When shopping for a digital camera, it is very important to find one that suits your needs…but first you will have to determine exactly what your needs are. We will not be looking at all the different models and features of digital cameras, but by asking yourself the following few questions you can determine exactly what it is that you are looking for in a digital camera before deciding which camera is best for you.
When shopping for a digital camera there are a few factors that you should keep in mind: (not in any particular order)
* Question 1: How important is Megapixels?
Megapixels are not that important, in fact, it could be a disadvantage to have images that are too large and only takes up enormous amounts of space on your computer or memory card. When printing images, the size of your prints would have to be taken into consideration here. When printing your images at a normal size, anything from 4 megapixels would be fine. Blown-up images would need some more megapixels, so if you have portrait pictures in mind, spend that extra money on a camera with more megapixels.
* Question 2: What do you need the camera for?
The type of photography you will be doing is one of the most important factors. Will you be using the camera to photograph landscapes, sports-events or portraits? Will it mostly be indoors, outdoors, in low light conditions or bright light? Do you want to master the art of photography or do you want the camera mainly to take that snapshot of your friends and family on special occasions?
* Question 3: What does your budget allow?
The price of a camera may have a great effect on its size and portability as well as the features it has to offer. Additional features such as a large LCD display screen, zoom lenses or image stabilisation would surely add to the price, the question is: What features are really necessary for you and what can you afford?
* Question 4: What extras do you want to have?
Extras can make a big difference to your budget, keep it in mind before purchasing a camera. It’s almost like buying a house but forgetting to budget for all the furniture. Ask yourself which of these extras is essential to you. Extras may include a camera case, a tripod, zoom lenses, external flashes, a memory card, spare batteries and other attachments. Sort out your needs before getting a quote and try to buy some of the extras with you camera as the retailer may give you some discount when buying more than one item at once.
* Question 5: Which camera do you currently own?
If you are not purchasing your first digital camera and you only want to upgrade your current one, keep in mind that most of your camera accessories could be compatible with a new camera, especially when from the same manufacturer. These accessories may include memory cards, lenses, batteries, filters and flashes. Keep it in mind when asking your retailer about the specific camera you want, it could save you some money.
* Question 6: Digital SLR or Point-and-Shoot?
Point-and-Shoot cameras are usually a bit cheaper but a lot easier to use. This decision would be influenced by your experience with cameras and photography. Digital SLRs are generally bigger, more complicated and heavier, but they are getting more and more affordable these days. The upper end of the Point-and-Shoot cameras can sometimes be very just as impressing as well as user-friendly.
* Question 7: Do you have enough information?
Take your time to make your decision, do a little research first. Buying a camera online is sometimes a good idea; sales people may try to influence you by recommending a certain camera which means more commission for them. Read some reviews in camera magazines or on the Internet, it is free and can be done in your own time. It might just help you to narrow your options down.
After carefully answering the seven questions above, your search would at least be narrowed down to only a handful of cameras. Now you should compare the cameras on your shortlist by their price, features, compatibility, reviews and your needs. The last step would be finding the best price and then finally purchasing the digital camera that genuinely suit your needs.