specialized effects--such as a blurred image--controlling the shutter settings is mandatory.

Manual Exposure Compensation
This feature is not to be confused with Manual Exposure - which is a fully-manual feature. Manual Exposure Compensation allows for minor adjustments to the automatic exposure settings. When a scene has a lot of contrast or is backlit, for example, automatic exposure typically does not have the precision to adjust for this. Therefore, being able to lighten or darken the scene is an important option. A camera's manual exposure compensation ability is expressed as an "Exposure Value" (EV), which refers to a particular combination of aperture and shutter settings (i.e. EV +/-1 or +/-2). Increasing the EV (+1) allows you to lighten a scene, whereas decreasing EV (-1) allows you to darken it. Some cameras have limited manual exposure compensation ability (i.e. +/-1 range) vs. others that almost match the capability of a fully manual aperture and shutter settings (i.e. +/-10).

Manual Features
Most digital cameras have fully automatic operation. Some however, come with manual features. These are the creative controls on the camera which allow you to adjust the focus, exposure settings, and white balance to allow for more precise picture-taking. Keep in mind that the degree of manual functionality can vary from one camera to another. For example, some cameras with "Manual Focus" have a traditional manual focus ring, whereas others offer multiple pre-set options from which to choose. Options: Manual Aperture, Manual Exposure Compensation, Manual Focus, Manual Shutter, Manual White Balance.

Manual Focus
Most digital cameras have either automatic or fixed focus. Manual focus, a more advanced feature, allows the user to adjust the lens to more precise settings, thereby offering more creative influence over image composition. For example, manual focus allows you to focus on any part of the subject being viewed through the lens (auto focus always focuses on the center of the subject). Keep in mind however, that the degree of manual focus options vary from camera to camera. The traditional manual focus ring found on the some cameras offers greater versatility than the manual focus override option found on some others which offers a number of pre-set focus options from which to choose.

Manual Shutter
The camera's shutter opens and closes when you take a shot, allowing light to hit the image sensor. Most digital cameras have auto exposure, which sets the the shutter speed automatically. A very fast shutter speed (1/10000 sec) can capture fast action, like automobile racing, while slow shutter speeds (1 sec) can take shots of the stars or city lights. Being able to control the speed of the shutter allows for more creative control over how motion is expressed in your pictures.

Manual White Balance
White balance adjusts the brightness of colors in a scene so that the brightest object appears "white." The result of this feature is an image with truer color reproduction. Most digital cameras have automatic white balance; manual white balance control allows the user to create more exact color schemes.

Max Aperture
The aperture is the opening in the lens that controls how much light hits the camera's image sensor. Apertures are measured as f-stops (F). The larger the f-stop number, the smaller the lens opening; the smaller the f-stop, the larger the opening and the "faster" the lens. A faster, small f-stop lens allows you to take pictures in lower light situations.

Max Focal Length (35mm)
The maximum focal length, given in terms of the 35 mm camera equivalent. See Min Focal Length and Focal Length for more information.

Max Horizontal Pixels
The maximum number of horizontal pixels available considering all resolution modes available in the model.

Max Image Quality
Image quality refers to the capability of the camera to reproduce color and shades of gray. A camera with 24-bit color quality is capable of reproducing millions of different colors. Cameras offering a "Grayscale" option can produce black and white images, which require very little storage space.

Max. Resolution
Maximum resolution is an absolute number that the camera's Image Sensor can physically record. The quality of any digital image depends in part on its resolution—the number of pixels used to create the image. More and smaller pixels add detail and sharpen edges. Interpolated Resolution adds pixels to the image using complex software alogrithms to determine what color they should be. It is important to note that interpolation doesn't add any new information to the image—it just makes it bigger.

Max Shutter Speed
Being able to control shutter speeds lets you decide if a moving object will appear sharp or deliberately blurred in the image. Faster shutter speeds allow you to freeze faster action.

