Fashion forward photography

Which is prettier, the picture or the camera that took it?
People are beginning to realize that they really don’t need more than five or six mega-pixels to snap and print a great looking digital photo. As a result, camera manufacturers are starting to hype features other than sensor size, such as LCD screen quality, onboard editing applications, and to an increasing extent, design. Our mobile phones and MP3 players are already as much stylish accessories as functional gadgets. It's perfectly reasonable to demand the same of our cameras. Here are four snapshot models that make a statement in both fashion and function. Canon PowerShot SD40 Digital ELPHhttp://www.canon.ca/ : $399.99 : megapixels: 7.1Available colours: Pink, blue, silver, black Dimensions: 96mm x 45mm x 24mm Canon’s latest ELPH is more compact than most snapshots and comes in no less than four trendy colours, each with sleek chrome accents. It also sports exceptionally comfortable controls, featuring a directional button set more than a centimetre in from the right side of the back of the camera (as opposed to nearer the edge, as is the case on many other snapshots), affording users a solid grip during operation. The trade-off is a relatively-small LCD that measures just 1.8 inches diagonally. While it sports a nice, big 7.1 megapixel image sensor, the lens is both narrow and shallow, providing only 2.4x magnification and a somewhat claustrophobic field of vision – good luck trying to fit in a group of more than two or three people sitting across the table from you. However, the SD40 earns some brownie points for packing plenty of extras in the box, including a handy little remote, a docking station, and a chic silver wrist strap. Olympus Stylus 740http://www.olympuscanada.com/ : $399.95 : megapixels: 7.1Available colours: Black, silver Dimensions: 96mm x 54mm x 24mm The soft lines and smooth metal surfaces of the Stylus 740 make it one of the most elegant and sophisticated-looking snapshot cameras out there. The design of this curvy, metal-encased camera was inspired by natural elements, including waves and sand dunes.
And its design is matched by its performance. The 7.1 megapixel image sensor provides more than enough resolution for quality letter-sized prints, and its Olympus-branded lens delivers natural colours and clarity. It provides up to 5x optical zoom, as well as digital image stabilization to help correct the kind of camera jitters (and resulting image blur) that tend to creep in when shooting at higher magnifications. It’s also one of few fashionable cameras made to take a bit of a beating from the elements. The weatherproof shell allows users to photograph thunderstorms and blizzards without worrying about water damaging the circuitry. The only real downside is what comes in the box—or rather what doesn’t. You’ll find the requisite cables and software, but not much else. Fujifilm FinePix Z3http://www.fujifilm.ca/ : $300.00 : megapixels: 5.1Available colours: Pink, blue, silverDimensions: 89mm x 56mm x 20mm Fujifilm’s FinePix Z3 is making waves mostly because of its non-standard form factor. It’s narrower than any of the other point-and-shoots we looked at, making it appealing for people who plan to slip their camera into a jacket or trouser pocket between shots.Even more impressive is the fact that the lens remains inside the body at all times, even when pumped up to its 3x optical zoom max, allowing the camera to retain its slim and sleek form factor while in use. Its innovation continues in a dual-shooting mode that snaps two images each time the shutter release is pressed, one with a flash, another without – a great solution for amateurs who have trouble figuring out whether or not they have sufficient lighting. And you might find that a large number of non-flash shots turn out surprisingly well, thanks to the camera’s impressive ISO 1600 setting, which delivers wonderfully low levels of grain in shots with less than ideal lighting – a clever way of offsetting the camera’s relatively low 5.1 megapixel image sensor. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01http://www.panasonic.ca/ : $399.99 : megapixels: 6Available colours: Grey, silver, blackDimensions: 94mm x 51mm x24mm This stylish, square, metallic snapshot camera from Panasonic is loaded with classy, old-school mechanical details. The power switch is just that: a good ol’ fashioned toggle. What’s more, the battery compartment cover has an actual latch (as opposed to today’s de facto spring locking mechanisms). The end result is a solidly built camera with a subtly retro look and feel. Given Panasonic’s leadership status in the television industry, it should come as no surprise that the FX01’s LCD screen is one of the best in its class. It’s big, measuring 2.5 inches diagonally, and it has a resolution capable of showing up to 25 thumbnails at once. It’s also stunningly clear and bright – great for daylight shooting. To top it all off, the FX01 has a 28mm wide angle lens capable of capturing a couch full of people in a single frame from only five or six feet away. Its image sensor measures around one megapixel smaller than some other cameras in its price range, but the difference in the quality of printed images is unnoticeable. Take 5Important questions to ask... 1) How long is the warranty and what does it cover? (Some manufacturers offer limited coverage for up to three years.)
2) What form factor options are available? (For example, body material and colour.)
3) Are there any unique firmware features? (Subject slimming or colour alteration applications, audio dubbing while snapping still pictures.)
4) Is there any extra hardware in the box? (Remote, docking station, cables, memory card.)
5) What’s the maximum print size recommended by the manufacturer? (4x6 is a given these days; some snapshots can go up to 11x14 without too much grain.)