How to Buy a Digital Camera

Match megapixels to your use: Most point-and-shoot cameras offer at least 4 megapixels, which is plenty for producing 8-by-10-inch prints. Cameras with more megapixels will yield even larger prints and allow you to blow up a part of an image with less likelihood that the print will be blurry. If you plan to make only 4-by-6-inch prints, you don't have to shoot at the camera's highest resolution--and as a result, you can fit more shots on your memory card.

Look for rechargeable batteries and a charger: The cost of disposable batteries adds up over the long run. Some cameras can use AA batteries of any type--disposable or rechargeable. That capability can be helpful if your rechargeable batteries run out of juice and you don't want to wait while they replenish.

Disregard digital zoom: Most cameras offer at least 3X optical zoom--and some boast an optical zoom as high as 12X. But sometimes vendors tout a high total zoom that includes digital zoom, which you should disregard: Digital zoom produces photos that are inferior to those produced with an optical zoom.

Look for a low-light focusing aid: Some cameras have auxiliary lights that help them focus in dim settings. That's important for many indoor shots.

Try the camera before you buy: Some cameras have commands and menus that are easier to use than others, a comparison you can make only with a hands-on trial. Also evaluate the lag time between when you press the shutter button and when the camera actually takes the picture. Try the zoom lens--does it operate quickly and smoothly? Find out how long you must wait between taking pictures. And try the LCD viewfinder--in the sun if possible--to determine how easy it is to read.

Give extra consideration to a camera with a good selection of software: Look for useful packages such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Ulead PhotoImpact, and Corel Snapfire for editing images, as well as applications for organizing and sharing them.

Don't base your decision on video capability: Any still camera's ability to take moving pictures is limited. If you want to shoot video, invest in a camcorder dedicated to the job.
Consider investing in a memory card reader or a camera dock: A memory card reader acts like an external hard drive attached to your PC or laptop, allowing you to download pictures directly from your camera's storage media. Many newer laptops have one or more memory card slots built in, as do some inkjet printers. If you have a second memory card, you can keep shooting while the images download, rather than having to keep the camera hooked up to your PC. Alternatively, some cameras come with a dock or offer one as an option, and some of these docks offer a dedicated button for uploading all of your new photos on a memory card. A dock also charges the camera's battery.

Buying a Digital Camera

HELP AND TIPS Buying a Digital Camera

#1Set a Budget Before BuyingBudget yourself when purchasing a digital camera.
#2: Ignore Digital ZoomWhen buying digital cameras, concentrate on optical zoom, not digital zoom.
#3: Two Considerations when Buying a New CameraConsider these two items before buying a new digital camera.
#4: Small Doesn't Mean UnderpoweredSmall digital cameras may be exactly what you need.
#5: Be Careful When Buying Package DealsDigital camera package deals may be too good to be true - or a real bargain!
#6: Check What the Zoom Really MeansAdvertised digital camera zoom levels may not just be optical zoom.
#7: Get a Camera with Magnified Photo PreviewsMagnified photo previews can help determine the sharpness of a digital photo.
#8: Is There a Built-In Microphone?A digital camera microphone can provide added benefits to your photo taking.
#9: Effective Pixels and Foveon X3Sometimes advertised digital camera pixel counts can be deceiving.
#10: Don't Expect a Camera to Come with Enough MediaBuying a digital camera? Be prepared to buy some extra media.
#11: What to Look for to Take Night PhotographyHelpful features some digital cameras provide to take better night photos.
#12: Don't Get Caught Up in MegapixelsMegapixels are not everything when it comes to buying a digital camera.
#13: Consider the Total Cost of OwnershipYou won't just be purchasing a digital camera - you may need to buy accessories.
#14: Be Careful with Very Cheap PricesBeware of the digital camera 'package deal' sales technique.
#15: Pre-Programmed Scene Modes May HelpScene modes make it easier to take digital camera photos in tough lighting conditions.
#16: Does Flash Come with an SLR?Consider the total cost of ownership when purchasing a digital SLR.
#17: Uses for your Old Digital CameraDon't throw away your old digital camera - here are some ways to get some use out of it.
#18: How Much Optical Zoom is Needed?Do you require a digital camera with 6x optical zoom, or is 2x or 3x enough?
#19: Where is the Tripod Socket?Make sure when purchasing a digital camera that it fits well on a tripod.
#20: Use Comparative Shopping Search EnginesLooking for the absolute best prices for digital cameras or digital camera accessories? Search many online vendors at once.
#21: Digital Camera ReviewsLinks to websites offering reviews of specific digital cameras
#22: More Megapixels Means Greater Cropping AbilityHigher-megapixel digital cameras let you crop more.
#23: More Control May Cost YouTo set manual exposure, you might need a more-expensive camera.
#24: Consider a Weatherproof CameraSome digital cameras are made to withstand moisture.
#25: Look for ISO 50 SupportLook for digital cameras with ISO 50 support for crisper, cleaner images.