How to Comparison Shop for a Digital Camera Online

Websites such as Froogle, BizRate, PriceGrabber and MySimon offer comparison shopping services that help you to quickly find products at the best prices. Follow these steps before purchasing your next digital camera.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access

1. Consider how you'll use the camera and what features you'll require. Read the "Tips" section below for a summary of the important features most digital cameras offer.

2. Navigate to a comparison shopping site such as www.froogle.com, www.bizrate.com, www.pricegrabber.com or www.mysimon.com.

3. Type your search terms--such as "digital camera 6 megapixels"--into the search box and hit "Enter."

4. Narrow your search results. Enter a brand name or price range if the site offers that option.

5. Compare the features on different cameras. If you can’t find enough information, visit the manufacturer’s Web site

6. Select a camera model, and start comparing prices. Check for any applicable shipping costs and sales taxes. Some vendors offer free shipping or other incentives.

7. Check several comparison shopping sites to get the best deal.

Tips & Warnings

• Resolution indicates the size and quality of photos a camera produces. The higher the resolution, expressed in megapixels, the better the quality of the photos. For Web use or emailing, 640 x 480 is adequate, but if you’re going to print photos, choose 1280 x 1024.
• Storage space on a digital camera varies greatly between different models. Storage space is expressed in megabytes (MB) of RAM or as the number of pictures a camera will hold in low or high resolution. Your camera should have at least 4 MB, large enough to hold 20 high-resolution images.
• Cameras can use one of several different methods to store pictures. The less expensive digital cameras have non-removable storage, meaning that once your memory is full you must delete photos or transfer them to your computer. Other cameras save photos on small memory cards such as CompactFlash or SmartMedia. CompactFlash is a more durable media, so it’s the best option if you’re going to use your camera extensively.
• Most cameras include a cable to transfer photos from your camera to your computer. Check whether a cable is included. More expensive models have PCMCIA-compatible storage cards that you can plug into your computer’s PCMCIA slot (if it has one). Some cameras have video out ports which allow you to connect the camera to your TV to display photos.
• If you want greater control over your pictures, look for features like zoom, light metering and multiple flash modes. Some digital cameras also will allow you to move between manual and autofocus modes.
• To protect your investment, ask about the vendor's return policy and study the camera's warranty before you buy.