How to Decide What Type of Digital Camera you Need

Digital cameras are now flooding the market, as everyone is switching from the old 35mm film to digital--if they haven't already. Many people have been using digital cameras for quite some time and are still buying new ones as the technology gets better. How can you determine what kind of a camera you need? It can be overwhelming if you go out and try to purchase one without having a little knowledge first. Here are a few pointers based on how you will use the camera.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Email pictures (1 to 2 megapixel camera). If you are the kind of person who like to send pictures via email but not necessarily print them, then the low resolution cameras are perfect! They are inexpensive and great for children or anyone just starting out with photography. The pictures will be great on a computer monitor and will even print nicely if kept small. It is the size camera that is found on cell phones. Don't worry so much about the brand - most are just fine.

2. 

   Photo album (3 to 5 megapixel camera). If you are a typical photobug that loves to shoot pictures of people and then print them in a standard size to be given to relatives or put into your photo album, then this medium resolution camera will be all you need. The majority of digital camera users will fall into this range.

3. 

   Amateur photographer (5 to 7 megapixel camera). If you are the kind of person who loves to carry around a camera and shoot nature scenes and then print them in formats large enough to be used for art, then you will find this size camera fun. There are lots of attachments available depending on your level of expertise.

4. 

   Professional photographer (8 to 12 megapixel camera). These are far more expensive but will produce spectacular pictures! Of course, if you are in this category, you probably won't be reading this article!

5. If you found this article interesting, please take a second to rate it.

[KHarper]

on 7/8/2008 A nice concise and easy way for the beginner to know where they should start when looking to buy their first digital camera. Thanks.