How To

How to Comparison Shop for a Digital Camera

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

With so many choices today, shopping for a digital camera can become a game of comparisons. Which digital camera best suits your needs? Are you a professional photographer looking for high megapixels? Or are you an amateur looking to fill your online photo album with pictures of your family? With hundreds of options to choose from, it is important to compare digital cameras.

From Quick Guide: Choose a New Camera
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • access to the Internet
  • computer
  1. Step 1

    Identify what kind of camera will best suit your photographic needs. Are you a professional in search of high megapixels? Or are you just looking for a digital camera to capture your family’s special moments?

  2. Step 2

    Talk to other people who use digital cameras to get their advice on what may work for you. How do they like their digital camera?

  3. Step 3

    Visit an electronic department of a camera store and talk to a helpful sales representative. They will be able to assist you when comparing cameras. Ask them what you should be looking for when comparing.

  4. Step 4

    Among the most important things to consider is picture quality. Regardless of if you’re a pro or not, you still want to purchase something that will produce nice images. Compare each camera’s resolution, or the pixel count. The higher the number of available pixels, the better quality your image will be.

  5. Step 5

    Consider focus modes. Does one camera focus faster than the others? Does one offer auto focus modes? Macro, Landscape, Sports and Manual focus modes are others to keep in mind.

  6. Step 6

    Consider speed. Does one camera have a slower shutter lag than the others? Shutter lag is defined as the amount of time between pressing the shutter button and when the shutter opens and closes. Shutter lag can cause you to miss a very important moment, so in this case, faster is better.

  7. Step 7

    Look at and consider other functions and options. Do you really need all those other functions on your camera?

  8. Step 8

    Consider weight, size and durability. Smaller cameras can be just as effective as the larger ones. Does the camera feel right in your hands? Are your fingers comfortable with the zoom and shutter buttons? Can your camera take a beating?

  9. Step 9

    Consider other accessories. Does one camera come with a battery or media card? Will you need to spend more money on other items before using your camera?

Tips & Warnings
  • One thing to keep in mind is that you may have a camera with a higher pixel count, but your camera’s settings will dictate how many of those pixels will be used. For high-resolution images, program your camera to shoot on the highest quality setting.
  • When you purchase your digital camera be sure to also buy the correct media. All cameras use a different form of storage. Make sure that you have a card reader that will enable you to download images onto your computer.
  • Talk to your family about what kind of camera they think you should get. Are you going to be the only person using it?
  • Do not buy a camera without first trying it out. Ask the sales representative if you can shoot around the store. Do you like the results?
  • Do not buy a camera without first trying it out. Ask the sales representative if you can shoot around the store. Do you like the results?

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