There are two delays built into digital cameras that affect your ability to respond to fast action when taking pictures:

The delay you experience between pressing the shutter button and capturing the image. This delay can be up to 1 or 2 seconds long. The delay is caused because when you press the shutter release, first the camera clears the image sensor. Then it sets the white balance to correct for color. Only then does the camera set the exposure and focus the image (if you're using autofocus). Finally the camer fires the flash (if it's needed) and takes the picture.
The Recycle Time, which occurs when the captured image is processed and stored. This delay can range from a few seconds to half a minute.
Some cameras have a Burst Mode that lets you take one photo after another as long as you hold down the shutter button. To increase the frame rate, they often reduce the resolution used to capture the images. Another and better way to reduce the recycle time is to temporarily store a series of images in the camera's RAM until they can be processed.

Max Vertical Pixels
The maximum number of vertical pixels available considering all resolution modes on the camera.

Min Focal Length (35mm)
The minimum focal length given in terms of the 35 mm camera equivalent. A combination of a camera's minimum focal length and the zoom capabilities will give you an indication of Angles of View that the camera can cover. Generally the focal length increases as the field of view decreases. For example, a 28mm focal length covers a 65 degree field of view; a 50mm focal length covers a 40 degree field of view. See Focal Length and Focal Length for more information.

Mini-Movie
This feature on a digital camera allows the user to create a short movie for those times when still images simply don't do the trick.

Min Shutter Speed
Slower shutter speeds let you blur action or capture scenes in low light levels, perhaps when using a tripod to eliminate blur caused by camera movement. See Max Shutter Speed for more information on shutter speeds.

Model
The manufacturer's name for a particular camera.

MSRP Price
We list the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Generally, the price that you will pay at the store is 10-30% lower. When an MSRP is not available we will list the average retail price and note it in the description.

Multiple Methods (of image transfer)
A digital camera with "Multiple Methods" of transfer will at a minimum offer Serial interconnection, USB Cable interconnection, and a Card Reader all in one package. In addition to these features, there are a few cameras which also have Infrared (IRDA) transfer capability.

NiCad Battery
NiCad is short for Nickel Cadmium. This is a battery with limited rechargeability, as it needs to be fully drained before it can be fully recharged, and has basically been replaced by NiMH batteries.

NiMH Battery
NiMH is short for Nickel-Metal Hydride. The battery is perhaps the most versatile of the rechargeable battery contingent for digital cameras and has, for the most part, replaced NiCad.

Optical Zoom
An optical zoom magnifies the image using a real multi-focal length lens, whereas a Digital Zoom enlarges the center portion of the image using a complex algorithm known as Interpolation. The magnification level is expressed in degrees, such as "2X" or "3X." A "2X" optical zoom, for example, means that if the camera's minimum focal length is 50mm, then it has the ability to take pictures up to 100mm. More than 50% of the digital cameras on the market today do not have an optical zoom.

Other Image Quality Modes
Optional settings to vary the quality of image stored in the camera's memory such as 8 bit color and 8-bit B&W, for example. Sometimes expressed in subjective terms(Good, Better, Best), rather than in pixels. Cameras that allow you to switch resolutions give you the option of saving valuable storage space at the expense of image quality. Compression reduces the size of the data, allowing for additional pictures to be stored. Compressed data has to be expanded before use, which may cause the image to lose clarity.

Palm Size
A "Palm Size" camera fits easily into the palm of your hand. These are slightly larger than Pocket Size cameras, especially in terms of depth and weight. A "Palm Size" camera weighs somewhere between 0.5 lb. - 1 lb., averaging 0.75 lb. Most digital cameras are "Palm Size."

Panorama Tagging
This is an in-camera editing feature which allows the user to tag images, which are then "stitched" together digitally to compose a panoramic shot.

Pics in Burst Mode
This feature, also known as "Continuous Shooting Mode," allows you to take multiple rapid-fire shots with one touch of the exposure button.

Platform
This refers to whether the camera and its software are compatible with a Windows-based PC, Macintosh, or both.

