This is the question we all ask ourselves when first thinking of purchasing a digital camera. What are you looking for in a camera?

Knowing what your needs are and what types of photographs you wish to take will narrow your choices down considerable. There are a variety of types of cameras, not to mention manufacturers, on the market today for you to choose from.

The varieties you will be faced with include SLR Digital Cameras, Digital Compacts, Film Compacts, Direct Vision, etc. Cameras include features such as built in camcorders as well as cameras inside phones. What more could you ask for in a camera?

At a formal time we discussed film and digital compact cameras, as well as the AF SLR series, today we are going to discuss the Direct Vision Cams along with a few other models. If you are off to the amateur division photography scene then you may want to look at the line of direct vision cameras offered by Leica. Few of these direct vision action takers offer high quality pictures while its sounds are nearly noise pollution free.

Looking at a few 35mm, which is commonly utilized by photographers in different models, we will consider the Range Finders. This model or its like has a variety of features including the viewfinder, battery compartment, self-timer, rangefinder, rewind crank, rewind button, lens, PC socket, film speed dial, and so on.

The Rangefinder has a focusing mechanism which allows the photographer to measure the subject distance and take photographs that are in sharp focus. If you want to include yourself in the photo self-timers are incredibly useful for delaying when a photo is taken. There are a few cameras that only allow a few seconds before a photo is taken.

Many of the direct vision cameras have hot-shoes, shutter speed dial, wind-on levers, frame counters, and shutter release buttons. Depending on your needs there are a variety of features and functions that are available.

More options include Mega-Pixel Camcorders, Large Formatting Cams, Instant Cams, Imaging Phones, and Hasselblad XPans 2, etc. If you plan on purchasing a camera phone you need to understand that the included camera is not necessarily the best for photography even though you should be able to transfer your photos to your computer. Camera phones are great when you are on the road taking photos and want to put them on your computer quickly. Bluetooth phones are one of the most popular phones on the market today.

Another option is mega-pixel phone camcorders which are great if you want to create web pages or home movies. You will typically have a lower quality of video which takes these types of camcorders off the market for publishing to the internet. Still, it’s a nice camcorder, since you can make movies and play it back. It’s sort of like an Ipod, yet you have a cam built in.

Instant cameras are obviously not a choice for photographers, unless you have a quickie in mind. Many are familiar with the old Polaroid camera which was, at one time, one of the most popular cameras on the market. Since there were no photo developing costs there were quite popular with professional as well as amateur photographers. At least this is what I felt. Today Fuji has an Instax camera which has taken the place of Polaroid.

We can’t forget about Hasselblad which has a 35mm camera that is incredibly popular with professional photographers. The cam originated from Fuji lines, and would switch easily to a panoramic mode of shot. Hasselblad is one of those cameras that defies history as it puts you in mind of old technology with a modern flair. Hopefully you should have an indication of which cameras are out there and which might meet your needs.

Will you want larger or smaller prints? What are your plans for the photos? Will you want larger or smaller prints? Are you looking to become a professional photographer or stay in the amateur arena?

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First up is a desktop calculator spy camera. Just think of a standard desktop calculator with a small embedded video camera. It is well hidden, because it really functions as a calculator. Look for a camera that records at least 25 FPS (frames per second) at 320×240. Also look for multiple video and photo recording formats, such as AVI, MPEG4, and MP3.

Next up are spy camera watches. These wrist watches have been inspired by spy movies. They typically look like pricey analog watches and have the camera hidden in the face. In one example, the lens is deftly hidden in the numbering. While the video quality may not be as good as in a larger spycam, it is amazing what you can get for less than $200.

Another very spy movie-like device is spy cam sunglasses. These should take both video and photos. Find a pair that takes at least 1.3 Megapixel shots. You should be able to find a pair for under $200.

Now let’s say you need to get some air to ground shots. Then get a spycam plane! This is perfect for reconnaissance. The best part is that most folks don’t think spy plane when they see/hear a RC aircraft up in the sky.

If you would rather keep things on the ground, then there are lots of options for RC cars and trucks with embedded cameras. You could even make your own easily. Some will even transmit video wirelessly to a headset or other screen.

Perhaps you have children and have babysitters or nannies take care of your children periodically. Then you may want something more appropriate that would blend into a kid’s room or perhaps the living room. In this case, there are toys (teddy bears for example!) that have embedded cameras, some of which can be connected to your home computer network and that can transmit live video. You can then view that from any computer with a Web browser.

For more specific examples of devices with embedded spy cameras, take a look at this popular electronics gadget blog.

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