How to Choose a Digital Camera

Digital cameras cost more out of the box than regular cameras, but offer the convenience of immediate viewing, multiple image storage, computer connectivity - and there's no film to develop.

Difficulty:

 

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Digital Camera Memory Cards
• Digital Cameras

1. • 1
     Buy the camera with the highest resolution you can afford, at least 2 to 3 megapixels (2 million to 3 million pixels), if possible.
   • 2
     Look for a 100 percent glass lens as opposed to a plastic one.
   • 3
     Buy a camera with as much RAM as you can afford. More RAM means the camera can store more pictures, so you won't need to download or erase them as often.
   • 4
     Expect zoom to be the feature you will use most. Compare optical, as opposed to digital, zoom capabilities.
   • 5
     Compare flash modes, if any.
   • 6
     Investigate viewfinders: Look for an optical (through-the-lens) viewfinder as well as an LCD display.
   • 7
     Consider autofocus and macro features, shutter-release lag times, and bundled software.
   • 8
     Compare additional features you might want: interchangeable lenses, steady-shot, burst mode, auto exposure, automatic white balance, voice memo, variable shutter speeds, manual focus and self-timer.
   • 9
     Compare removable media of various types (if you need more storage space for your photos).
   • 10
     Investigate batteries, chargers and battery-saving features.
   • 11
     Look for additional features you might need, such as USB or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connectivity (to connect the camera to the appropriate port on your computer), a battery-time-remaining indicator, an AC adapter or video-out connections for outputting to a television.

     
     

     Tips & Warnings

     • If you will only output pictures to a computer monitor (for viewing, Web page use or e-mail), an inexpensive digital camera with a 640-by-480 pixel resolution will provide very satisfactory results.
     • If you plan to print photographs on a good (at least 720 dots per inch) color printer, look for a high-resolution camera.
     • Beware of high-resolution cameras with low prices. The specified resolution may only apply to software interpolation rather than true optical resolution.
     • If you do buy a low-priced camera, make sure it has a charge-coupled device (CCD).
     • To compensate for low profit margins and high return rates, some retailers and Internet vendors have restrictive return policies that may include "restocking" fees. Check these out before you buy.

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