Guide to Choosing a Digital Camera

You’ve decided to switch from film to digital. Perhaps you’re ready for a digital camera upgrade. Either way, you know that making that decision was easy—it’s choosing the right camera for your needs (and price range) that will be difficult. Understanding the terminology and weighing the features that will be most or least useful to you will help you make an educated choice. This guide will help you determine what your digital camera needs are and help you choose a camera that you will be happy with.

There are two primary specifications that play a role in the quality of the output of a digital camera: megapixels and zoom capabilities. These specs will likely be the numbers that narrow your search to three or four different cameras that will fit your needs.

WHAT ARE MEGAPIXELS? (read more)

The bottom line: More megapixels equal more detail. While you can print an 8” x 10” from a 2.0 megapixel camera with good results, the same photo printed from a 3.0 or 4.0 megapixel camera will be sharper and more detailed.

Ask yourself:
What size photos will I be printing?
Can I tell a difference between 2.0 and 4.0 megapixels?
Are the additional detail and original image size important to me?

OPTICAL vs. DIGITAL ZOOM (read more)

The bottom line: Compare optical zoom and ignore digital zoom. Optical zoom capabilities make all the difference in the final product. The higher the optical zoom, the farther away from the subject you can be and still get a great, clear, crisp quality shot.

Ask yourself:
Do I take a lot of photos from far away where a higher zoom rating is necessary?
How much am I willing to spend in order to get a higher zoom rating?

Once you’ve made some decisions about the megapixel and optical zoom ratings you want, you’ll need to consider the style, size and price of the camera itself.

POINT-AND-SHOOT vs. SLR (read more)

The bottom line: Find a camera that fits your lifestyle. Your level of photography interest and your lifestyle will ultimately make this decision for you. Size, ease-of-use, and price will all play a major role in whether a digital SLR, high performance point-and-shoot, or compact point-and-shoot is right for you.

Ask yourself:
Am I used to an SLR camera or a point-and-shoot camera?
Do I want manual setting capabilities?
Am I willing to carry a large camera?

CONSIDER THE EXTRAS (read more)

The bottom line: The extra features are what will make your final decision on a camera. Consider the battery style and life, memory card options, connectivity with your computer, and shutter lag time for each camera. Read plenty of reviews and give the camera a try in the store if possible.

Ask yourself:
Can it use regular batteries, or do I need a special battery pack?
What type of memory card does it use?
How can I connect it to my computer?
What kind of shutter lag does it have and will I be bothered by it?

Once you’ve made your decision based on your photography needs (not what the salesperson tells you is the best buy), you’ll be able to happily purchase and enjoy your new digital camera.

What are Megapixels? (part 2)

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