High speed camera providers would always like to sell their most expensive model to those in the entertainment and media industries, but many buyers know that the most expensive high speed camera is not always the best choice. Since information about high speed cameras is readily available through print and online resources, many buyers know what features they need before they go shopping for their cameras.

If the pricing and costs of high speed cameras is something you need to consider carefully, make sure you ask providers of high speed camera equipment the right questions. Some common questions may include:

1. What types of lenses can work with any specific model?

2. How does the camera take and store pictures?

3. Are their additional features that makes the high speed camera superior to a similar model?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy high speed cameras with limited features

Another way to save money with high speed cameras is to purchase basic models, or cameras with very limited features. This will give you the high speed you need to get your shot, but will not sink extra money into the purchase price for features you may not need. Many base model high speed cameras start under $2,500.

I recommend: Vision Research offers the Phantom Miro 1, a simple high speed camera that is the base model for the brand. The Fastcam MH4 from Photron is a simple-to-use high speed camera that gives you great light sensitivity and expandable memory.

Choose mid-range high speed cameras for additional features

If you need a high speed camera but also require a few more features than what a basic model can provide, choose a mid-range model that comes with additional features, such as better manual controls and additional lens options. High speed camera prices for mid-range models start at $1,500 and can cost up to up to $6,000.

I recommend: Photo-Sonics offers a wide range of high speed camera models, including the mid range NAC Memrecam fx K3R. This is a lightweight, high speed camera that is fully contained within the casing. The Sportscam from Fastec Imaging is a mid-range model that works best for sports photography.

Invest in a high speed camera that offers the best features available

High-end high speed cameras can be quite expensive. If you are a professional and want a quality camera that can perform all the functions you need and will last a long time, high-end models will give you all the quality photos you need. High speed cameras with all the perks cost $4,000 and up.

I recommend: AbelCineTech offers the Phantom HD camera that is capable of a 2k resolution and beyond, plus up a thousand frames per second. Itronx offers one of the best models of high speed cameras on the market, the Photron ultima APX-RS. This camera is the leader in speed, resolution and light sensitivity.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To get more information on a product before you buy it, check out high speed camera manufacturer information from the manufacturer's website, or find a data sheet from one of many online retailers to compare the specs.

The world of cameras provides an ever-changing array of features, as each high speed camera manufacturer seeks to provide clearer, brighter images in daylight as well as in the dim conditions of a cavernous reception hall.

Digital high speed cameras have added another element in recent years. The clarity has increased, and the ease of manipulating the final product has increased. In addition, the price of equipment is much easier on the expense account of the entrepreneur seeking to start up a photography business, the publication purchasing new equipment for its photographers, or Realtors documenting properties.

Among features to consider before you purchase a high speed camera are:

1. Lens;
2. Shutter speed;
3. Flash;
4. Durability of case;
5. Image stabilization;
6. Light sensitivity.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get information about high speed cameras

Honestly, any information about high speed cameras written today would be obsolete in a few months. Do you know what kind of shutter speed you need? Does your camera need continuous shooting, perhaps in recording a sports event for publication? Do you need image stabilization or low light sensitivity? Before you buy high speed cameras, check the experts' opinions on features of models as well as the cameras' strong and weak points.

I recommend: Digital Photography Review gives you product reviews on the latest models and provides side-by-side comparisons of model features. It also provides a glossary of terms if you’re unsure what the reviewer is talking about. CNET likes to stay on the cutting edge of electronics. It allows you to select high speed cameras you’d like to compare.

Compare prices as well as features before you buy a high speed camera

The CNET site mentioned above also gives you the option of comparing high speed camera prices from various online stores, which can provide some eye-popping bargains. However, when it comes to the latest models of high speed cameras for sale, be prepared to pay a premium price with little difference among vendors.

I recommend: PicksFinda and BizRate each can direct you to deals on high speed camera prices.

Focus on your needs before you buy high speed cameras

Once you've done the research and compared prices, it's time to make the purchase. You'll want to buy from high speed camera providers who are legitimate dealers to avoid 'gray market' cameras; they look like the real thing and are cheaper, but are not backed by a warranty from the high speed camera manufacturer and may not deliver the quality you expect.

I recommend: When it comes to high speed camera providers, Abe’s of Maine has been in the camera business since 1979 and carries a nice selection of high speed cameras. Crutchfield carries a variety of cameras, both digital and digital Single Lens Reflex.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make the most of CNet and Digital Photography Review. While they have and use high speed camera manufacturer information, they are independent and objective in their reviews, unlike some other sites.

