Top 10 Digital Camera Buying Tips
There are four different types of digital cameras to choose from. Ultra compact and compact are light weight and small enough to carry around in your pocket or purse. Full size and Digital SLR cameras are larger and not as easy to carry around. The different types of cameras also have different levels of optical zoom. The Ultra compact usually has a 3 times optical zoom. The Compact usually has a 3, 4, 6, or 8 times optical zoom. The Full size usually has a 10, 12, 15 or 18 times optical zoom. The Digital SLR lets you change lenses so you can use different lenses for different situations. Optical zoom refers to the lens where as digital zoom just crops the image digitally.
The newer cameras have newer features. Image stabilization helps to prevent camera movement so you get sharper photos. Face recognition helps the camera find faces in the photo and focus on them instead of the background. Redeye repair software takes care of red eye in the camera when the picture is taken. Newer cameras also have more megapixels. Most cameras today start at 5-7 megapixels whereas older cameras only went up to 3 megapixels. Newer cameras also have newer prices. The Ultra Compact digital camera will run about $150-350. The Compact digital camera will run about $90-300. The Full Size digital camera will usually run about $250-450. The Digital SLR camera can run anywhere from $550 to $5,000 plus the cost of lenses.
The basic accessories you want to get with your camera are a case, extra memory cards and batteries. Hard shell cases or cases with at least one hard side will provide more protection for the new larger lcd viewing screens. Different cameras take different types of memory cards, so be sure you check to be sure what kind of card your camera takes. Ultra Compact cameras and the Digital SLR cameras usually use a manufacturer made battery pack. You will need to purchase extras of these if you want them from the camera retailer. The Compact and Full Size cameras usually take standard batteries. Rechargeable batteries can be reused and last 3-4 times longer in your camera than the disposable batteries do.
You can purchase your digital camera at a store or online. In a store you can see how the camera feels in your hand, how big it is, how easy the controls are and how long it takes to take a photo and how long is the wait time between photos. Also in a store you can go back and ask questions later if you need to. Online you can get some great deals, but make sure you are dealing with a reputable website, that they have the item in stock and that you will get it on time. Also compare the online cost with shipping to the in store cost to see if you are really getting a good deal. Whether you buy online or in a store, check out what the return policy is. Most places have a different return policy for digital cameras than for the rest of the items in that store or on that site. Some places charge a 15% restocking fee if the seal on the package is broken and the box has been opened. Also check to see how long you have to return it if need be. Some places have a 14, 30, 60, or 90 day return policy.