How to Buy a Nikon Digital Camera

Digital cameras make picture taking easier for photographers of any skill level. And for camera enthusiasts, Nikon is synonymous with a quality camera. Nikon offers many digital camera choices, from the ultra compact Coolpix line to the professional quality SLR cameras. Follow these steps to buy the Nikon digital camera that's right for you.

Instructions

1. Determine how you want to use your digital camera. If you want something you can stick in your pocket and carry around, you probably want to look at the lightweight Nikon Coolpix cameras. If you want to get serious about photography, look at the digital SLRs that offer a variety of lenses plus great photos with less available light.

2. Decide how much you want to spend. Nikon cameras range from approximately $120 to well over a thousand dollars. If you're on a budget, look at one of the Coolpix cameras. Like most SLRs, the Nikon SLR costs more than other cameras.

3. Ask yourself if you want to print your photos or if you're more likely to transfer them to your computer for emailing and to use on web pages. If your main output is going to be your computer, then you should be fine with a camera that offers 1.3 megapixel resolution. If you plan to print photos, choose a higher resolution camera of at least 3 megapixels. Professionals need a minimum of 5 megapixels.

4. Read reviews of the various Nikon cameras once you've narrowed down your choices with Steps 1 through 3. Photography magazines and consumer reports are one source of reviews. Another is Cnet.com, which allows you to compare different models.

5. Look at the extra features that come with the different models. One handy feature is removable photo storage that allows you to take more photos. Look also at flash possibilities, red-eye reduction modes and automatic features. Pay attention to the batteries. Digital cameras eat batteries for lunch. For cost and the environment, rechargeable batteries make the most sense.

6. Pay attention to your lens choice. Most digital cameras come with a zoom lens with variable focal length. Wide-angle lenses have short focal lengths, good for taking photographs of scenery. Longer focal lengths allow you to zoom in on distant objects. Most regular digital cameras come with a 3X zoom lens. Superzoom cameras provide zoom ranges of 8X or 10X and a longer maximum focal length. With the Nikon digital SLRs, you change your lens depending on your needs.

7. Buy Nikon cameras at a variety of retailers, both online and stores. Photography stores are a good bet for the greatest variety and knowledgeable sales people. If you're on a budget, you can find some of the Coolpix cameras at discount stores. Electronic stores like Circuit City tend to have more choices. Check Amazon for online retailers selling Nikon digital cameras.