How to Choose the Right Digital Camera

Choosing the right digial camera can be a daunting task whether you are a first-time buyer or upgrading an old digital camera. Technology changes so quickly that features you were once use to may have been so improved on that you feel left in the dust. Another reason you may feel overwhelmed is when seeking assistance, you may get a barage of information that doesn't help you in choosing a digital camera. On the opposite coin, you may not get enough information to make an informed decision. There is so much choice out there right now, that by just focusing on the basics of the camera and the basics of what you need, you can find the right digital camera.

There are basically three types of digtial cameras. The first is the general point-and-click type where you turn on the camera and snap a picture, letting the camera worry about lighting, focus, and scene settings. The second is the prosumer type (SLRs are included in this category) where more features are available to have more control over how the camera takes the picture. The final type is the professional grade. These have the capabilities to add attachments and lenses and allow you to get extremely detailed with the features to take the best picture possible.

Point-and-click digital cameras are good for first-time owners or those who aren't "tech-savvy" and for Grandmas and Grandpas who just want simple pictures of the grandkids. With a minimal amount of features, these type of cameras still take nice pictures without the worry of missing a priceless moment.

Prosumer cameras (sometimes called SLRs) are just a step above. You can still let the camera fly on automatic mode, but if you want to take more control over your pictures, the prosumer cameras have those extra features so you can play with settings to get a better possible picture than if you had let it go on automatic. These cameras are good for those people who are familiar with digital photography and don't want to rely on the automatic settings.

Professional digital cameras are just that: professional. Those are the ones you see on America's Next Top Model, and the type most paparazzi use when snapping Britney Spears. You can change out lenses and add other attachments. If you are looking to get into the digtial photography game and make a living at it, you may eventually have to get a professional camera.

Megapixels can be deceptive because most people will tell you that more is better. That is not the case. It simply depends on how you want to keep those pictures. You can find cameras with megapixels from 5 to 12 and even beyond. Read below to find the perfect range for the type of pictures you want to take.

5-6 MP: Good for eBay pictures and pictures that are only going to be viewed on a computer screen. This range is good for everyday 4x6 prints.

6-8 MP: Once you get up to this range, you will mostly probably want prints. For 8x10 prints, 6-7 megapixel will give you nice enlargements without losing image quality. For near-perfect 8x10s and 11x14s, then 8 megapixel will be your speed.

10 MP and above: The only reason you may need a digital camera with 9 megapixels or more is if you are taking headshots or want studio quality pictures or a poster size print of your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Memory cards for digital cameras have come down in price over the past few years. Picking one out is only determined by the amount of pictures you want to save. NOTE: If you purchase a camera that can use SDHC cards, it is recommended you purchase one of those cards. They are High Capacity cards that decrease the amount of time it takes for the camera to save the picture to the card.

Based on a 7 megapixel quality, a 1 GB will hold 325 pictures, a 2 GB card will hold 655 pictures and a 4 GB hard will hold 1,320 pictures. The higher the megapixel, the more storage the picture takes up. Purchase a 2 GB card is a safe bet and you can generally find them around $20.

Besides the camera and the memory card, you may want to get the following accessories:

Camera Bag: For protection from droppage and the elements.

Extra Batteries: Especially if your camera takes AA batteries. If this is the case, consider buying rechargeable batteries.

Tripod: Keep your shots level and even more steady with a tripod. Also good for taking self portraits and family pictures so everyone can be in the shot.

Choosing the right digital camera can be much more simpler if you are armed with the basic knowledge of cameras and how you are going to use the camera. If you are a first-time buyer or just plain non-tech savvy, don't get caught up in the terms; instead get caught up in what you are going to take pictures of. And who knows, I may see you on America's Next Top Model.