How to Choose a Digital Camera

Digital cameras are ubiquitous. These days everyone has one. Companies have flooded the market with hundreds of models and choosing one among this deluge of models can be tricky. This guide will help you choose a digital camera and not repent your decision later.

First, decide on the purpose of the camera. Ask yourself the questions - "What do I mostly shoot?" and "How big prints will I take, if any?"

Decide on the zoom - Zoom in on how much optical zoom you'd want based on what you often shoot - if holiday photos and party snaps are all that you take, be content with a camera offering 3x to 4x of optical zoom. If you are interested in shooting wildlife or you'd want to shoot far off objects, then go for a digital camera with 10x or more optical zoom. Note: Do not account for digital zoom, it can be accomplished using most photo editing software.

Decide on the megapixels - The bigger prints you need, the more megapixels you need. If you intend to view your photos only in your computer or take only smaller prints, you'd not need more than 4 megapixels. Go in for more megapixels only if you are keen on taking bigger prints. Another reason why you'd want more megapixels is when you intend to shoot objects that don't fill the frame - like that distant aircraft or wildlife. More megapixels will help you crop your photograph better.

Look for other requirements - See if you have any other specific requirements and make sure your camera caters to those. For examples, landscape photographers want a wider angle lens. People who mostly want use flash might want to look for the flash guide number. Slightly advanced photographers may want to look for cameras that offer manual modes. Sports or action photographers would like their cameras to have extremely fast shutter speed capabilities.

Image stabilization - A new feature that is making its way into newer camera models. Make sure you buy a camera with IS (also known as VR, OS etc.). Enabling IS prevents you from having those blurred shaky photographs in low light.

Compatibility - Check for compatibility with your operating system, computer. If you are buying a second camera, it makes terrible sense for you to invest in one that can take the memory cards of the other. Same is the case even with the batteries.

Money - Fix a budget for your camera and spend only 75-80% of it! Yes, keep the remaining money aside to get yourself additional memory cards, rechargeable batteries and other accessories. Digital cameras are ubiquitous. These days ever...

So there you have it. Keep these criteria in mind when you are choosing which digital camera to purchase and you'll be happy with the results. Just be patient and do your research and you'll narrow down the options to something that will be the perfect fit and aligned with your budget. Good luck!