Digital Camera Buyer's Guide

Don’t be ashamed if you need a digital camera buyer’s guide. Digital cameras have come a long way since the first consumer one years ago. There’s so many features, how do you know what could benefit you? Realistically, you only need to know a few critical technological aspects before purchasing a digital camera. While there may be a number of bells and whistles available, you can find out below if those features can help you.

Digital Camera Usage

First, figure out how you are going to use the camera. In this digital camera buyer’s guide, you might fall into one of the following types of users:

• Point-and-click user
• Semi-professional
• Professional

Most people fall into the first category. Digital cameras can now be simple electronic devices or complicated if you make them. Read the following descriptions to find out which category fits you the best.

1. Point-and-click. If you think all you want to do is turn on the camera and start snapping pictures, a point-and-click is perfect for you. Cameras of this type offer automatic settings for lighting, red-eye, and flash. The camera does everything for you. The picture quality is very comparable to higher-end cameras, but you may end up doing basic editing when you load it onto your computer. A point and click camera is good for first-time digital camera buyers, those who find technology annoying, or Grandparents who only need to snap some easy pictures of their grandchildren.
2. Semi-professional. They kind of cameras are often called SLRs, which means Single Lens Reflex. If you want to veer away from a total automatic mode, semi-professional cameras offer more control over your pictures. Once you learn proper techniques and terminology of photography, you can step up to a semi-pro camera.
3. Professional. Even one more step up is the professional camera. You've seen these, especially if you watch entertainment news shows. The cameras paparazzi and pro-photographers use allow you to switch lenses and pop on other attachments. If you are thinking about becoming a professional photographer with your own studio, investing in a professional camera is your only option.

Digital Camera Buyer's Guide to Megapixels

When you think of Megapixels, do you feel more is better? More is not better. It actually depends on what kind of pictures you are taking. Just because a camera offers up to 12 megapixel pictures doesn't mean you'll need to snap pictures at that setting all the time.

• 4-6 Megapixels are good for Internet pictures (auction sites, profile pictures) or computer slideshows. If you need some general 4x6 printing, then this range is just fine.
• 6-9 Megapixels are commonly used for excellent quality prints larger than 4x6. Use the lower end of the range for 5x7s and the larger end for enlargements, 8x10s or 11x14s.
• 10 Megapixels and higher are used for those professional shots like modeling poses, headshots, or poster size pictures of people or landscapes.

Selecting what megapixels you will mostly likely take pictures in will determine what size of memory card you purchase. The higher the megapixel rating, the more storage space required. On average a picture is 1 to 2 MB in size. Beyond 10 Megapixels, the storage space increased to 3 MB and even 5 MB. On a 1 GB card, you'll get about 500-800 pictures. So if you're planning to take a trip or take a lot of pictures at once, getting one card with 4, 8, or 16 GB of space might benefit you.

Accessories

It isn't all about the technology in this digital camera buyer's guide. You'll need more than the camera and memory card if you want to enjoy your new camera.

• Tripod. No one can hold the camera perfectly still in their hands. That's where a tripod comes in. The tripod can take steady pictures and can allow you to do portraits of yourself or groups of people where you need to be present.
• Batteries. This is most important if you use a camera that takes double A batteries (either alkaline or rechargeable). Running out of batteries at a critical moment is frustrating. Most cameras come with a Lithium battery, but don't hold a huge charge. Purchase additional lithium batteries on extended use.
• Camera bag. If you are going to carry the camera and all your accessories, getting a camera bag makes it more convenient to tote them around. The bag can also guard the camera from inclement weather.

Armed and Dangerous

Since you are now armed with the basic knowledge you need to pick out a digital camera, you should be able to find on that fits your needs and ability. Have fun taking pictures and practice with your camera.

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