Digital Camera Buying Guide

Megapixel Count and Resolution

Basically the more megapixels the camera has the better and sharper the resolution of your pictures. If you intend to only email pictures or view them on your computer then any resolution is fine. But with a higher resolution you have the flexibility to print better quality pictures as well as print them in larger sizes with better quality, as well as perform other editing functions such as cropping and printing.

The pixel count alone is commonly presumed to indicate the resolution of a camera, but this is a misconception. There are several other factors that impact a sensor's resolution. Some of these factors include sensor size, lens quality, and the organization of the pixels.Most cameras offer a resolution of at least 5 megapixels, which is enough to make a sharp 11-by-14 print. (picture: Canon PowerShot SD950 IS)

Size, Weight, and Design

While small pocket size digital cameras are convenient and some cameras weigh as little as 4.2 ounces there are some things to consider in regards to the size and weight of the camera. First, the smaller the camera the tinier the dials and buttons that makes tweaking settings a hassle and so much less user friendly. second, a lot of times the smaller cameras do not have any manual settings.

LCD and Viewfinder

All digital cameras have an LCD screen; these vary in size from 1.8 to 3.5 inches. The smaller size limits your ability to review just-taken images on the camera. A good LCD is essential for knowing whether you got the shot you wanted, and can usually give you an indication of whether it was properly exposed. Some new digital camera have touch-screen LCDs that allow you to tap on subjects in the frame to focus on, as well as to navigate menus. Obviously the larger the LCD the better viewing of the images they display.

Zoom Lens

The optical zoom feature actually utilizes the movement of the digital camera lens. The focal length is changed and the image that passes through the lens is captured with optical zoom. Optical zoom ratings vary from 3PX to 20PX and the higher ratings give the best image quality. Optical zoom gives you all the benefits of the camera's maximum resolution, combined with the ability to focus in tight on faraway action.

Often times an optical zoom is more important than resolution because it means you won't have to magnify your subject and then use software to crop the image and discard some of the resolution as a result. (picture: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H50)

Digital zoom merely captures pixels and magnifies those and produces inferior photos, always go with Optical Zoom.

Manual Focus vs. Point and Shoot Capability

For close-ups and situations in which a digital camera's auto focus doesn't quite cut it, switching to manual focusing can help you get the shot. Often times this allows for adjusting the digital camera's settings to fit specific shooting situations and gives a lot more control and usability for the photographer.

The more low-end cameras often omit manual focusing with a point and shoot capability or allow only stepped focusing, which forces you to choose from a few preset distances.

Exposure settings

Automatic Mode - All digital cameras let you shoot in fully automatic mode, just press the shutter release and you get a picture.

Aperture and Shutter Priority Modes - Adjusts the size of the lens opening or how long the shutter stays open, and the camera automatically controls the other variable to give you the proper exposure. Typically, you'd use aperture priority to maintain control over an image's depth of field. For instance, to blur the background of a shot while keeping the foreground sharp.

Shutter-priority mode captures fast-moving subjects.

A camera that relies exclusively on full auto would attempt to keep both the foreground and background in focus in the former example, and it would probably blur the moving subject in the latter. (picture: Sony Cyber Shot W170 DSC w170/R)

Scene modes

Some cameras offer presets that are designed for a variety of settings and subjects, such as underwater, beach and fireworks.

Some cameras let you assign one of the modes, or a custom mode of your creation to a position on the control dial, where you can more easily access it, instead of having to visit the menu settings.

Facial recognition is a great feature offered by many point-and-shoot cameras. In detecting people's faces, the digital camera aims to optimize both focus and exposure for the subjects. Some new cameras even have smile recognition, which will automatically take a picture when someone in the frame smiles; this feature is great for baby pictures.

Memory/Storage

A typical 5-megapixel digital camera comes with a 16MB "starter" memory card that at its highest resolution can store six to eight pics.

The standard memory card the digital camera comes with is not very important because you can and will want to buy another one, or else you will have to transfer all pictures taken almost immediately after taking them to make room for more.

Memory Cards
CompactFlash, SD Cards, and SmartMedia cards cost about $6 to $15 for 512MB, or $25 to $40 for 2GB. Bigger SD media is also available, like the SDHC - Secure Digital High Capacity cards that offer storage capacities of 4GB (for around $50) to 32GB (for around $350 to $700), but they're not backward-compatible with standard SD slots. Tip: Make sure that the camera you choose supports SDHC cards if you plan on buying one of them. Shop for cheap Digital Camera Memory Cards.

Batteries

Digital cameras batteries vary. Some use AA's, either non-rechargeable rechargeable nickel metal hydride, high-capacity disposable CRV3s, or proprietary rechargeable batteries. Tip: Disposable batteries with digital cameras can cost big in the long run. Using rechargeable batteries can save a lot of money and especially over time. Many cameras allow the use of both so in the event the rechargeable is charging you can pop in some AA's.

Movies and sound

Many cameras can capture video as well as still shots. This option is useful for taking short clips when you don't have a camcorder. Some models also will record an audio caption for still photos.

Consider the user friendliness and accessibility of menu options, such as macro mode, resolution, flash and exposure settings while holding the digital camera and taking pictures. Hard to reach buttons and settings will make picture taking more difficult and a hassle. Also, remember that buying a cheap digital camera is easy online, those who pay retail are really just wasting their cash.