How To Buy A Digital Camera-How Not To Buy The Wrong Camera

By James Thoenes

Are you planning to buy a digital camera? Not sure what to look for? Have you bought a digital camera before that you weren't satisfied with? It's amazing how many people I've met who are unhappy with their digital camera. Many of these people took lots of pictures, and had 35mm film cameras that they were very happy with. While it is far easier to buy a digital camera now that you will be happy with, it is still also easy to choose a digital camera that will disappoint you. It is also very easy to spend far more for a digital camera then you need to. It is also important to get a digital camera that is capable of doing what you want, otherwise, all you will have bought is an expensive paperweight.

You will find here how to buy a digital camera. You will be able to choose what models have features that you need, the right resolution for you, and know what to avoid. My goal is to help you make an informed choice based on the features that will really make a difference. I won't tell you what model to buy, because models will change within months. You will, by following these guidelines, be able to choose a digital camera that won't make you feel like it's outdated next year.

Let's start with resolution. I strongly recommend that you start looking at cameras in the six megapixel range. A 6 megapixel digital camera will take pictures that are just as good if not better than a 35mm camera. One reason many people have been disappointed with their digital cameras is because they bought a camera with a lower resolution. Take a digital camera industry is little but responsible for this. Digital cameras have long been touted to have film quality. This claim was made long time before it was really true. One and two megapixel cameras were not film quality. When he came to three and four megapixel cameras, you might be able to say it was film quality, albeit 110 or APS but not 35mm. It was not until the five and six megapixel cameras came out that digital cameras were truly equal to 35mm.. If you buy a digital camera with at least six megapixel solution, you will have a camera that will produce the quality of photographs, most people are used to seeing.

Should you buy a digital camera with a higher resolution? If you have the money, a seven or eight megapixel digital camera will give you a little bit extra detail for cropping or enlargements. Keep in mind, with a higher resolution comes a larger file size. You will need larger memory cards, and a more powerful computer if you choose to work on your pictures. What about the 10 megapixel and higher resolution cameras? Unless you regularly make enlargements larger than 20 x 24, you probably will not see any advantage in a digital camera with a resolution this high. Even a six megapixel camera will provide great images up to an exceeding 20 x 24. Most people do not make enlargements larger than 8 x 10 and so much of this resolution is wasted on almost all the photography. While these high resolutions may sound cool, for many people it may be just wasted money. Most people will be more than happy with a digital camera in the Six to eight megapixel range.

The next thing to consider is the type of digital camera. The compact point and shoot digital camera is not going to be good for shooting pictures of your children in sports. If you want to take pictures of a moving subject you'll need a digital camera that has an optical viewfinder. On the other hand, a large digital single lens reflex is not convenient to take to a theme park. Think about how you plan to use the camera and purchase a camera that is good for that purpose. If you're looking for convenience, choose a small compact point and shoot. You are taking lots of family pictures at important events, look at the advanced prosumer models, you'll find their added speed and cache eliminate waiting for the camera to be ready. If you're serious hobbyist, you definitely may want to consider a digital single lens reflex.

What features should you look for when buying a digital camera? Useful features you may want to consider include image stabilization and zoom range. Image stabilization will help you get sharper pictures under difficult situations. The optical zoom range of the camera is also another feature to use when comparing different models. Do not be misled by a digital zoom feature. Using the digital zoom means less detail. You may also want to consider the inclusion of software. Some cameras include a copy of Photoshop Elements, an excellent image editing program. You should not let features like video recording or large internal memory way your decision, when buying a digital camera. In general, still cameras make poor video cameras and video cameras make poor still cameras. Internal memory, not to be confused with cache, isn't very useful with today's low prices in memory cards. It may also complicate things if you try to print at a local printer.

Finally, you should stick with a well-known camera manufacturer. Canon and Nikon are probably the most well-known and reliable camera manufacturers. Both are well known for long-lasting cameras, and high quality. While many consumer electronics companies make very high-quality cameras, they also tend to make products that seem to have a shorter life expectancy. Definitely stay away from a brand you never heard of before.

In conclusion, start by buying a digital camera with at least six megapixels resolution. Choose a model that is appropriate for what you plan to use it for. A digital single lens reflex won't fit in your pocket or purse, but you almost need it if you want both your child and a soccer ball in the same picture at a soccer game. And finally, buy a camera made by a well-known film camera manufacturer. You should now know how to buy a digital camera that you will enjoy for many years to come.

You can get additional information on how to take better photos here [http://www.photographybyjet.com/how-to-take-better-photos/How-to-choose-digital-camera/how-to-choose-a-digital-camera.htm]. James Thoenes is a professional photographer with over 20 years in photography. Learn how to take better photos at his website http://www.photographybyjet.com.