How To Choose The Right Digital Camera – Conclusion and Summary

Before I summarize, I would like to list a few features that you should compare between models of digital cameras.

Optical zoom range

• Point-and-shoot digital cameras do not allow you to change lenses. Ranges generally go from 3x to 10x. Do not count digital zoom in this factor.

Lens speed

• This is a measure of how much light the lens lets through to the sensor. A smaller number is better. Many point-shoot-digital cameras have F5.6, F6.7, or even F8.0 lenses. Faster lenses are F2.8 but this is very rare in point-shoot models. Lenses tend to get slower as you zoom in more.

External flash hot shoe

• Usually not on compact models but some larger point-and-shoot models have them. All digital single lens reflexes have them. Another thing to glance at is the distance the built in flash is from the lens. A built in flash that is farther from the lens will show less red-eye. Unfortunately, small cameras do not have much room to move the flash away from the lens.

Larger preview screen

• Personally, I only take an occassional quick glance at preview screens when shooting a digital camera. I prefer optical viewfinders which do not get washed out by daylight. I find the histogram a more useful use of the screen for a quick check of the exposure. A large screen is nice, but still not the best way to view digital photos.

Rechargeble batteries

• Digital cameras will use tons of batteries. Many cameras come with a rechargeble battery. I suggest also ordering a backup so you can keep shooting after one goes out.

Ok, that's about it.

To Summarize choosing a digital camera

• Do not go by the advice of a saleperson at a consumer electronics store.
• Buy at a local camera store if you feel you need advice.
• You can save money buying your camea online.
• What kind of photography you plan to shoot should determine what style digital camera you buy. A casual shooter should look a compact camera. The family historian should look at the larger, more versatile point-and-shoot models. The soccer mom needs an optical viewfinder or digital single lens reflex. A dedicated hobbiest will want a high end point-and-shoot digital camera or a mid to low range digital single lens reflex. A professional should not need to read this, but will want high to mid range digital single lens reflexes and also will need a spare.
• Buy a digital camera brand that has a history in photography – Canon and Nikon are the best examples.
• Buy a camera in the 6 megapixel – 8 megapixel range of resolution. This resolution will provide equal or better than 35mm film quality (providing insurance from quick obsolecence).
• Do not buy a camera just to be compatible with digital camera memory you already have. Secure Digital and Compact Flash will tend to have the best prices.
• Do not let nearly useless features determine what digital camera you buy. Stick with features that are really important on a digital camera.
• Make the price you are comparing includes everything the manufacturer normally includes in the box.
• Order a USA warrantee if you live in the US.
• Once you have several models that met the above guidelines, compare the remaining models on useful features.

I hope I have covered everything, no doubt I'll find a few things I've missed from time to time. If you have a question or think I've missed something important, let my know from the link on the feedback page.