How To Buy A Digital Camera

Written by AllAboutCameras.com

It's easy to get a little intimidated with all the acronyms and jargon out there when it comes to digital cameras. The ever-growing number of features, buttons, and options could lead one to ask, "where do I begin"? The following tips should be of use when making your decision.

For starters, many people place a lot of importance on the megapixel count. Very simply put, the higher the megapixel count of a camera, the sharper the image will be. Having a sharper image means having more flexibility when it comes to cropping, resizing, and printing out images. Generally speaking, a 2 megapixel camera will yield a near-print quality 5x7 print, a 3 megapixel camera 8x10, and a 4 megapixel model an 11x17.

Is there a zoom lens on the camera that you are considering? Do you need a zoom lens? If you decide that you want zoom lens capabilities with your camera, make sure that it is a true zoom. Some cameras claim to have zooming abilities, however they simply capture and magnify fewer pixels, thus enlarging the image. This is often referred to as "digital zoom". "Optical zoom" actually moves the lens of the camera when photographing to magnify whatever your subject may be. Having a zoom lens can be quite handy for getting better quality images when capturing sporting events, wildlife, or a concert from afar.

Got space? How much storage should you have? Try to remember that the higher the megapixel count and resolution of the images you are capturing, the more space they will take up. Some storage mediums worth looking into are SmartMedia, compact flash (CF), and secure digital cards (SDC's). If you are a more serious photographer, if you plan on taking longer sessions of images, or you only take high-res images, investing in some additional storage media might be a good idea so as to avoid having to stop and "unload" your camera. On the other hand, if you are more of a casual photographer, most current digital cameras will have enough storage space to hold your periodical Kodak moments.

Another factor to weigh in is that of the camera's physical dimensions. Does this camera need to fit into your pocket for convenience reasons? Or, do you mind carrying around a case? A thought to remember when buying a smaller model of camera is that the smaller the camera, the smaller the buttons and controls on it will be.

Juice: There are a few options out there when it comes to powering your camera. Many cameras simply use conventional batteries (usually of the AA variety). Others have proprietary batteries that can be recharged. Some utilize disposable, high-capacity CRV3 batteries. If you plan on using your camera frequently, having a camera that is powered by disposable batteries can become costly. A camera with a rechargeable battery built in may cost you a little more, but in the long run will pay for itself. Just try not to lose the rechargeable battery or battery pack, as they can be quite costly to replace when compared to your run of the mill Energizer.

LCD: Cheaper cameras don't always have an LCD screen, which means you cannot review the picture you've just taken to see if she's a keeper. "Detached" LCD screens with good mobility are also helpful when you need to take a picture that requires you holding the camera somewhere other than in front of your face. If either of these factors means anything to you, then avoid the low-end models that often don't include an LCD. Also, if presented an opportunity, try the LCD on for size when you are outside. Some LCD's can be hard to see in the sunlight.

Interface: If possible, try a camera on for size before buying it. Try to discern how much effort it will take to locate the features of the camera that you plan on using most often. An interface that is more intuitive and logical to you will prevent you from having those "wait, hold on a minute" type situations when you need to do something other than your everyday snapshot. If you feel like you're trying to pilot a rocket ship when you're just trying to capture a family bbq, it is possible you've chosen the wrong camera!