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Step 1
Resolution
When shopping for a digital camera, you first will want to compare the resolution of the various models you are considering. Each digital camera manufacturer will list a number of megapixels to specify the resolution capability of a camera. A higher resolution number means that the camera can produce higher quality pictures. If you plan on taking photographs that you want to make enlargements of later on, than you need a digital camera with a high resolution. If you plan on printing mostly 4x6 images, than you do not need a camera with a high resolution setting. The downside of high resolution images is that they take up more space on your memory card, but you can adjust the camera settings to take high resolution photographs or low resolution images depending on what you are taking a picture of. Also, as time passes, memory cards are becoming less expensive and have the ability to hold more high resolution images. -
Step 2
Optical Zoom
Compare the optical zoom of each digital camera, and decide how much optical zoom you need. The optical zoom is the amount that the camera lens can physically zoom in on an object or landscape. Like resolution, the higher the optical zoom, the better. If you are going to want to zoom in on objects that may be far away, and still have a high quality image, than you want a high optical zoom. -
Step 3
Digital Zoom
Compare the digital zoom of each camera you are looking at. Digital zoom is the amount that you can zoom in on an image after you have maxed out the optical zoom. For example, if you zoom in with your digital camera, you can see the lens physically extend, which is your optical zoom. You can then keep zooming in after your lens stops extending. This is your digital zoom at work. When you are zooming in with your digital zoom, the quality of the picture begins to decrease, and can become grainy if you zoom in too much. If you are going to want to really utilize your zoom capabilities, you will want to have your camera with a high optical zoom, digital zoom, and resolution capacity, so that you maintain a clear picture and do not sacrifice image quality as you zoom in. -
Step 4
Memory Card
You need to inquire into the memory capacity of the memory card that comes with each digital camera, or see if a card comes with the camera at all. Obviously, a memory card with the largest memory capacity is ideal, but memory cards get more expensive with memory storage space. Typically, the packaging on a memory card will tell you how many images, of a certain size resolution, the memory card can hold. When determining which camera is the best price, be sure to factor in the price of a memory card if you need to buy one separately. -
Step 5
Battery
When shopping for a digital camera, you need to compare the different types of batteries available. Some cameras come with specialized batteries that have special chargers, while others run on standard AA or AAA batteries. Digital cameras that run on standard AA batteries are typically more bulky, but you can find fresh batteries wherever you are in the world. If you are considering buying a camera with a rechargeable battery, read the package to determine how long you can run the camera before you have to recharge the battery. -
Step 6
Additional Features
Compare the additional features of each digital camera. Cameras have a plethora of additional features such as, video capability, red eye mitigation, special settings for landscapes, portraits, sports shots, and more. If you have narrowed your choices down to a few digital cameras, you may want to go online to read reviews from people who have used each digital camera model before you make a final choice. You may also want to look at several websites, and call multiple stores, to determine where you can buy the camera of your choice for the best price.
