Choosing a new digital camera can be quite a daunting task. There seems to be hundreds of models available, all claiming to be exactly what you need.
This; however, is not the case, as some cameras definitely serve certain purposes better than others with some not actually being suitable for your requirements at all.
The first thing that you need to do is sit down and think about what exactly you need a camera for. Do you need it for holiday snaps? Are you starting a photography business? Are you interested in landscapes photography? And so on. Once you have figured out these requirements, you are ready to start your camera hunting.
1. Compact Cameras
For people that just want to take the occasional snap, the compact camera is probably the best option. They are small, fit into your pocket or bag and can actually take very high quality pictures. The only real drawbacks with compacts are that you can’t change lenses or add accessories like filters.
2. The Compact System Camera
If you are a bit more serious about your photography, a compact system camera might well be the best choice for you. A compact system allows for extra lenses, flash guns and even filters which can be either bought with the initial package or purchased at later dates when needed. These cameras also have longer zooms than compacts and greater overall control. The only downside with these cameras is that they won’t actually fit into your pocket.
3. Digital SLRs
Digital SLRs are for people that have a very serious interest in photography or are professional. Digital SLRs range from amateur models that can be bought from as little as £250, to professional models ranging from £1.500 up to £5.000. These are big cameras that are designed to do a certain job, which is to take professional quality pictures. If you are not really sure what an aperture setting is, you would probably be best with one of the compact models.
4. Megapixels
A lot of cameras boast large megapixel specs, with some compacts even going up to the seven and eight megapixel range. This is all very well, but the higher the megapixel the more space you will take up on your memory cards. Unless you are planning on printing high quality poster size images, a four to five megapixel camera would be fine. For professional photographers the case is different, literally being the more the better.
5. Compatibility and Saving Money
If you already have a digital camera and would like to upgrade, it is worth thinking about salvaging accessories from your existing unit. You can save money if your new camera uses the same types of batteries, memory cards, flashes and filters as your old one. In fact, most professional photographers only change the main camera body units and keep the rest of their equipment until they need to be replaced.
6. Read the Reviews
If you are not a keen photographer, read as many reviews on your shortlisted cameras as possible. Publications such as Which magazine often write up highly detailed reviews of digital cameras and accessories. From these types of reviews; you can build up a great picture of what model would be best for you and which ones are the best overall value for money.
If you follow these basic considerations, you should be able to quickly find the best type of digital camera for your needs. The only other piece of advice is to shop around to get the very best prices.
Author: Carlos Lyon is a writer working on a freelance basis for Kelly McCann Photography. A fine art photography gallery based in the UK that has an online presence at www.kellymccann.co.uk.
