Avoid these pitfalls
15: Bad camera
Pitfall explanation
People don't take crappy photos, camera phones do. This photo typifies too many I saw during my surfing: its hallmarks are an unbelievably strong and defined flash hot spot right smack in the middle of the frame, a hideous cyan color cast, and lens distortion. Camera phones are fine for emergency shots at accident scenes, photos at keggers to spur your alcohol-blurred memory, candid celebrity shots to sell to the tabloids, grunge-art experimentation, and other fleeting uses. And one day, they may grow into real cameras. For now, however, special occasions still call for the genuine article.
People don't take crappy photos, camera phones do. This photo typifies too many I saw during my surfing: its hallmarks are an unbelievably strong and defined flash hot spot right smack in the middle of the frame, a hideous cyan color cast, and lens distortion. Camera phones are fine for emergency shots at accident scenes, photos at keggers to spur your alcohol-blurred memory, candid celebrity shots to sell to the tabloids, grunge-art experimentation, and other fleeting uses. And one day, they may grow into real cameras. For now, however, special occasions still call for the genuine article.
Can this photo be saved?
Nope.
Nope.
How can I avoid this problem?
Buy a grown-up camera.
Buy a grown-up camera.
Which cameras handle these scenes best?
Any camera on our list of top cameras will do, but an ultracompact comes closest to the portability and style of a camera phone.
Editors' top ultracompact cameras
Any camera on our list of top cameras will do, but an ultracompact comes closest to the portability and style of a camera phone.
Editors' top ultracompact cameras
Additional resources
CNET Community: Point and Shout
We've all experienced the joys, the frustrations, and that magical moment when a workaround solution to a particular problem jolts you. Here's a chance to share your brilliance with fellow readers and learn a bit from them.
Online digital photo printing and sharing
Whether you have a handful of vacation shots or you're a serious photographer with a big image archive, there are plenty of sites that can make printing and sharing a pleasure. We tried out more than 40 of them to give you a snapshot of your options.
Digital camera memory-card selector
Choosing digital camera memory--CompactFlash, Secure Digital cards, and Memory Stick--should be a no-brainer compared to choosing a camera. It's not. Let CNET's Digital camera memory selector clear away the smoke and mirrors surrounding these formats and bring storage clarity into your life.
Digital camera buying guide
We've distilled our expert advice on finding the right digital camera into a handy seven-page guide.
CNET Community: Point and Shout
We've all experienced the joys, the frustrations, and that magical moment when a workaround solution to a particular problem jolts you. Here's a chance to share your brilliance with fellow readers and learn a bit from them.
Online digital photo printing and sharing
Whether you have a handful of vacation shots or you're a serious photographer with a big image archive, there are plenty of sites that can make printing and sharing a pleasure. We tried out more than 40 of them to give you a snapshot of your options.
Digital camera memory-card selector
Choosing digital camera memory--CompactFlash, Secure Digital cards, and Memory Stick--should be a no-brainer compared to choosing a camera. It's not. Let CNET's Digital camera memory selector clear away the smoke and mirrors surrounding these formats and bring storage clarity into your life.
Digital camera buying guide
We've distilled our expert advice on finding the right digital camera into a handy seven-page guide.
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