How to Choose the Best Digital Camera

Choosing the best digital camera is a seemingly difficult task. Once you identify your priorities and the typical usage for the camera (i.e. professional photos versus an easy camera for travel and special occasions), finding the right camera is relatively easy. Given the advancements in digital camera technology, almost any camera from name-brand manufacturers will be sufficient and take quality photos.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time
• A Budget of at Least $150
• Rudimentary Understanding of Technology

How to Choose the Best Digital Camera

1. 
    

   For most people, a point and shoot digital camera is the best choice. Many manufacturers exist all with their unique features. Generally, you will need a camera with at least 5 megapixels, though they make them up to 10 megapixels today. 7 megapixels is a good compromise and should not set you back more than $200. You'll want to look for a camera with both an optical and a digital zoom, which most cameras have, as well as the ability to record video/movies which is particularly good for parties, concerts and special events.Some notable features of popular brands include: Panasonic's Leica lens which provides crisp, focused images, Canon's Digic chip which is great with light, Kodak's ease of use and seamless integration to upload photos to the computer, Casio's slim design and reliability and Pentax's low cost. Today's point and shoot digital camera's are as versatile as ever and now come in a variety of colors and in the case of Olympus' line, can go underwater as well.

2. 
    

   If you want a more professional digital camera, turn to an SLR which offers the ability to zoom in at longer distances and control many more of the features of the photo taking process. Additionally, many of the lenses are interchangeable and upgradable though you will pay for these features. A typical SLR can go up to 15 mega-pixels and can cost upwards of $2,000.00.

3. While point and shoot digital cameras do allow for some customization including aperture, ISO speed and flash type adjustment, they are limited in the sense that once you have the camera you cannot change any component like you can with the SLR. For the wide majority of users, a point and shoot offers the best blend of technology and ability.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a camera that has at least a 2 to 2.5 inch view-screen so you can easily see your images after you take them. For older uses, an optical viewfinder (an increasingly rare feature on point and shoot models) is a good blend of old style and new technology.
• If you travel a lot, you may want to pick a camera that uses AA batteries instead of a rechargeable battery to ensure constant power.
• Comparison shop at Holiday time to buy a camera with all the deep discounts.
• All cameras will come with a computer program that allows you to upload the images to your harddrive.
• Invest a bit in the camera; anything under 5 megapixels is outdated at this point. A good camera will cost you at least $150.00 while a superior point and shoot model should run about $250.00

Resources

• Amazon.com: Great place to comparison shop and read customer reviews
• My Simon.com: Find the best price online for specific models
• Cnet.com: Trusted online product reviews

Who Can Help Sponsored

[funnybunny]

on 1/2/2009 thanks for tips & warnings!