How to Pick Out a Digital Camera

There are so many digital cameras on the market today, with varying price ranges and features. It can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices after looking at the selection of cameras out there. But it doesn't have to be hard. There are a few important features you should focus on when picking out a digital camera.

According to a tip on Best Buy's website, megapixels are important because they determine the quality of your shots. 3-5 is good for beginners, 6-8 is good for the intermediate, and anything over 8 will please the serious photography crowd. One can find an 8-10 megapixel camera for under $200 at Best Buy and other retailers.

Flash and lighting is important if you plan to take pictures in different settings. Many cameras offer automatic flash settings, and some have different selections that you can manually choose. Dennis P Curtin, author of "Curtin's Guide to Digital Cameras" warns that cameras with built in flash often produce a "flat" lighting effect and that it's better to have the option of manually controlling the flash if possible.

Video capability is another personal choice. Most cameras will already have some video capability built in, but you may be able to find cheaper cameras without if it's not important to you.

The battery life is important in making your decision. Most cameras come with rechargable lithium batteries, but some still use AA batteries. This is a personal choice as both choices have upsides and downsides. Some people prefer the former because it saves money and doesn't require you to keep purchasing batteries. Others like the latter, as you don't have to worry about your camera's charge running out in a place where you can't recharge it. In the case of a camera that requires AA batteries, Steve's Digicams online guide admits that most alkaline batteries are almost completely ineffective, but rechargable NiMH batteries can be purchased cheaply and provide hours or more of use.

If you're still confused or unable to make a decision, consider looking at particular brand names. It's hard to go wrong with something that gets constant good reviews. On Amazon, a high number of good customer reviews show Canon's Powershot series to be extremely popular, solid cameras.

There are many places for you to buy a digital camera. As with most electronics, this is one purchase that should be made new, in original package, and with a damage protection plan. A few good places to purchase a new digital camera online include Amazon, electronic retailer sites such as Best Buy, or camera manufacturer websites.

You may want to look at prices both online and at actual stores in your city, as they may vary. I recently priced a Canon model at various locations in my area and was shocked to find that while some stores sold it for $120, others priced it at $200! You might get an excellent deal if you shop around, or you might be sorry later if you don't.

You will want to get a warranty for your camera when you make the purchase, just in case something happens to it. Digital cameras are very delicate, and slight bumps or drops have been known to damage them beyond use. This is one situation in which spending the extra money is usually never regretted. Each retailer will offer a different warranty plan.

Good luck with your new digital camera purchase.

Best Buy, "Digital Cameras" Best Buy

Dennis P Curtin, "Short Courses-Flash" Short Courses

Steve's Digicams, "Rechargable Battery Information" Steve's Digimcams

Amazon customers, "Canon-Point & Shoot Digital Cameras" Amazon