How To Choose A Digital Camera
By Debbie Ridpath Ohi, N2Arts Correspondent
Here's what you need to know when purchasing a digital camera
 

ere’s a handy checklist of questions to ask yourself to help you make your decision about which digital camera to buy.

How much can you afford?

I strongly advise coming up with the amount before you start trying out cameras in the store. Digital cameras generally range from about $100 for a no-frills point-and-shoot up to eight thousand dollars or more for a top-of-the-line professional model.

How much experience do you have?

If you’re a beginner, you should look for a camera that is easy to use. Make sure you try the camera out in the store before buying it.

Look through the manual to make sure the instructions are clearly written and simple to understand.

What do you plan to use the camera for?

Do you plan to take a lot of sports action shots? If so, you’ll want a camera that can take pictures at high speeds. If you plan to just send or post pictures online for friends and family, then you probably can get away with a relatively inexpensive camera which offers a modest but okay resolution.

If you are likely to be taking photos of people or things from a distance, you will want a camera with a good optical zoom. If you plan to take photos frequently or use the LCD display or flash a lot, I’d advise opting for rechargeable batteries; it may seem more expensive at first, but will save you money in the long run.

Which is more important to you: size or picture quality?

In general, larger cameras take better photos. However, if this means your camera might be often left at home because it’s too much of a pain to carry around, it’s worth sacrificing some quality for the convenience of a smaller camera.

How important are print photos?

Are you counting on being able to print out good quality photos larger than 4x6 inches?  If so, you will want a camera offering a resolution of more than 2 megapixels. On the other hand, you probably don’t really need a 6 or 8 megapixel camera unless you are a serious photographer.

What kind of limitations do you have re: computer storage?

If you only have a small amount of storage space available, you may want to think twice before going for a camera that can take higher resolution photos as those big files will need to be stored somewhere.
Your best bet may be to settle for a lower pixel camera and save up for a CD burner or bigger hard drive.

Extra tip #1: Get recommendations from friends and family.

If you know friends or family who have digital cameras, ask them what they like and don’t like about them.

Extra tip #2: Become friends with your local camera store.

Visit a camera store several times to become familiar with what’s out there as well as talking to the store staff. Try out potential cameras. Some things to check:

- After switching it on, how long does it take for the camera to warm up before you can take a picture?

- How clear is the LCD screen? Does it show the same view as the one through the viewfinder?

- What is the flash like? Try taking a flash photo of something at the far end of the store as well as something close by.

- Ask for a sample printout of a few pictures taken with the camera.

- What warranty or warranties does the camera come with?

Extra tip #3: Check out the software.

Investigate the software you would be using to transfer your photos from the camera to your computer. How easy is it to use?  Does it have any other useful features, like helping to organize your photos, or any image manipulation and correction?

Extra tip #4:  Find reviews.

Find reviews of any camera you are considering. Also check out the reliability of the camera company.

Good luck, and have fun using your camera, whatever type you end up choosing!

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a Toronto-based freelance writer and photographer who has several online comic strips and performs with the music group Urban Tapestry. Her Web site can be found at http://www.inkygirl.com.