The Basics to Buying a Digital Camera
With so many digital cameras available on the market these days, the choice of which one is "right" for me can seem confusing, but, by looking at a few basic features, you can save yourself a lot of money and aggravation.
The first thing to consider is what kind of pictures do you want to take with your camera? Do you want to photograph large scenic vistas, fast action sports or just the occasional snapshot of grandma, the kids or the dog? Digital cameras are usually sold based on the number of elements or Pixels each image contains.
The more Mega pixels, the larger the print you can make.
For the occasional snapshot, 4 mega pixels will produce a very nice 4x6 inch print for family or friends.
6 to 8 mega pixels will allow you to print a nice quality 8x10 image or allow for cropping of unused areas of the picture.
Greater than 8 mega pixels will have superb detail and sharpness but at a cost.
All digital cameras store the image in computer type memory either built into the camera or on removable memory cards.
The higher mega pixels, the fewer pictures you can store.
What type of memory does the camera have? Cameras with built in memory are usually small, light, and inexpensive but you will have to stop taking pictures and download your images before you can continue.
Most of today's digital cameras have a removable storage card.
You will need a way to "read" the card to view the images on your computer, e-mail to friends, post on the internet or to make prints.
Computers and laptops today usually have card readers built into them to read these memory cards.
Check your computer to see what type of memory cards your computer will accept.
Popular types of memory cards are CompactFlash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick, and XD-Picture Card.
If you buy a digital camera with a removable card that your computer will not accept, then you will have to buy and additional card reader for that type of card to get your pictures into your computer.
Digital cameras need batteries of one type or another to operate.
Some cameras have built-in batteries that have to be charged before use.
When the power runs out from taking a lot of pictures, you have to stop and recharge.
Other cameras use either AA or triple A batteries.
These batteries are cheap and easy to find at almost any convenience or drug store.
The more expensive cameras have a rechargeable power pack.
These power packs will usually last a long time as compared to AA batteries but they still have to be recharged.
Having a second power pack will mean you won't miss the action but the cost of these packs are much higher than disposable batteries.
Try before you buy.
Most retailers that sell digital cameras usually have a lot to chose from.
Ask the sales person if you can take a few pictures to get the feel of the camera.
Are the controls easy to see and adjust? Is the camera too heavy to carry around all day at the park? Even if you plan to purchase your camera from the Internet, see if you can find one at a local store and see if it meets your needs.
The first thing to consider is what kind of pictures do you want to take with your camera? Do you want to photograph large scenic vistas, fast action sports or just the occasional snapshot of grandma, the kids or the dog? Digital cameras are usually sold based on the number of elements or Pixels each image contains.
The more Mega pixels, the larger the print you can make.
For the occasional snapshot, 4 mega pixels will produce a very nice 4x6 inch print for family or friends.
6 to 8 mega pixels will allow you to print a nice quality 8x10 image or allow for cropping of unused areas of the picture.
Greater than 8 mega pixels will have superb detail and sharpness but at a cost.
All digital cameras store the image in computer type memory either built into the camera or on removable memory cards.
The higher mega pixels, the fewer pictures you can store.
What type of memory does the camera have? Cameras with built in memory are usually small, light, and inexpensive but you will have to stop taking pictures and download your images before you can continue.
Most of today's digital cameras have a removable storage card.
You will need a way to "read" the card to view the images on your computer, e-mail to friends, post on the internet or to make prints.
Computers and laptops today usually have card readers built into them to read these memory cards.
Check your computer to see what type of memory cards your computer will accept.
Popular types of memory cards are CompactFlash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick, and XD-Picture Card.
If you buy a digital camera with a removable card that your computer will not accept, then you will have to buy and additional card reader for that type of card to get your pictures into your computer.
Digital cameras need batteries of one type or another to operate.
Some cameras have built-in batteries that have to be charged before use.
When the power runs out from taking a lot of pictures, you have to stop and recharge.
Other cameras use either AA or triple A batteries.
These batteries are cheap and easy to find at almost any convenience or drug store.
The more expensive cameras have a rechargeable power pack.
These power packs will usually last a long time as compared to AA batteries but they still have to be recharged.
Having a second power pack will mean you won't miss the action but the cost of these packs are much higher than disposable batteries.
Try before you buy.
Most retailers that sell digital cameras usually have a lot to chose from.
Ask the sales person if you can take a few pictures to get the feel of the camera.
Are the controls easy to see and adjust? Is the camera too heavy to carry around all day at the park? Even if you plan to purchase your camera from the Internet, see if you can find one at a local store and see if it meets your needs.
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