How to Choose a Digital Camera

Digital cameras cost more out of the box than regular cameras, but offer the convenience of immediate viewing, multiple image storage, computer connectivity - and there's no film to develop.

1. • 1
     Buy the camera with the highest resolution you can afford, at least 2 to 3 megapixels (2 million to 3 million pixels), if possible.
   • 2
     Look for a 100 percent glass lens as opposed to a plastic one.
     
     
   • 3
     Buy a camera with as much RAM as you can afford. More RAM means the camera can store more pictures, so you won't need to download or erase them as often.
     
     
   • 4
     Expect zoom to be the feature you will use most. Compare optical, as opposed to digital, zoom capabilities.
     
     
   • 5
     Compare flash modes, if any.
     
     
   • 6
     Investigate viewfinders: Look for an optical (through-the-lens) viewfinder as well as an LCD display.
     
     
   • 7
     Consider autofocus and macro features, shutter-release lag times, and bundled software.
     
     
   • 8
     Compare additional features you might want: interchangeable lenses, steady-shot, burst mode, auto exposure, automatic white balance, voice memo, variable shutter speeds, manual focus and self-timer.
     
     
   • 9
     Compare removable media of various types (if you need more storage space for your photos).
     
     
   • 10
     Investigate batteries, chargers and battery-saving features.
     
     
   • 11
     Look for additional features you might need, such as USB or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) connectivity (to connect the camera to the appropriate port on your computer), a battery-time-remaining indicator, an AC adapter or video-out connections for outputting to a television.