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How To...Buy a Digital Camera

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Getting Familiar | Weighing Options | Time to Buy

Getting Familiar

When it comes to digital cameras, the hype tends to hover around the buzz word "megapixels." Three-megapixel cameras are currently the most reasonably priced, 4-megapixel models have become common but still hover around $500, and only a couple of consumer models reach 5-megapixels. Though resolution is important, a digital camera has many other features that aid in the development of great pictures.

Resolution: The higher the pixel count, the greater your flexibility--you can print sharper pictures at larger sizes, or crop and print small sections of pictures. A 2-megapixel camera can usually produce a decent 5-by-7 print; a 3-megapixel camera, an 8-by-10; and a 4-megapixel model, an 11-by-17.

Size: Size and design can be a somewhat trivial feature to some, but to others, size matters. Small cameras can be convenient but hard to handle - fumbling fingers over small dials and buttons. Large cameras may have the latest/greatest features, but never leave your shelf.

Zoom lens: Zoom lenses can be confusing, so let's keep it simple. Most inexpensive cameras lack an optical zoom lense - a feature we feel to be just as important as the resolution. An optical zoom allows you to get closer to your subject, also meaning you won't need as high a resolution. Optical zoom and digital zoom are different. If you see an ad claiming 10x total zoom, it is just a combination of the camera's optical and digital zoom - don't settle for a camera with less than a 3x optical zoom.

Manual focus: Auto focus won't always be able to lock onto your subject - a manual focus can help to capture a great photo but unfortunately most low-end models do not have this feature.

Storage: Digital cameras typically come with three types of storage devices: 1) memory cards in sizes of 8MB (around $20), 64MB (around $35) and 128 MB (around $60). 2) 3 1/2 floppy disks but recording is slow and they can only hold 3 to 4 high-resolution images and 3) compact discs store many more images, but the cameras that use them are slow and bulky.

Batteries: Cameras can use a variety of several types of batteries, but most batteries are company specific rechargeable batteries that can cost $35 to $75 to replace.

Movies and sound: Many cameras can capture short MPEG or Quicktime type videos in addition to still shots, though storage devices don't hold much video footage. The movie option is useful for capturing short clips that you may want to email to family or friends.

Exposure settings: All digital cameras, no matter the price, allow you to shoot in an automatic exposure mode - high end cameras allow for manual, more professional settings but can be fairly expensive.

Menus: Make sure you can navigate through a cameras menu at ease - especially to commonly used functions like flash, white balance, image size, and picture effect. Too many buttons + too many menus = not enough of the pictures you wanted to take.

White balance: Without getting to technical, the white balance feature allows you to adjust color and brightness levels to different indoor and outdoor settings.

LCD: An LCD screen is necessary for reviewing just-taken images on the camera. LCD screens are usually 1.5" to 1.8" and quality can very so you may want to ask if you can view the LCD screen in sunlit and dark areas.

Weighing Options

Feature	Low End ($50-$200)	Middle of the Line ($200-$500)	High End ($500 and up)
Resolution	2 megapixels or less	3 megapixels	4 megapixels or more
Storage	8MB or less	8MB to 16MB	16MB or more
Battery	Fewer than 200 shots	200 to 400 shots	More than 400 shots
Exposure	Auto only	Some manual controls	Full manual controls
Focus	Auto only	Stepped focus	Yes
Zoom	Digital zoom only	2x to 3x optical zoom	4x optical or higher

Resolutions (megapixels): Important. With more megapixels you can print larger photos with better image quality.

Storage: Important. The amount of pictures your camera can store; the larger the image size, the fewer images your device will hold.

Battery: Somewhat important. No matter the battery type, eventually you will have to replace it.

Exposure: Somewhat important. Scene menus, image size, record mode - these can all enhance a cameras performance, so if your camera has them learn how to use them.

Focus: Somewhat important. This allows you to focus the camera yourself, which can be helpful if the automatic focus is having trouble focusing on your subject. Stepped focus can only be set to focus at a few predetermined distances.

Zoom: Somewhat important. Remember, optical zoom produces sharper images than digital zoom (don't fooled by claims of "total zoom"). A high optical zoom can offset a lower megapixel count.

Time to Buy

Choose an appropriate megapixel count. Remember, a 2-megapixel camera is fine for snapshots but if you want to produce larger prints you should consider a 3-, 4-, 0r 5-megapixel camera.
Look for a charger. Most cameras come with rechargeable batteries, but you have to use the camera to recharge them. Consider purchasing a charger dock to take some of the stress of your camera.
Don't settle for anything less than a 2x optical zoom. Even if you are just shooting snap-shots, an optical zoom will always out perform a digital zoom; it can also boost the picture quality of cameras with lower resolutions.
Look for cameras with removable storage devices. You want to find a camera that uses either memory sticks; floppy disks or compact discs, though slower, are also an option. Devices that can not be removed really limit your option to upgrade.
Tinker with the camera. Make sure you are comfortable with the dials and buttons - are they too small? the menus - are they easy to navigate? the zoom - is it clear and fast? and LCD screen - is it fuzzy in sunlight or dark?
Make sure your camera has an LCD screen. It allows you to view your photos on the spot.
Make sure your camera comes with everything you need. Open the box - does it have all the cables? instructions? etc. You don't want any surprise after you find that sweet deal.
Consider investing in accessories. Memory card readers, tripod, image editing software, photo printer, camera bag - all these things enhance the digital experience.
What we think: There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a digital camera, but they are definitely worth the consideration - whether for emailing snap shots to family, or for printing out your own quality photographs - digital cameras are fun, convenient, and are becoming more affordable everyday. Most importantly is that you find the camera that best suits your use - so ask questions, lots of them, and make that counter-person feel important :-)

For more information on digital camera products and manufactures visit CNET.com Digital Camera review.

Contributed by IWS/D Owner, Jason Best