| Today it seems digital cameras are ubiquitous - | | | | printing your images. For casual use and simple |
| they are incorporated into our phones, our PDA's | | | | photo-sharing (your 2-yr. old nieces' birthday party |
| and even our vehicles! This may be fine for | | | | 4 x 6 photos), a basic, 2-megapixel model works |
| some, but you may desire a digital camera | | | | just fine. The good news is that today, most new |
| equipped with more "stuff" than your camera | | | | cameras are being introduced with at least 5 |
| phone can provide! After all, digital cameras can | | | | megapixels. Only if you are going to be blowing up |
| do things film cameras cannot: displaying images | | | | images - often - should you consider investing in a |
| on a screen immediately after recording them; | | | | digital camera with greater than 5 megapixels.o |
| storing hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of | | | | The Zoom - Optical or Digital? - Digital zooms |
| images on a single small memory device, | | | | enlarge the pixels in your image, but they do not |
| recording video with sound, and deleting images to | | | | make your subject look bigger; only more |
| free storage space. | | | | pixilated. If you are considering a zoom lens, |
| Did you know that the Hubble Space Telescope is | | | | choose an optical zoom. Today, most digital |
| essentially a specialized digital camera? | | | | camera offer them at least 3X in length. That |
| While you may not require the same components | | | | means your subject will look 3X's as big.o |
| as the Hubble Telescope in your own personal | | | | Research - both online and in the store. There are |
| digital camera, there are some important criteria | | | | hundreds of reliable, free websites available at |
| to consider before making your purchase. After | | | | your fingertips. You can get real-time feedback on |
| all, the digital camera you buy should reflect your | | | | the digital camera(s) you are considering buying. |
| needs, which may change over time.o Needs - | | | | (This is also an excellent way to do some |
| Consider what you will be photographing. Are you | | | | comparison shopping!) Certain blogs even allow |
| a world traveler, taking photos of historic places | | | | you to interact with customers directly to ask |
| and beautiful landscapes? Are you a sports | | | | questions. Once you have narrowed down your |
| enthusiast, and therefore take action shots? If so, | | | | search, visit a digital camera shop and ask to see |
| you probably want to consider a digital camera | | | | the digital cameras you are interested in. "Handle" |
| that can shoot at high speeds. Additional | | | | the camera to make sure you are comfortable |
| considerations include: | | | | with its weight, accessibility and ease of use. No |
| - Where will you be photographing? (indoors | | | | amount of internet research can replace the |
| outdoors/low or bright light, etc.) | | | | "hands on" experience.o Extras - in addition to the |
| - Your experience level (will you primarily use the | | | | cost of your "basic" digital camera these add-ons |
| "auto" mode for things like flash and, aperture, or | | | | should be considered in your overall purchase: |
| do you plan on exploring the art of photography?) | | | | - cameras case |
| - Features - do you know what you want? | | | | - memory cards |
| (Optical zoom, large LCD display, image | | | | - extra batteries |
| stabilization, etc.) | | | | - recharger |
| - Size and transportability of your digital camera | | | | - filters |
| - Compatibility - do you already have devices - a | | | | - lenses (if you are considering a DSLR) |
| camcorder or PDA - that use a specific type of | | | | - reflectors/external flashes |
| memory card? You may also have accessories | | | | - tripodso Warranty - consider purchasing an |
| from previously purchased cameras that can be | | | | optional warranty on the digital camera you |
| used with the new one you are considering. Not | | | | choose; but before doing so; check out the |
| just memory cards, either. Batteries, rechargers | | | | vendor's website, because the factory warranty |
| and lenses (many film camera lenses are | | | | may suffice. |
| compatible with digital SLR's from the same | | | | Now, you are ready to enjoy your digital camera! |
| manufacturer!)o Budget - Once you've assessed | | | | Hold on to your receipt, the digital camera's box, |
| your digital camera needs, it is good to determine | | | | and all related warranty papers. Register your |
| the amount of money you want to spend, or at | | | | digital camera purchase with the manufacturer - |
| least, a spending range. This will help "narrow" | | | | this will make things much easier of you have a |
| your search.o Megapixels - It already sounds | | | | claim, as most camera manufacturers require |
| intimidating. Don't let it be! It all has to do with | | | | documentation in order to honor a warranty. |