IF YOUR current digital camera cannot tell the places from the faces as you frame a shot, it's time to ditch it.

Go for a newer crop of compact cameras. They tell the difference between people and backgrounds - even if someone isn't smiling - so that subjects are never blurred.

Add to that, better artificial intelligence and smart processors which result in scene detection modes, for instance, that are better at adjusting to the different shooting locations you might be in.

Some cameras even take the same shot several times with different settings, letting you pick the best one.

Battery life is also extended as newer models work on lower power consumption.

In terms of megapixels, eight is a comfortable starting point, with 10- and even 13-megapixel models being affordable. Affordability in this case, assumes you have a budget of $800 or less to spare.

Here are three key features that justify an upgrade:

1. In your face

Cameras from the likes of Canon, Panasonic and Sony offer face-detection technology.

The camera's imaging processor is smart enough to work out whether the shot you are framing has faces in it - and it manages to do so on the spot as well.

It then instantly adjusts the settings to ensure that the faces - even all those in a group shot - are in focus and properly exposed, with the right colour tones.

The end result? Everyone looks good.

Some cameras can even detect whether your subjects are smiling or not - and only spring into action when they look happy.

2. Steady on

What used to be a high-end technology has now become almost common place - even in super slim models.

Optical image stabilisation (OIS) uses a lens-shift mechanism and gyro sensors to reorientate the lens. This reduces any vibration that might throw the picture off or make it blur.

This is a must for unsteady hands. It's also good for those who shoot without tripods.

Note that OIS doesn't degrade the image in any way, unlike electronic stabilisation technology which used to be found in cheaper cameras and electronically alters the photos to remove blur.

3. Nice to have

Even budget digital cameras these days offer useful features once thought out-of-reach.

These include internal flash memory, Wi-Fi connectivity to get on to the Internet, a wide-angle lens (ranging 24mm to 28mm) to shoot those panoramic shots, manual control and a high ISO of up to 3,200 for snapping away in really dark places.

An example: Cameras with internal flash memory, like the Nikon Coolpix S52c, are useful when your memory card is full - or, if you forget to take a separate flash along on your holiday.

Some cameras, like the Sony Cyber-shot W300 or the Canon PowerShot A590IS even offer manual controls that give seasoned users better control.

You can adjust the aperture size or shutter speed to land a better photo, instead of leaving everything up to the camera's automatic mode.

This article was first published in Digital Life, The Straits Times on Jun 10, 2008.