How to Find the Best Digital Camera for Beginners

Go digital, shutterbug

If you are still holding onto your now-antique film camera, maybe it is time to enter the digital age. Unfortunately, shopping for a digital camera can be as frustrating as learning how to use one. Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes with numerous bells and whistles. If you are just looking to get into the digital world, here's how to find the best digital camera for beginners.

Instructions

1. What kind of photographer are you? The first step in finding the best digital camera is to evaluate how you plan on using your digital camera.

2. How do you plan to use your photographs? Digital photography allows you to do much more with your photos than simply display them in a book. You can also manipulate and enlarge the photographs, display them on the Internet or share them via email.

3. What is your budget? Digital cameras can be found at all prices. It's easy to get carried away with buying more than you need (and can afford). Sit down and evaluate how much you can realistically spend.

4. Visualize your perfect camera. Now that you have an idea what kind of camera you need, take some time to write down the features that will allow you to meet these needs. Include a price range, size and weight, resolution, level of control, special features and other options.

5. Do your research. Take your list and see what kinds of cameras match your needs. Surf the Internet to compare various models. Visit the online Web sites of electronic stores to see what they sell. Talk to friends about what they have.

6. Go shopping. With your list of what you want and an idea of the models that might meet your needs, go visit several camera stores. Ask lots of questions and tell the employees exactly what you want. Take some time to handle the various cameras and play around with taking practice pictures in the store.

7. Purchase your camera. By doing your homework and trying out various models, you will find the best digital camera for you personal photography needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Mega pixels determine the resolution, or detail, of your pictures. The more mega pixels your camera has, the higher the quality of picture you will take. However, unless you plan to enlarge your photos to more than 8x11 or sell them for publication, anything between five and six mega pixels should suffice.

• Be sure to buy rechargeable digital camera batteries. Digital cameras go through regular batteries fast.

• Digital cameras do not use film. Instead they store the photos on a memory card. Every camera has a built in memory card, but they usually only store up to twenty pictures. You should consider buying an additional memory card.

• Like all electronic devices, digital cameras are prone to malfunctions and other problems. Make sure you get a warranty on your camera. It may cost you a bit up front, but it may save you from having to purchase a new camera in the not-so-distant future.