What are the facts I shoud consider before buying a digital camara?

Answer 1

Well you've made the first correct step by asking this question. .Your 1st consideration is the amount of money that you want to spend. Next, you will need to decide on the amount of megapixels-this basically has to do with how large you choose to enlarge your photos. The bigger you plan to enlarge your photos the more megapixels you will need to ensure the highest quality print. However, If most of your picks will be an average of 4x6 or 5x7 you really don't need anything more that 5 megapixels. Also take into consideration the shutter speed. If you plan on taking action shots you will need something with a higher shutter speed. If your taking scenery pics, you may want something a higher optical zoom, don't get sold on digital zoom which is best for macro photography- like taking small subjects such as flowers. Don't get caught up on all the features the camera has, ask yourself what you will use, how often are you gonna use the sketch mode or the negative picture mode. Buy one that feels comfortable in your hands, with easy to use dials and a menu that is not too complicated. Don't be sold on the size of LCD screen, that's just preview to you photo. Do your research, the guy in the stores just looking to sell you the most expensive camera in your budget to get his commission.

Answer 2

Another thing to consider is shutter lag. Digital cameras can take a while between pressing the shutter release and actualy taking the picture. Not a problem if you're photographing landscapes, but a real pain if you're dealing with your children at play! Focusing speed is a similar issue. Unfortunately price isn't a guide to these things - if they matter to you, you'll need to check them. Fortunately, the better reviewers know what they're looking for and will highlight the things that matter. There are all sorts of bells and whistles that might or might not do it for you - e.g. I don't care about being able to change the sound 'themes' for my camera, but I do like the ability to adjust the volume of the shutter.

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. By "photo shop," I mean an actual camera shop or at least a camera department where the sales staff only deals with cameras and not dishwashers, too. 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.

If you have some vague ideas about price and desired features, go to http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp and see what they select for you.

Choose the best one by deciding what you want to do, how much you want to learn, how far you want to progress and how much you want to spend.

http://www.dcresource.com/buyersguide/
http://www.dcresource.com/buyersguide/shopping_tips.shtml
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html
http://www.popphoto.com/buyingguide/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

Answer 4

First of all, don't over buy.
If your main interest are 4X6 snapshots.. go for a 5 megapixel camera.

Optical zoom 3X is fine... stay away from digital zoom cameras only.

Batteries... look for a camera that uses AA batteries,
they are easily available everywhere... and are economical.

Good Luck..

I would recommend a Canon A550....
please check it out before you make a final decision..

Good luck

Answer 5

i'd get a digital digicam because of the fact it rather is smaller and a few can take mini movies. additionally it rather is greater relaxing to establish image albums then watch hardly ever watched movies from a camcorder. Plus once you have a image album you are able to constantly look in there whilst your bored and undergo in techniques each and every of the particular moments that your loved ones or you and your loved ones spent!

Answer 6

Buy a good or known brand.They still rely on the lens even tho digital for a good photo.

Answer 7

Must have optical zoom.
5mega pixel is fine for A4 prints
Pref metal body. view finder is preferred as lcd screen is is hard to see out doors !
Good flash as some units have pathetic flash.
Good make, eg Sony, Fuji , Cannon etc.
Do you want it to fit in pocket ?
Do want larger so you can have more lens options ?
Last but not least is cost .
They are getting cheaper daily ! ( almost )
Cheers Pete