Choosing a digital camera is a pretty big decision. You'll need to assess a few things before plunking down your hard-earned cash on what can be an expensive piece of electronic equipment. Below are some things that you will need to consider before making your purchase.
How comfortable are you with photography in general? Are you looking for a point and shoot digital camera or are you interested in using the manual settings so that you can control aperture and lighting? Point and shoot digital cameras can produce fine photos, but if you want to learn how to use what are called the creative settings, then you will have to have a camera that will allow you to manually focus and shoot. Point and shoot digital cameras are less expensive than the DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras that allow you to shoot on automatic or switch to the manual settings. Using the automatic settings will give you a feel for the camera and then when you are comfortable you can experiment with the manual settings. That is the beauty of a DSLR because you essentially get two cameras in one.
Don't automatically assume that more mega pixels equal a better camera. The pixels relate to how clear a photo is when you blow it up and print. A 5-mega pixel camera will give you clear 11x14 prints. If you don't ever plan on enlarging a picture to a size bigger than 11x14, then you don't need a 10-mega pixel camera. You will pay more to get more pixels so don't blow your budget buying something that you really don't need.
Do you want a digital camera that you can carry around in your pocket and pop out quickly to snap a photo, or are you looking for a camera that you can change the lenses on and take time to set up your shots? There are some really fine models that are portable and simple to use that can be stashed in your purse for when you need a camera.
Do a quick Google search on the cameras that you are considering. Read every review that you can find on the camera. Remember that no matter what brand or model, someone somewhere won't like it. Become an educated consumer and learn the reasons why. Some people have a preference for Canon and others for Nikon. You should pick the camera that has the features you like best coupled with how comfortable it is in your hands.
Once you have narrowed down your list of cameras you are ready to go to a photography store or an electronics store to get a first hand look at the cameras. You should never buy a digital camera without first holding the camera in your hand. Some cameras are very heavy and while you may think you like the camera, holding it will give you an idea of how much of a burden it will be to carry it around for hours at a time. I'm an avid digital photographer, and I love my DSLR, but it is heavy. I am always the photographer at every event, so I knew I will be carrying it around a lot, but I decided the advantages of the camera were more important for me than the weight of the camera. I also made sure to buy a camera strap with extra padding for my comfort.
Consider whether you will buy a camera that uses disposable batteries or re-chargeable batteries. In the long run, the re-chargeable batteries are less expensive, but you do have to remember to charge your battery pack. You will need a battery charger and a spare battery so that there is always a battery that is ready to be used.
Looking for a digital camera but don't have a lot of money? Visit Digital Camera Smarts where you can find out more about digital cameras as well as get tips for buying a used digital camera.
