If you will be buying a new digital camera or camcorder for Christmas, you may want to consider some of the newer features available on these devices to be sure the one you get won’t seem old before it’s time.  Here are a couple of features to think about.

1. HD resolution
There are many things that influence the quality of the images and video you can create with a digital camera or camcorder. Certianly the sensor and the lens are very critical. Having optical image stabilization is important too for assuring steady shots. However, as you shop for camcorders this year, you will find that high definition recording is becoming dominant. Buying a standard definition camcorder can certainly save you money, but if you plan on keeping your camcorder for several years, HD camcorders may be the way to go. The increased resolution makes enjoying your film on modern HDTV sets much more enjoyable.  Even if you’re on a budget, HD video recording is within reach for most people since some of the best pocket camcorders now offer HD recording as well.

2. Backlit Sensors
Over the past year, the number of cameras with a backlit sensor has gradually increased. You may ask, what are backlit sensors and why would I want one? These sensors have greater light sensitivity and generate less noise in the images they produce in situations where there is less light. Therefore, a good low light digital camera would be one with a backlit or back illuminated sensor. This means that shooting photos at dusk or at night time, indoors, and so forth would produce better results. 

3. Images in 3D
The time has come for 3D to go mainstream. There are now 3D digital cameras as well as 3D camcorders or video cameras. These devices will also capture 2D images of course. Some have optional 3D photo frames and built in 3D LCD screens on the device as well. Of course enjoying those creations on your TV requires that you have a 3D HDTV and the 3D glasses that come with it.

4. Convenience Features
Point and shoot digital cameras and camcorders started adding GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity a year or two ago. The question for consumers is whether or not they want this capability and the extra expense. GPS cameras and GPS camcorders allow the device to automatically geotag the images they capture. This means that you’ll always know where a given photo or video was shot. It can help in archiving and finding images later as well. This is clearly most useful when you travel.

Devices with Wi-Fi simply allow users to transfer photos to computer or compatible printer without connecting physically. It reduces clutter and complexity. There are even a few Wi-Fi digital cameras (such as Canon’s SD430) that allow users to wirelessly control it’s operation with a remote.

These are not must have features for any digital camera or camcorder, however, they do appear to be the wave of the future.