High speed cameras are an essential piece of equipment in the entertainment industry, and getting the latest high speed cameras news and trends is important. High speed cameras are used for a variety of applications, from magazine photo shoots and modeling to news and sports coverage in the general media.

There are a variety of resources that can keep you updated on advances in high speed cameras. These new features can open up any business owner to new ways of creating entertaining visuals that will dazzle consumers.

If you want to get more information before you purchase a high speed camera, check out some of the many resources that can help you choose the best products for your needs. This resources include:

1. High speed camera manufacturer information from the manufacturer itself.

2. Product reviews from people who have purchased and used the equipment.

3. Trade publications that feature the latest news on high speed cameras.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read online reviews to get information about high speed cameras

If you are ready to buy high speed cameras but don't know which make or model will serve you best, read up on online reviews to help narrow your options. Getting a first-person perspective from a person who uses the equipment is usually more telling than a product description.

I recommend: You can check out a review of the Phantom line of high speed cameras from LetsGoDigital. This site also offers a comprehensive listing of camera reviews, high speed and otherwise, from every major camera maker on the market. PhotographyREVIEW.com offers its "Pro Reviews" of several high speed camera models.

Find providers of high speed camera equipment through trade publications

There are many trade publications on the market for those in entertainment and media, so that's where many providers of high speed camera equipment advertise their products. Magazines for the industry also provide expert news and reviews of the latest equipment on the market.

I recommend: The Society of Camera Operators provides a quarterly publication for those who join the group. The magazine contains news, trends and reviews of high speed cameras and other motion picture products. Videography magazine also provides information on high speed camera prices and top manufacturers. It has a print and online version.

Explore blogs and forums to find high speed cameras for sale

Blogs and forums are another great way to get that first-person perspective on any type of high speed camera equipment you're considering. Blogs and forums give you an opportunity to follow up with those who provided reviews, so you can ask questions about the product.

I recommend: If you are looking for people who have experience using high speed cameras, check out the blog at NAC Image Technology or the forum at Photonics.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you are ready to purchase a high speed camera, be sure to check out wholesale and used options to save money if sticking to a budget is your biggest concern.

When you learn and understand high-speed cameras key terms, it gives you insight on using your camera to its fullest potential. The terminology teaches you how to set up shots and lets you know about options you might not know exist.

Understanding high-speed cameras key terms also helps you professionally as you consult with photographers. It shows them that you know what you are talking about and helps you express what you are looking for in equipment and usage.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Auto exposure

This is the term used when a camera automatically determines the best aperture-shutter speed combination for the surrounding lighting conditions. Usually on a camera menu the choices are program or full auto. Full auto is the time when the camera chooses shutter speed and aperture.

I recommend: Videomaker defines the pros and cons of using auto exposure in high-speed cameras. It demonstrates ways videographers us this feature to get high-quality images from lower-quality cameras.

Compression

Compression is the term used to describe the compaction of process of digital images. Software algorithms do this by subtracting data so image files become smaller and easier to manage and store.

I recommend: SPIE provides an abstract for ways high-speed cameras use compression in video offerings.

Noise

Sometimes parts of a digital image are missing. These areas carry the name of 'noise.' Pixels make up a digital photo and sometimes they become weak or non-functional. Most people overlook noise in large images.

I recommend: ABSoft explains ways to reduce noise in the final product of a digital image.

ISO film speed equivalence

The International Standards Organization (ISO) measures light sensitivity, which traditional film photographers use. In a digital camera, photographers have the option of doubling or having light sensitivity around basic values. This value usually runs around 100 ISO. Higher values come in cameras that let photographers adjust the CCD sensitivity for low lighting situations.

I recommend: Jeff Salvage uses Two Feet Gallery.com to express a variety of ways to use ISO settings to create specific shots. He discusses speed settings for deliberate blur shots, as well as shots that intentionally reduce noise.

Scene modes

Scene modes are settings on a digital camera specific to certain activities and lighting. This includes photography for sports, night-time photographs, close-ups, portraits and landscapes.

I recommend: Digicamhelp.com offers advice for those looking for settings for a particular location. It describes optimal tips for locations such as night scenes and party setting, as well as firework images and beach or snow scenes.

Video graphics

Video graphics, also called Video Graphics Array Resolution (VGA Resolution), refers to a resolution of 640x480 pixels. Most people use this size to email images.

I recommend: The forum, vBulletin, is a place where members go to discuss topics such as video graphics and cameras. It allows people to offer tips and advice, and one can access the information without signing up.