Pocket Size
A "Pocket Size" camera is so small that you can put it in your shirt pocket. Typically, these are extremely lightweight (maximum weight of less than .56 lb.) and have a width under 5 inches. They are also quite flat, with depths rarely exceeding 1.5 inches.

Price
We list the Average Street Price (ASP). Although ASP may be higher than the best retail price you can find, it is a good indication of what you may pay at a typical retailer. When an ASP is not available we list the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

Prosumer
Prosumer is a catchy term, used to describe a type of camera model, that basically means "semiprofessional." ( i.e. in digital camera terms, this means advanced features at sub-professional price).

Rapid-Fire Shots
Another term that means Continuous Shooting and Burst Mode, this feature allows you to take multiple rapid-fire shots with one touch of the exposure button. This can be a very useful feature when shooting subjects in motion. The amount of shots a digital camera can take in burst mode varies from camera to camera. One randomly selected camera in our guide allows you to take 5 shots in burst mode at 3.3 frames per second (fps), while another has a 25 shot capability when shooting in burst mode at 1.5 fps. As you can see, camera capabilities will vary widely.

Recycle Time
The amount of time (measured in seconds) it takes the camera to process and store an image when shooting in normal mode (non-burst) at the camera's maximum resolution setting. This feature is also known as "lag time." While this guide is measuring the recycle time in high resolution mode, it important to note that this feature will vary depending on the resolution you choose for the particular shot. For example, one camera's lag time when shooting in "High Resolution Mode" (1280 x 960 pixels) is approximately 8.5 seconds; in "Standard Resolution Mode" (640 x 480 pixels) it is only 2.5 seconds.

Red-Eye Reduction
Some cameras with a flash feature also offer Red-Eye Reduction, which helps with the problem of your subjects' eyes turning red when using a flash. With Red-Eye Reduction, the camera shoots a small burst of light just before the main flash, which helps prepare the eyes of the people you are shooting, allowing their pupils to contract.

Remote Control
Remote control allows you to take a picture without holding the camera--an alternative to using a self-timer.

Resolution
A digital image is made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny dots, called pixels. The resolution of the camera is equal to the number of horizontal pixels multiplied by the number of vertical pixels. The more pixels in an image, the sharper the picture. Some cameras have resolution as high as 1600 x 1200 (1,920,000) pixels, while others only have the capability of 320 x 240 (76,800)pixels. And some cameras offer several different resolution modes. The bottom line is: higher the resolution, the better the picture. But high resolution is expensive and requires much more memory per picture.

Resolution Mode
Some cameras offer several different resolution modes. Available modes are listed.

Rotatable Lens
A rotatable lens is exactly what it sounds like: a lens that rotates. Some rotatable lenses rotate 180 degrees while others can rotate a full 360 degrees, allowing you to compose a self-portrait while viewing yourself on the LCD panel.

SCSI
SCSI is a form of image transfer involving a high speed bus cable system, used only with Macintosh computers and high-end PCs.

Self Timer
A self-timer allows you to set a countdown timer of 10 seconds or more, so you can set up the camera and then run back to get into your own shots.

Serial Cable
A serial cable is a serial data interconnection used to download images from the camera to the PC or printer via a cable. The most standard type of serial cable is identified as an "RS-232" interconnector. This method is relatively slow in comparison to a USB cable connection, but it's an inexpensive hardware solution, and therefore it's still quite common.

Shutter Speed
The camera's shutter opens and closes when you take a shot, allowing light to hit the image sensor. Shutter Speed refers to the amount of time the shutter stays open. It's measured in fractions of a second. A very fast shutter speed (1/10000 sec) can capture fast action, like automobile racing, while slow shutter speeds (1 sec) can take shots of the stars or city lights.

SLR
SLR means "Single-Lens-Reflex." An SLR camera allows you to view your image through the same lens that takes the picture.

SLR Size
"SLR Size" refers to digital cameras which look like a standard SLR (Single-Lens-Reflex) camera. Larger than Palm Size cameras, these typically have rectangular bodies with substantial protruding lenses. They typically weigh more than one (1) pound each.

