How to Choose a Digital Camera

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27 December 2009

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Not so many years ago, only the wealthy could afford a good camera. The common people were content with a simple, no frills, point-and-shoot model. All that changed with the advent of the electronic and digital photography age. Now virtually everyone can have a multi-featured digital camera that takes good, instant pictures. We can print high quality pictures ourselves or share them with others electronically. In fact, most can afford a camera with features far more sophisticated than they need. Let’s examine some rules for buying your first or next camera.

First, determine what is your purpose in buying a camera? Are you going to take pictures to share online? Are you going to take largely indoor or outdoor pictures? Will they be portraits or lots of action like sporting events? Will they be simple or specialty pictures like extreme close-ups or pictures of the moon?

Next, determine how much you want to pay. Usually you will get about what you pay for. But with all the features available, you could easily get more than you need. Thus, these are important questions to answer. If you are new at photography or don’t care for all the complex settings, then don’t get them. Instead, ook for a simple point-and-shoot model instead of the fanciest camera you can afford.

Many want to buy a camera with the most megapixels possible, thinking they have a better camera. The megapixel number tells the resolution of the pictures the camera can take. A larger number means that you can take larger, clearer pictures A number of nine or more means that the camera can take clear pictures for enlarging. However, these pictures may also take up lots of memory. Those wanting to post pictures on the web or email them to friends will not want pictures that large, and neither will the friends on the download side.

Digital cameras have an LCD screen on the back that enables you to see the subject of your picture and the picture after you take it. Larger screens are better but also, be sure the image is clear even in bright light. The lens size will usually determine its zoom ability. A larger camera usually has a better flash also. Just remember that if you zoom in to a distant object indoors, the flash will probably not be able to illuminate it sufficiently. Larger cameras have a flash boot on top that activates add-on flashes. Generally, a larger camera is more bulky but it also has a better flash and lens.

You may want additional features such as the built in delay shutter so the photographer can get into the picture as well. Some LCD screens can even be flipped out and rotated so that you can see it with the camera over the head or down low or even when setting up a delay shutter picture. Many digital cameras take limited video.

Once you have narrowed your field to a particular camera, check reviews of it before you set your heart on getting it. Unbiased reviewers and people who have already used that model are usually very honest. Check out the type of batteries it uses. Be sure they are standard AA or AAA batteries or else batteries could be expensive. Also check the memory card to see if it is the same style as other devices you own. If this is important to you, is the memory card compatible with your printer or your computer?

Not only read the consumer reviews, but also go to a store where you can see and feel the camera, even if you don’t buy it there. Check out what kind of a warranty comes with it. Do you want to purchase the extended warranty? For electronics, I generally do, for too much can go wrong and few will know how to fix it if it malfunctions.

When you have purchased a model, stop shopping for them. Don’t second-guess yourself that you should have gotten something else. Learn how to use it by reading the manual and trying out the various features it has. Taking pictures is a wonderful way to conserve memories and photography can be fun. With all the great cameras available now, don’t wait any longer to get started.

Following these tips should lead you to a camera that will serve you well for years. But if you’re more interested in a professional handling your photography, consider the services of Del Haven Studio, an accomplished photographer in Virginia Beach. View their website portfolio for proof.