As we all know, digital cameras have already replaced the old film-type cameras. After all, you can take as many shots as you want with a digicam and not worry about wasting film, you can print your own photos at home, and - more often than not - a digicam also doubles as a video camera and a portable USB flash drive, all in one package. Plus, digicams are very pretty.
However, with all the features that we want and all the convenience and hipness they promise, digicams are not cheap either. So if you're about to go out and pick yourself your own cam, you might first want to stop for a minute or two since there are certain things that you might want to know about before forking over your hard-earned cash.
Over at Camera2Photo.com, a guide of 25 essential tips have been compiled to help the casual (and maybe even the pro) photographer pick out the perfect digital camera. Tips that have been included range from how to gauge the price of your selection as compared to its features, warnings to not get wowed by the megapixels that a model supposedly sports, as well as why one should consider optical zoom over a camera's digital zoom capability.
This is one set of rules to follow since it may possibly save you or someone you know either lots of money or from the heartache that is caused by buyer's guilt. Check out the rules by checking out the link below.
Buying a digital camera to get started in the world of digital photography or to replace your old camera? Read tips on getting the best digital camera for your money.
#1: Set a Budget Before Buying
Budget yourself when purchasing a digital camera.
#2: Ignore Digital Zoom
When buying digital cameras, concentrate on optical zoom, not digital zoom.
#3: Two Considerations when Buying a New Camera
Consider these two items before buying a new digital camera.
#4: Small Doesn’t Mean Underpowered
Small digital cameras may be exactly what you need.
#5: Be Careful When Buying Package Deals
Digital camera package deals may be too good to be true - or a real bargain!
#6: Check What the Zoom Really Means
Advertised digital camera zoom levels may not just be optical zoom.
#7: Get a Camera with Magnified Photo Previews
Magnified photo previews can help determine the sharpness of a digital photo.
#8: Is There a Built-In Microphone?
A digital camera microphone can provide added benefits to your photo taking.
#9: Effective Pixels and Foveon X3
Sometimes advertised digital camera pixel counts can be deceiving.
#10: Don’t Expect a Camera to Come with Enough Media
Buying a digital camera? Be prepared to buy some extra media.
#11: What to Look for to Take Night Photography
Helpful features some digital cameras provide to take better night photos.
#12: Don’t Get Caught Up in Megapixels
Megapixels are not everything when it comes to buying a digital camera.
#13: Consider the Total Cost of Ownership
You won’t just be purchasing a digital camera - you may need to buy accessories.
#14: Be Careful with Very Cheap Prices
Beware of the digital camera ‘package deal’ sales technique.
#15: Pre-Programmed Scene Modes May Help
Scene modes make it easier to take digital camera photos in tough lighting conditions.
#16: Does Flash Come with an SLR?
Consider the total cost of ownership when purchasing a digital SLR.
#17: Uses for your Old Digital Camera
Don’t throw away your old digital camera - here are some ways to get some use out of it.
#18: How Much Optical Zoom is Needed?
Do you require a digital camera with 6x optical zoom, or is 2x or 3x enough?
#19: Where is the Tripod Socket?
Make sure when purchasing a digital camera that it fits well on a tripod.
#20: Use Comparative Shopping Search Engines
Looking for the absolute best prices for digital cameras or digital camera accessories? Search many online vendors at once.
#21: Digital Camera Reviews
Links to websites offering reviews of specific digital cameras
#22: More Megapixels Means Greater Cropping Ability
Higher-megapixel digital cameras let you crop more.
#23: More Control May Cost You
To set manual exposure, you might need a more-expensive camera.
#24: Consider a Weatherproof Camera
Some digital cameras are made to withstand moisture.
#25: Look for ISO 50 Support
Look for digital cameras with ISO 50 support for crisper, cleaner images.
http://camera2photo.com/2006/08/25/25-things-you-must-know-before-buying-digital-camera
