digital cameras
Live preview and adjustable LCDs are the plus points for prosumer digicamsThe prosumer digicams use a video display instead of an optical display of the subject. This view is
available via the LCD screen or from an electronic viewfi nder (EVF). This preview is low-resolution
live preview of what the sensor will record when the shutter release is pressed. A real-time live
histogram is often an option in many of the prosumer digicams to guide your exposure choice
and warn you of excessive contrast. Current advances in LCD technology have made available
large bright screens that have a good viewing angle and on many models can be tilted to make
low-angle or high-angle shooting a breeze. The Sony R1 has a high quality 2 inch fl ip-up and twist
screen that is interestingly mounted on top of the camera rather than on the back of the camera.
This can be rotated on a vertical axis through 270° and angled 100° on a horizontal axis. When
not in use it can be closed with its screen facing in towards the camera body (a very nice touch
for those users who do not handle cameras with kid gloves or those considering a long-term
commitment to the camera). High-end DSLR cameras such as the D2x offer a tempered glass
coating to protect the surface of the LCD screen
MAKING MOVIES
An interesting and attractive feature of most prosumer cameras (but not the Sony R1) is their
ability to double-up as camcorders. Most of the prosumer digicams will now capture movies up
to 640 x 480 pixels at 30 frames per second with sound. Load the camera with a 4 gigabyte
memory card and the prosumer camera suddenly becomes capable of capturing the family’s
holiday movie.