Buy Digital Cameras : Before you buy a digital camera

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Buy Digital Camera

With hundreds of models available, digital camera shopping can be a challenging chore. Make use of tips found in a digital camera buying guide to determine exactly the features you need. Before you buy a digital camera, it’s important to do your homework.

By taking a little time to prepare before you buy, you’ll greatly increase your chances of ending up with a model that meets your needs. Before you buy a digital camera, it’s important to do your homework.

Before You Arrive at the Store

• Talk to others. Friends and family can be a great resource for learning about which digital cameras work well and which don’t. Opinions posted on the Internet are OK, but face-to-face opinions from people you trust and know are much better.
• If you’ll shoot a lot of nature photos, you’ll want a large zoom lens. If you’re going to shoot your children’s athletic events, look for a large zoom lens and fast response times in a digital camera. If most of your photos will be of friends and family at parties, you may want a model that performs well in low-light conditions.

• Figure out what kinds of prints you’ll make. Most new digital cameras, even beginner-level, point-and-shoot models, contain plenty of resolution to make adequately sized prints. Look at this chart for some advice on how resolution and print size relate to each other.
• Figure out what size of camera you want. Some people prefer larger digital cameras that are easy to hold. Others will want a small, thin model that fits easily in a pocket or purse. Finally, some will prefer a model that exudes a sense of style.
• Learn the jargon. Read through a digital camera glossary to familiarize yourself with all of the terms and features involved with digital cameras.
• Set a budget. Figure out how much you want to spend before you reach the store. Once you set a budget, be sure to stick to it.
• If you have a newer Windows computer, you should have no problem connecting your digital camera to the computer and downloading your pictures. However, if you own a Macintosh or an older Windows computer, you’ll want to be sure the digital camera you eventually buy can work with those computers.

After You Arrive at the Store

• Be honest about your photography experience level. If you’re a beginner, and the salesperson suggests a point-and-shoot camera, you should listen. Save those more advanced cameras for after you’ve honed your photography skills.
• Try various models. Make friends with the salesperson. One of the biggest problems with point-and-shoot models involves the LCD. Because so many beginner models now contain no separate viewfinder and only allow you to use the LCD to frame your photo, a high-quality LCD is important. Try to talk your salesperson into allowing you to try the model outside, in the sun, to test the LCD.
• Compare prices. If you have plenty of time before you need to buy the camera, do some price comparisons. Use the Internet to visit various retailers and compare prices on the models.

Figure out warranty and return information.

Before you part with your money, be sure you know the store’s return policies and the camera’s warranty. Return policies are especially important if you plan to give the digital camera as a gift.

You’ll also have to decide whether you want to purchase the extended warranty, which varies from store to store. Learn about all of the types of warranties that are available for camera purchases.

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