How to Purchase a Digital Camera

Photographs help us to memorialize special times, places, events and people in our lives. Digital photography gives us the capability of capturing and viewing moments and memories in seconds and storing these images for a lifetime or longer. But the prospect of purchasing a digital camera can be daunting. There are so many choices available. This article is intended to help you narrow the field and find the camera best suited for you and your lifestyle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time, a computer and internet access

1. Select an approximate price and mega pixel range. Digital cameras can range in price from $10.00-$50,000.00! Generally, more mega pixels give you higher quality images.

2. Consider how you plan to use the camera. For instance, if you shoot sporting events or travel frequently you may want a super zoom point and shoot model or an SLR digital camera. Moreover, if you lead an active lifestyle then, you may want an all weather model and if you are a gardener you will want a macro feature.

3. Visit camera manufacturer's web sites. Most provide detailed information about the various models they produce and some offer comparison charts for different models. The site can also help you determine what type of support the manufacturer offers consumers.

4. Visit consumer product evaluation sites.* Most conduct independent tests and can give you a good overview of a camera's good and bad points.

5. Visit merchant price and service comparison sites. One merchant may offer low prices but charge high shipping fees. Another may have a limited return policy.

6. Visit the merchant site, many offer comparison data and consumer reviews*. A visit may help you decide where you want to purchase the camera by the features offered at the site.

7. Purchase and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• I find consumer reviews very useful. Sometimes a reviewer will point out a less obvious negative or positive feature of a camera, such as controls so small most hands cannot operate them easily etc..
• I personally find dpreview.com very helpful. They list camera models by manufacturer and also the date the model was introduced. They publish in depth technical reviews of many models and if this is too much information, then, just skip to the review conclusion and compare the pros and cons of the camera. There are usually consumer reviews of different models even if there is no technical review published.
• Don't be afraid to consider an SLR camera just because you have limited experience. Many manufacturers offer entry level SLR's that are as easy to operate as a point and shoot type camera, but they offer the potential for more creative control as your skills improve.
• It should be noted that an older version of a particular camera model that is still available may be a better choice than the newer model depending on your budget. Sometimes only one or two features have been improved and the older model is the better value, particularly if it comes with a full warranty.
• Most consumer comparison sites, camera manufacturer sites and retail merchant sites can be found using a standard search engine.
• You can sometimes find good values at auction websites, but be sure to check the reputation of the seller!
• Be sure to unpack the camera and test the features within the first day or so of receipt. It is usually much easier to return defective products within a week of purchase.
• Check the products warranty before you purchase it.
• If you make an online purchase, make sure you check the sites security before you enter any personal information.

[karileighk]

on 6/24/2009 I need to get one of these. *5

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/11/2008 Great, thanks~

[CCrock]

on 1/11/2008 I have an olympus with 5 megapixels....it's a few years old, but it works GREAT! I love it!

[favefive]

on 1/10/2008 Very helpful info..thanks!

[imagery]

on 1/10/2008 Megapixels is the measurement that is used to describe the resolution capability of digital cameras. It is certainly one of the measurements that is used to describe quality. A fine grain 35mm Camera film would be the equivalent of somewhere between 10 to 15 MP and the human eye can resolve much more than 8 MP. Of course lens, processor, lighting and many other factors will determine the "quality" of an image.