Buying a new digital camera can be a frustrating experience, especially if you have no idea what you are looking at. No one expects you to be an expert when you walk into the store; however, if you have a vague idea of kind of camera you are looking for, then the sales person can point you in the right direction and they are less likely to talk advantage of you.

Buying a Digital Camera in 6 East Steps

Step 1- Do Your Homework

So, if you are reading this chances are you’re on the right track and already following this step. We know that sometimes it can be frustrating researching a technology you don’t know about or understand. However, stick it out for a few days and keep reading those reviews, there are plenty of digital camera how-to guides and forums and it will eventually come to you.

There are a slew of features associated with cameras, digital and film. While I suggest learning as much as you can, you’ll definitely want to go into the store with a working knowledge of megapixels, memory cards and batteries.

Step 2- Set a Budget

I know this might sound elementary, but knowing how much you want to spend will considerably narrow or widen your digital camera choices. The range for most point-and-shoot cameras is about $150 to $300. More advanced digital cameras are more expensive, and professional grade cameras can easily run more than $1000. Some sales people can smell a credit card burning a hole in your pants from a mile away and they will try every trick in the book to up-sell you a camera you don’t need.

Step 3- Decide How You Will Use Your Digital Camera

The best digital camera for you depends on how you will use it. Knowing your picture taking habits will ultimately dictate what kind of digital camera you need.     

• Standard

If you are a first-time buyer or a person that only takes pictures on special occasions, look into a standard point-and-shoot. They are simple, easy-to-use digital cameras designed with the novice in mind. And they are usually the cheapest digital camera models available.

• Sleek and Slim/ Ultra Compact

Sleek and Slim digital cameras are very popular with teens and young adults; they are fashionable and functional. Slim cameras are small and light, which makes them great for busy people on the go, and those that just like to have a camera handy unwilling to miss the perfect photo. Because of their convenience these models are a little more expensive than the standard digital cameras.

• Professional dSLR

Professionals and serious hobbyist prefer digital SLR cameras. dSLR cameras, or digital single-lens reflex cameras, are large, expensive cameras designed with advanced users in mind. Most of these cameras allow you to change lenses and they give the photographer ultimate control of all the camera’s functions.

Step 4- Don’t get caught up in the Megapixel hype

Yes, megapixels are important to a digital camera; however, they are not the only important element. Camera manufactures know that the only technical aspect of digital cameras that people seem to grasp is the number of megapixels a camera has. Don’t pay $100 more for a 10 megapixel camera when 7 will suffice. Unless you plan on making wall size posters with your photos, than you don’t really need 10 megapixels.

The most popular and affordable cameras on the market today are between six and eight megapixels. This number range is just fine for the average person looking to capture memories on film.

Step 5- Understand the essential accessories

Batteries and memory cards are the two most necessary accessories in a digital camera. Without these all you have is a fancy shaped piece of plastic.

    Memory Cards- There are dozens of memory cards currently on the market. Although all memory cards function similarly, to the common consumer one is really no better than another. What it comes down to is personal compatibility and preference. For example, if you already have a digital device that uses SD (Secure Digital) cards, like an MP3 player, cell phone or your computer, than I would suggest getting a camera that supports SD cards. This just makes transferring your files easier and it’s one less thing you have to worry about buying when you buy your camera. Maybe take a memory card you already own to the store with you and test its size in the floor model cameras.

There is also a direct correlation between memory card storage and the number of pictures you can take. A 7 megapixel camera using 1 GB SD card can store about 200 pictures.

    Batteries- Most digital camera manufactures include some kind of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, but it was only a few years ago that AA batteries were the norm. Some digital cameras still accept AA batteries; however, I suggest you invest in a couple of pairs of rechargeable AA batteries. Digital cameras eat standard alkaline batteries for breakfast, no matter how long the Energizer Bunny says he can last in a digital camera you will spend a fortune in the long run.

Step 6- Ask the sales person

A sales person can be your best friend if you have a general idea of what you are talking about. They will usually fill you in on all the stuff you didn’t quite understand on your own and they can point you in the right direction for your needs. If you go in there with a vague understanding of what you want, they will be less inclined to take advantage of you.

If you find a digital camera you like, take a few pictures in the store be sure to ask the sales person about the camera’s shutter lag and batteries. These are two of the largest complaints people have about digital cameras. Shutter lag is the time between when you press the button and the time the camera takes the picture. In the past this was a large problem, but technology is getting better.

No matter the camera you decide to buy, try to remember to stay calm through the process. Technology can be confusing, but in the end it is worth it to understand what you are paying for. So if this fits you, have a look at the following pages that contain our projector reviews, other expert reviews and user reviews.  Each product is ranked on an overall best value score and displayed in the easy to use side-by-side comparison chart.  At TopTenREVIEWS— We do the research so you don’t have to.