Solar LCD
Since LCD monitors use up a lot of battery power, some manufacturers have created a feature which illuminates the panel by using sunlight. Different manufacturers call this feature by different proprietary names; for our survey, we are referring to it simply as "Solar LCD."

Special Features
These are the "bells and whistles" of a digital camera that distinguish it from other models.

Storage Size
Digital cameras store their images as electronic files, like the files on the hard drive of a computer. The more storage space, the more images the camera can store. Like computer storage, digital camera storage is measured in megabytes (MB). Most cameras have 2-8MB of internal storage, but many offer removable storage devices that can store as much as 250MB or more. In Active Buyer's Guide, "storage size" refers to the amount of memory shipped with the camera.

Storage Type
Digital cameras can store images in a fixed amount of internal memory, or on removable memory devices that can be swapped in and out like rolls of film. Some cameras offer both internal and removable storage options. The camera will come with some storage, and you can buy more to increase your shooting capacity.

SmartMedia - SmartMedia--also known as Solid State Floppy Disk Cards (SSFDC)--use flash memory, but unlike CompactFlash, they require the controller functions for compatibility and other tasks to reside on the camera rather than on the storage media. While this keeps the cost of SmartMedia lower, it cannot assure the forward and backward compatibility features of CompactFlash (i.e., compatibility between older or newer cards and specific cameras is not always guaranteed). A SmartMedia Card is a single flash chip solution, which limits card capacity and ability to store large high-resolution picture files. Today, only 2MB, 4MB and 8MB SmartMedia cards are available for digital camera consumers.
CompactFlash - CompactFlash is a small form-factor (about the size of a matchbook; with type II cards being slightly thicker than type I) storage medium that combines non-volatile storage and high capacity with strict industry-standards. Because they are designed to the guidelines set by the CompactFlash Association, a base-level assurance of compatibility has been set between all certified CF cards and any CF-compliant device. Today CompactFlash cards are available in capacities ranging from 4MB to 64MB. Most cameras equipped with a type II CompactFlash slot accept the high-capacity IBM Microdrives (170MB and 340MB capacity). Also, type I cards can be inserted into type II slots.
3.5 inch Floppy - Standard floppy disks like the ones you'd use in a computer. Images can be viewed on virtually any computer, without the need to connect the camera to the computer with a special cable. Memory capacity is 1.4 MB per disk.
PCMCIA - PCMCIA Type II or III cards are credit card size memory that you can insert directly into laptop and notebook computers. Its memory capacity is between 2MB and 15MB. Most digital cameras equipped with a PCMCIA type II card slot will also accept the high-capacity IBM Microdrive (170MB and 340MB capacity).
Iomega Clik! Disk - A two-inch by two-inch disk which holds 40MB of data. Used in conjunction with the Clik! PC Card Drive, this storage card can be inserted directly into PC laptops with a standard PC Card slot running Windows 95 or 98.
Memory Stick - A type of digital data storage, manufactured by Sony, which is smaller than a stick of chewing gum. Available in 4MB or 8MB storage sizes and as a kit with a PC card adapter.
Multimedia Card - A very small card for storing your picture, at present limited to 128MB. Its size is its greatest advantage, allowing for smaller form-factors in the surrounding cameras.
Secure Digital Card - A relatively new format, Secure Digital is about the size of a postage stamp (though a little thicker, of course). It's compatible with other SD products, like MP3 Players and PDAs, both of which take advantage of the copy-protection advantages of the SD format. Some SD cameras are also compatible with Multimedia Cards, too. If this is the case, we'll note it in the "Notes" section of the specifications page.
SuperDisk - This diskette looks like a standard 1.44MB floppy, but it has the ability to store 120MB. The diskette is manufactured by Imation Corporation, and can be inserted into a SuperDisk drive. Cameras equipped to handle a SuperDisk can also be used with a standard 3.5 in. floppy.
Internal - Storage is built-in. Once the internal memory is used up by images, the user has to download and erase the images to continue taking pictures.
Internal with removable media - Some models have internal memory with a proprietary type of removable storage. With proprietary storage you usually can buy additional storage only from the manufacturer.
Mini Card - The Miniature Card is designed to be reused repeatedly without loss of image quality. It's a convenient way to move image files from today's filmless digital cameras and portable PC cameras and back to the PC. Miniature cards are currently available in 4MB, 8MB and 16MB capacities.
CDR - CDRs, or recordable CDs, simply store your images on a CD for quick transfer to your computer through your CD-Rom drive. At present they hold about 150 megabytes of memory and cost less than $5, which make them a very attractive alternative to other storage media. Unfortunately, adding a CD recorder to a digital camera greatly increases the size and cost of the camera.

