When buying a digital camera, remember that while they seem expensive compared to traditional film cameras, digital cameras never need film. You first need to decide what you want from your camera. Will you be taking family photos, or using it on a more professional basis? Image resolution is measured in megapixels, the more megapixels,the higher the resolution of your final image. How large you want to blow up your images should be your guide. A 1-mg camera can create a 7.5 by 13cm photo-quality print, a 2-mg camera will make a 13 by 18cm print, a 3-mg camera will make a 20 by 25cm print and a 6-mg camera will make a 23 by 33cm print.
If the camera doesn't include a cable for your computer you will need to buy a USB or FireWire cable.
Choose a camera with removable memory as well as built-in memory. Expect an LCD screen for viewing pictures, a built-in flash, a timer, and a time/date stamp on even the most basic camera. Some models let you record short snippets of video.
If you need zoom capability get optical zoom, not digital. Remember that digital cameras eat batteries, espeically to power an LCDÂ screen. For longer life use lithium batteries.
Get software to help you organize and manage your photos, such as Paint Shop Photo Album, Apple iPhoto or Adobe Photo Album. |