Choosing a digital camera

Some cameras are primarily for still photos while others have HD video recording capabilities. Some cameras have sensors that record 10 megapixels (MP) and others have sensors that record 24 MP. A common question is, “What is the difference between all of these cameras?” Another question is simply, “Which camera is right for me?” The answer to the second question really depends on what types of photos you want to take and how easy you want it to be to take them.

The two types of cameras

There are two main types of digital cameras: point and shoot cameras and Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras. The second type of camera is usually more advanced. A few of the main differences are shown below.

Most consumers opt for a point and shoot camera. Advantages they have over DSLRs is that they are much smaller, lighter and generally cheaper.

Camera Settings

It can be easy to take a photo on both types of cameras due to an automatic setting that are very accurate. In addition to an automatic setting, both types of cameras should have scene settings. These settings are designed to tell the camera to take a portrait photo or to take a photo where the sun is behind the subjects. Still, a DSLR camera will usually offer more options so that the photographer can choose exactly how the photo is exposed.

Verdict

DSLR take images in a RAW format. This means that it records more data than what is shown in the image. That allows advanced computer users to edit and manipulate the image extensively.

If one is looking for a camera for family occasions, vacation photos, photographs of ceremonies like a graduation, then a point and shoot is a good choice. If someone is a nature photographer, a portrait photographer, or needs flexibility with his or her images, then a DSLR is probably right for that photographer.

Why the market prices of gold are falling

 The falling price of gold

The market price of gold recently reached near-record highs. On the Comex market, an exchange for commodities like gold and silver, gold prices were above $1,600 towards the beginning of this year. On July 19, however, the price was down to $1,290, which is even an increase from June prices. The mid-June prices represent a 29.5% drop in the value of gold since the beginning of 2013 as reported by the Financial Times. Bloomberg Businessweek noted that this was the steepest drop since 1980, and it occurred over two days.

Why has the price dropped?

Prior to this drop, gold prices were increasing. This inflation lead to the most rapid rise in gold prices in approximately 90 years, according to the Financial Times. Many commodity traders and investors viewed gold as a safe, moneymaking investment. The inflation slowed down, however, when traders and investors no longer saw gold this way. Thus, demand for gold declined and so did its price. This decline in prices became a global phenomenon.

What now?

The price of gold could increase, but many do not expect that to happen right away. Some investors have even been trading their gold for silver as they perceive silver to be more secure investment. The lower price has also affected the mining industry, which may have to cut costs.

What does this mean for consumers?

Now that gold prices are falling from such highs, it is time to sell. If one is interested in trading gold for cash, then now is the time. One should attempt to sell gold before the prices drop further.