DOES IT MATTER IF IT FITS IN MY SHIRT POCKET?

Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the credit-card size models that easily fit in your shirt pocket, to the rather bulky ones which require a neck-strap (and even a carrying case -- excess baggage, if you ask me).  But no matter what model you choose, it is important to consider the camera's size and feel.

So, what will it be? Go for the small ones?  Sounds like the logical choice, but not quite.  Bear in mind that smaller doesn't always necessarily mean better.  Usually, there are compromises you have to look into.  The most obvious compromise is the limited zoom range (and some models don't even have optical zoom at all). Another factor is the price in relation to the features.  Surprisingly, smaller cameras are pricier than their bigger counterparts and the feature set is severely limited.  Another thing is upgradeability.  Due to their nature, there is no way you can change the lens and you'll have a hard time adding filters for that  special effect you are looking for.  Still, the beauty of small cameras is they easily fit in your shirt pocket, and they are lightweight.

On the other end of the scale, high-end cameras which fall into the "big body" category are laid with gazillions of features that you don't find in the ultra-compact models.  One nice thing about these cameras in particular is you can change the lens and add filters like the traditional SLRs (Single Lens Reflex).  High resolution (5 megapixels or more) and a wide optical zoom range is a standard.  Of course, having these features alone add up to the total cost of the unit itself.  Add to that, the bulkiness of these cameras is reason enough to leave them at home, since they are a pain to lug around family trips.  This is also another reason why these cameras are used more by professional photographers and studios alike.

Now, where does that leave you?  Too small ain't good, same goes for the big ones (then again, these are my personal views -- your opinion may differ).  Fortunately, camera manufacturers are addressing this issue and you'll be pleasantly surprised to find a balance of nice features that you look for in the regular-sized models.  They may not fit as easily in your shirt pocket, but they'll sit comfortably in your pant's or coat pocket.

One last thing... I mentioned before that it's important to consider the digicam's size and feel.  I pretty much covered the size part.  Now how about the feel part?  I'll keep it straight and simple.  Try it out.  See if your hands are comfortable when you hold the camera.  Do you have to use both hands to hold the camera?  And how about the buttons or controls?  Are they accessible and close enough to your fingers?  These questions may sound trivial, but it's also a common factor buyers tend to overlook.  After all, you are the one who is going to use it.

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