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Step 1
Find an electronics store or website to compare Canon's line of cameras. Aside from Canon's official website, many stores such as Best Buy and Target also have websites with printed product information and convenient comparison grids.
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Step 2
Choose the type of camera you wish to purchase: digital or film, SLR (single lens reflex) or compact. Think about what you normally use a camera for and the size that would work best for you. DSLRs and SLRs are versatile, if you want to choose your settings sometimes and use automatic modes other times. However, they are expensive and fairly large. Compact cameras are usually cheaper and fit better in a purse or pocket.
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Step 3
Consider any lenses and other accessories you may already have that might fit onto a new camera. Many Canon Rebel and Mark lenses mix and match with older models, and the camera bag must only to be large enough to fit all your accessories.
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Step 4
Check the resolution and optical zoom of the camera before you purchase it. For a digital camera, look for at least 5 megapixels—most Canon cameras are equipped with 7mp or higher—if you plan to print photos to 11 by 14 or larger. Look for an optical zoom of at least 3x; Most Canon cameras have this.
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Step 5
Consider whether you think you might want to upgrade your camera later. If you buy a DSLR or SLR camera, you can easily buy better lenses, flashes and other equipment to improve your photography. If you aren't sure, go with a lower-priced compact 35mm SureShot, APS Elph or digital PowerShot camera.
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Step 6
Know what else you might want to focus on, such as LCD size, anti-shake, semi-automatic modes, rechargeable batteries, built-in or add-on flash. Digital PowerShot and EOS cameras vary from 1.8 to 2.5 inch LCD screens. Most Canon cameras use rechargeable Lithium or Ni-Mh batteries.
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Step 7
Stick to your budget. Consider extra expenses such as a camera bag, lenses, filters, batteries, digital image software, memory cards and extended warranties.
