How to Choose a Digital Camera
Digital Cameras & Bundle Guide
APR
3
2009
First Consideration: How serious about digital photography are you?
Are you picking up digital photography as a habit, buying a digital camera for occasional social gatherings, or hoping to one day become a professional? More serious photographers tend to gravitate towards Digital SLR cameras, which allow greater flexibility with composition and viewing. These are the cameras with attachable and adjustable lenses and are generally a bit larger than your standard point and shoot. Casual photographers are generally fine with a point and shoot camera, which is smaller, less fragile, and more portable.
Second Consideration: What do you plan on using your camera for?
Digital cameras come with a wide variety of features that are geared towards type of use. While many cameras may include several features, it is important to make sure your digital camera has the features you need. If you are shopping for a digital camera to use socially, look for a camera with face detection. This will improve the quality of pictures that you take of people and faces. Are you a parent looking for a digital camera to document your child's sports games? Look for a camera with special settings for action shots. Interested in artistic or scenic photography? Shop for a digital camera that can take wide angle or panoramic shots.
Third Consideration: How often do you plan to use your digital camera?
Frequency of use determines the importance of three key features: portability, stability, and warranty. If you are using your camera every day, you want it to be portable and you want it to be sturdy. Carrying around a large camera will get old fast if you always have it with you and a sturdy reliable camera will be less likely to be affected by everyday wear and tear. Should you happen to break your camera, does the company provide a warranty? If the warranty is optional, is it worth it for you to subscribe? For frequent camera users, a warranty is highly recommended.
Fourth Consideration: How high does the video quality need to be?
Almost all digital cameras have video capabilities, but they differ greatly in quality. Some cameras provide basic video coverage, others come complete with HD video recording. How important is it to you that your videos be high quality?
Fifth Consideration: How much are you willing to pay?
The amount you are willing to spend on a camera is greatly influenced by how serious you are, how frequently you plan on using the camera, and what you plan on using it for. Some photographers see their camera as a simple toy, others see it as an investment. The more capabilities a camera offers, the more expensive it will be. After determining your answers to the considerations above, determine how much you are willing to spend to achieve the capabilities that you desire.
Sixth Consideration: Will you need any accessories?
You have narrowed down which type of camera you would like, but what else will you need? To protect your camera from wear and tear, a case is highly recommended. Purchasing a Digital SLR? You may want to invest in an assortment of lenses. Does the camera you chose have internal memory? A memory card will help you store hundreds of pictures in one place. And finally, do you want hard copies of your pictures? A photo printer is a great investment that, when you need a hard copy, saves you a trip to the store.
Now You're Ready, Browse Popular Brands! Canon digital cameras, Kodak digital cameras, Olympus digital cameras, Sony digital cameras, Panasonic digital cameras, Samsung digital cameras, and more!
