There are many things to consider in buying a digital camera. Follow these suggestions to become clear about your needs, and to understand better what camera will have you happily snapping away.
First of all, really think about, and make a list of your personal needs and preferences regarding this camera before you shop. This list will drive decisions about camera size, resolution and features.
Some things to consider:
- Would you want to carry the camera in your pocket? Or would you rather have something bigger with controls that are easier to find and use?
- Will you be using it outdoors? Need something waterproof?
- How’s your eyesight? A larger monitor on the back may be important for you, and/or maybe a control on the viewfinder that adjusts for eyesight.
- Do you like to read manuals? Are you an advanced user? Or would a point and shoot be best for you?
- Only taking pictures of items to sell on e-bay, put on a website or send via email (no printing)? You’ll only need a low mega pixel model.
- Want large scale prints? You’ll need high resolution.
- Already have an SLR? The lenses you have may fit a digital SLR.
- Do you like a monitor that swivels so you can hold the camera over your head for shots?
- Will more than one person be using this camera? What is the lowest level of competency?
- Do you have media from another camera that you’ll want to use in this camera?
- Do you want to be able to take short movies? With sound?
After making your needs and preferences list, make a commitment to how much money you can spend on the camera considering the ‘Total Cost of Ownership’. What ‘extras’ will you need to buy as part of the original purchase, and what will be the costs down the road?
In addition to the camera, at the very least you need to factor in additional cost ($75 - $150) for a backup rechargeable battery, and media card(s) (the cards that come with the camera only hold a few shots).
Things that may or may not be optional for you include:
a) Camera bag
b) Accessory lenses (required for a digital SLR)
c) Tripod for stabilization
d) Computer upgrades such as memory, operating systems, CD burner to manage your digital image files
Be cautious with ‘Package Deals’ – it’s not a good deal if the price of the pieces add up to more than the actual sum of the parts, or, if you really don’t need all the things that come with the package!
Watch for older models that could meet your needs that may have dropped in price with the release of a newer model.
A few other things to consider:
- Optical vs. Digital Zoom - pay attention to OPTICAL zoom only – DIGITAL zoom is a manipulation of the picture by the camera software that likely will not give you as sharp an image as you’d like.
- How much zoom? If primarily shooting friends and family – 2x or 3x whould be plenty. Just be sure to get up close. If you want to shoot outdoor scenery, architectural elements etc – go for 5x+, and for wildlife/sporting events, consider 7x+ in addition to a high megapixel count that will enable you to crop and still get good prints.
- Battery – It’s really nice if the camera can use standard size batteries (AA), in which case you can throw in regular batteries in a pinch (special ‘Ultra’ types really do work better). Lithium batteries last the longest, but NiMH are also good.
- Resolution – More is usually better (unless you are only shooting for the web). Prints require a minimum of 200 pixels per inch to get a decent print – in context, you can get a great 16” X 20” from a 6 megapixel image. However, remember that if you crop a 6 megapixel image, you no longer have that many pixels (because you cut them off)… This is why the best combination is a high megapixel count, as well as a good zoom distance.
- Features you may want – movies with sound, panorama, manual control over shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, preset modes to help in difficult lighting situations, macro mode for close ups, burst mode (rapidly takes a series of shots), acceptance of specialty lenses and external flash units, microphone that enables you to record notes about your images as you take them which stay with the image.
- Shutter lag – there can be a delay while the camera focuses and adjusts for lighting. You will get what you pay for here – less expensive cameras as a general rule have longer lag.
- Ease of use vs. advanced features – Simple point and shoots take great shots, but consider a more feature rich camera if you like the control of a more sophisticated camera or want to ‘grow’ in your photography.
- Size – Small cameras are terrific for slipping into your pocket and having with you wherever you go, and small cameras don’t necessarily mean underpowered! Do consider however, that the features may be more difficult to find and use, and they can easily be dropped. The obvious trade off on a larger camera is that it’s, well, larger. And heavier.
- Zoom in capability on playback – this is a nice feature that enables you to look closely at the images you have taken to make sure you have gotten a sharp image, and that everyone’s eyes are open!
Comparative Shopping Search Engines
Looking for the absolute best prices for digital cameras or digital camera accessories? Search many online vendors at once by using a comparative shopping search engine which will give you prices from several vendors.
Be sure to consider:
- Shipping price – some actually have free shipping
- Does the vendor list the item "in stock" (you may still want to check the vendor's website just in case)
- Does the vendor charge sales tax
- A "rating" of the vendor by the shopping engine's users - whether or not they deliver as promised
Remember that listed prices may not reflect the actual prices on each vendor's website (they may be higher OR lower). Be sure to read other peoples' opinions and be careful when purchasing items from a vendor you have never heard of before. Plus, be careful with prices that seem too low to believe - some vendors may aggressively try to sell "package deals" that may or not be a good deal for you.
Here is a list of just a few comparative shopping search engines, provided for informational purposes only:
Camera Reviews
These sites do a great job with giving you all the specs about a camera, a professional’s opinion about it, and usually a picture of the camera.
My final word of advice is, after your purchase, DO NOT look at ads or shop anymore for whatever you bought! Doubtless, in no time, you find it cheaper somewhere!
If you still feel a need for more guidance, feel free to give me a call – I love to talk about cameras, would be happy to go shopping with you! Call 503.789.0968 or email
rebecca@pixelegacy.com.
