How do I choose a good digital camera?

Answer 1

First- think about what you'll be using it for and what you're looking for. If you want something pocketable- that narrows down the field a bit. If you want something with a long zoom- then there are some excellent choices here as well. If you want something with a long zoom and pocketable... well, then you're down to about 2 cameras, but you give up image quality to achieve this combination.

Or- you might want a solid medium sized camera that's still pretty cheap (Canon's A-series would be a place to look). Or, if you're a real enthusiast- and are willing to lug some weight around, go for a DSLR. Expensive, but features and capabilities cost more.

There are some terrific web sites to help you:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/

http://www.dcresource.com/

http://www.dpreview.com/

The Canon S2 recommended below by Doc has been superceeded by the improved S3 IS. If you even want a medium sized superzoom camera. Do you really need a 432mm telephoto? Yes- if you're a bird watcher or want to get really up close at your kid's soccer game.

The next poster says Sony is more for professionals... hardly the truth. All the major players make cameras for all levels. The top brands for digicams right now I'd say are: Canon, Panasonic, Sony, Fuji. Closely followed by Pentax, Olympus, Nikon, Kodak, Casio, Samsung. and perhaps a few others I forgot.

Answer 2

First, decide on your budget. Digital cameras come in a wide variety of quality and price. I would say that the cheapest a decent digital camera could be had for is $150. Although most digital cameras come with a memory card, it is so small that only a few pictures will fit on it. So, you need to buy a memory card. Luckily, they are dirt cheap these days and a 512 meg SD card (which will fit most cameras) is only $10-$15 plus shipping if you know where to shop.

A good digital camera will run you in the $250 to $300 range. An ultrazoom will cost $300 to $500. A superior digital camera will run you in the $800 to $1000 range including some entry level digital SLR. An SLR is an advanced type of camera with superior optics but lacking many functions that users of standard digital cameras take for granted.

After you decide on your budget, you can compare camera reviews by a professional photographer at this site (which also has links to some of the better prices for those cameras).

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php

Answer 3

Start with the budget. This may seem backwards, but it's not. You can find a decent camera to match any amount of money you want to spend.

Next, find a friend who will help you learn how to use the camera. This "friend" could even be the clerk in your local photo shop. Buy the camera that your friend recommends so that they will be able to teach you how to use it.

After you know what you are doing and are ready for your next camera - and this will come sooner than you think - you will be in a position to make your own choice.

Answer 4

First, figure out what you want most out of a camera.

*Is price your main concern?

*Do you want a high powered zoom lens?

*Is a brand name important to you?

*Is size/weight a consideration?

*Do you need a professional model?

*Do you want an easy-to-use snapshot camera or one with lots of options?

*Does the kind of storage media make a difference to you?

Once you have an idea what you are looking for, check out some of the shopping sites: Yahoo shopping, My Simon, Froogal, etc.

I bought a one month subscription (about $5.00) to Consumer Reports on-line. They have a great section on digital cameras.

Don't forget to ask your friends if they've bought a camera recently and if they like it.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Look out for mega pixels 3 being low and 12 being high, the more pixels the better quality photo. Then ZOOM, Optical and Digital, Optical is the better zoom, Digital take you in that bit more closer! Then size of display, 3in being the biggest 2" on most is good enough. Thats basically it. Most digi cams are point and shoot, you shouldnt want much more!!

Answer 6

What kind of photos will you be taking? If you are taking, just casual, non-professional kind of photos, that you do not intend to develop on prints larger than your computer screen, then anything that has roughly 5 mega-pixels would do.
Brands recommended are Sony and Canon, Sony is more for professionals, while Canon is more user friendly with many compatible programs and printers.

Answer 7

I love my Samsung Digimax A7. It cost me $285 and has 7 Megapixels, 2" LCD, and fantastic optical and digital zoom.

Answer 8

I can highly recommend Canon Powershot S2. See it at Amazon.com and read the recommendations of professionals.

Answer 9

One Website will help you choose
and understand your choice:
http://www.dpreview.com

Best Wishes

Answer 10

Megapixels and resolution ration.