How To Find The Best Digital Cameras

Author:Travis Grant There are hundreds of cameras with countless options for the camera enthusiast. Deciding on the right camera to buy can be confusing for the average consumer. With limitless possibilities offered by different cameras, you need to ensure that the one you select is just right for you. It must ideally meet your needs and requirements.

First and foremost you need to sit down and analyze your needs. What are you really looking for in a camera? What do you plan on shooting with it? Where is the location you plan to use it most? Questions such as these will help you make the best choice. If, for example, you plan to take pictures of everyday life with your friends, a lightweight camera that can fit in your pocket might be best. If, however, you are considering becoming a professional or creative photographer, then a bigger camera with more advanced features might be more suitable. Determining how you plan on using the camera will go a long way in guiding your decision.

Despite all your expectations from a camera, cost is also an important factor that may ultimately narrow down your choices. You should take some time to think about your financial limitations when it comes to buying a camera.

If you can manage to pay for a complex camera, but cannot afford the necessary lenses and accessories to maximize its features, that expensive camera will be limited in its abilities. You will of course, get more features with the more expensive cameras, but why spend a fortune on the camera if you won't use those features? Cameras on the cheaper end of the spectrum come with more features than they used to; however, you need to be sure a cheaper camera is going to do what you want it to do.

Balance your needs with your budget to narrow the research field. If you plan to pursue photography as a serious hobby, allow room for growth of your skills and an increase in your demands on the camera.

Megapixels, which is measured by the resolution of the camera, is an essential component that must be considered when buying a camera. Modern cameras commonly have a resolution of three, four, or five megapixels, with higher end cameras going even higher. If you intend to print photos that are 8x10 in size, choose a camera with at least three megapixels, although four or five would be better. Of course if you plan to further blow up your images, then you will need a camera with more megapixels. When you make your photos bigger, you can crop certain parts out of the picture. For long distance shots, a higher resolution camera is needed, as this gives you the ability to enlarge and crop images to your liking. If photography is not your profession, then you should be able to meet your needs with a four or five megapixel camera.

The optical zoom feature of a camera is also a deal-maker or breaker. Keep in mind that digital zoom does not matter in cameras, but optical zoom has an important significance for photographers. A camera’s ability to zoom indicates how much closer or larger it makes an image appear. A common zoom is 3X, indicating that the image will appear three times larger, or closer, depending on your terminology. There are also cameras that offer ten times zoom. Zoom capabilities are necessary for people who take pictures from a relatively large distance and still want crisp results. Professional photographers definitely need to invest in high-end cameras with amazing zoom capabilities through interchangeable lens.

Don’t buy a camera simply because you like the color or because everyone else appears to own one. You should ask questions before buying a camera. Discuss the topic with camera owners, professionals, shop owners, and even strangers. Talk to the local store clerks. They will also be able to help you pick out a camera that best meets your needs and budget. You'll also be able to learn more about a camera by reading online professional and user reviews, or asking a friendly photography enthusiast.

It will probably take weeks, maybe months, before you find the perfect camera for you. Once you get the right camera for your needs, you will be thankful for your patience. The long wait will not bother you once you have the right camera in your hands. Remember the fruit of patience is sweet.