Buying a Digital Camera

These days, most people who are shopping for a camera are looking at digital models. If you are thinking about buying a digital camera, you need to spend some time researching the different specifications and products in the market. Don’t make the mistake of going out to a camera store without having at least some idea of what you are looking for. If you come across as clueless, some unscrupulous salesperson might try to convince you that you need one of the most sophisticated and expensive items in the store.

First of all, think about what you are going to use your digital camera for. If you want to take great photos of your family, friends and vacation spots, you will be able to find plenty of easy-to-use models that let you simply aim and shoot to produce better pictures than ever before. A digital photography enthusiast, on the other hand, will be more concerned about specific features such as zooming, resolution and shutter speed.

The next thing to consider is your budget. How much can you afford to spend on your new digital camera? There are models to suit every budget, but you might have to choose carefully if you need any particularly advanced features. Don’t forget that you might also want to buy extra gadgets such as additional memory cards, a printer, a remote control or a tripod so that you can make full use of your digital camera. Batteries also add to the cost, and will need to be replaced frequently unless you opt for a model that takes rechargeable batteries.

Then you should figure out what kind of features you need. These are the most important:

- Resolution. For most people, picture quality, or resolution, is the number one consideration. It is measured in megapixels (millions of pixels, or dots). The higher the number the sharper the image will be, which is especially important if it is enlarged. You should aim for a minimum of 2 or 3 megapixels’ resolution in your digital camera, although a real photography aficionado might look for one with 5, 6 or more megapixels.

- Shutter speed. You probably know about shutter speeds if you are accustomed to using a film camera. If you want to take action shots you will need a fast shutter speed, but for most digital camera users 2000 should be sufficient. This represents a speed of just 1/2000 of a second.

- Zoom. Better quality cameras feature an optical zoom, while less expensive models will have digital zooming.

- Memory card. While all digital cameras have some built-in memory for storing photos, you will probably want to purchase an extra memory card. There are a few different types, so you must make sure that you get the one that works with your camera. Memory cards are also offered in a wide range of storage sizes, so that you can pick a size that suits your requirements. Remember that you might not need the largest card available, since you will be able to transfer your photos to your computer when you get home.

- LCD display. The LCD screen on the back of the camera allows you to frame the image and view it clearly before you shoot. You can also use it to review the photographs stored in the memory and delete any that you don’t like. LCD displays are normally between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches in size. Be aware that the larger ones consume a lot of battery power.

- Size and feel. Try the camera out before you buy it. It is important to hold it to gauge the weight and make sure that you are comfortable with the position and feel of the buttons. You should also check the LCD display to see if it is large enough, play with the zoom and look through the viewfinder. Most digital cameras aimed at the everyday user are light and compact, while the professional models tend to be larger and heavier.

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a good digital camera, you will be better equipped to go out and purchase one that you will get a great deal of pleasure from using. You might also want to check the internet for websites that provide ratings and reviews of specific models.