Text Stamp
This is a feature that allows you to overlay selected text on your pictures, which can be a handy feature for organizing your images.

Time Lapse
Time lapse is a feature which allows you to "program" the digital camera to take pictures at pre-defined intervals. For example, you can set the camera to take a shot every 3 minutes until the camera runs out of memory. This feature is not to be confused with a Self Timer which simply allows you to arrange a scene and the camera settings in advance and then include yourself in the picture.

Transfer Method
The transfer method is how the camera downloads its pictures to your computer or printer. Serial Cables are still the most common form of transfer, despite being relatively slow. Removable storage options such as PCMCIA cards, Mini Cards or 3.5 in. Floppy Disks are an alternative and sometimes more convenient means of transferring your images to your computer. Lastly CDRs are a new format that will allow you to put your images on a CD to transfer to your hard drive through your CD-Rom or DVD drive. Some digital cameras offer more than one (1) means of downloading your images.

USB Cable
USB is short for Universal Serial Bus. A USB cable transports images from your digital camera via a connection that is much faster than a serial or parallel cable (it supports a data speed of 12 megabits per second). It is important to note, however, that this type of connection can only be used with the newer Pentium computers, and won't work on PCs with slow or older processors. Note that many cameras that come with a USB cable will also offer a serial and/or parallel connection option.

Via Cable
In terms of transfer method, "Via Cable" refers to one of two means of downloading images. The most common form of transfer is with a Serial Cable connection, but many digital cameras also use a parallel port connector to transfer images. Both means of transfer are rather slow in comparison to a USB Cable or a Card Reader.

Video Output
You can connect a digital camera with video output directly into a TV or VCR. With this feature you can view or edit your images on a full size television screen, or record your images onto a VHS video tape.

Viewfinder
Digital Cameras have three possible ways of viewing a scene before taking a picture. One is by LCD display, while the other two are through a "viewfinder." The most common type of "viewfinder" is an optical viewfinder, often referred to simply as a viewfinder. However, a few digital cameras have an "LCD viewfinder" - not to be confused with an actual LCD display. An LCD viewfinder allows you to put your eye against the eye-piece as you would with an optical viewfinder, but instead of seeing the "real world", you see the LCD's digital version. An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is a flat monitor that displays images like a small television screen. Most cameras offer only one of the three types, but some have a combination of the three.

Warranty
The length of time the Digital Camera is covered by its manufacturer for defects or repairs. Most warranties are divided into "Parts" and "Labor" coverages, with different time periods for each.

Weight
How much the camera weighs in pounds, usually not including the weight of the image storage cartridge or accessories.

Zoom
With a zoom lens, you can change the focal length to make subjects appear closer or farther away. A zoom lens with a long maximum focal length (100mm or more) can help bring distant subjects in closer. And a standard length zoom lens makes it easier to compose a shot without having to walk forward or backward. An Optical Zoom is a real or true magnification whereas a Digital Zoom enlarges the center 50% of the image by using a complicated mathematical algorithm known as Interpolation. Magnification level is expressed in degrees, such as "2X" or "3X." For example, a "3X" zoom means that if the camera's minimum focal length is 50mm, then it has the ability to take pictures up to 150mm. Cameras bearing both an optical and digital zoom can combine the effect of the zoom capabilities for even greater shot selectivity.