Digital Camera Buying Guide

Convenient, versatile and easy to use, digital cameras are becoming increasingly popular. There are many different types and models of digital camera on the market, so you should be able to find one to suit your needs and budget.

Here are some useful hints and tips for things to consider when choosing a digital camera.

How to Choose a Digital Camera: Introduction

Digital cameras work by recording images onto a Charged Couple Device - a light sensitive chip. The images are then stored as thousands of pixels - very small coloured dots - on the camera's memory as computer files, usually in the TIFF or JPEG format.

The image files are stored on removable smart cards. Smart cards vary in size and the larger they are, the more expensive they will be. Digital cameras usually come with at least one smart card. One thing to remember about smart cards is that even if you use a small one, you can set the camera to vary to the file compression, letting you store more photographs, although the picture quality will decrease the more you compress the files.

TIFF or JPEG files can be viewed and edited. You can delete the ones you don't want and print or share the ones you want to keep. This does away with the need for film and processing, leaving you free to take as many photographs as you like, and see the pictures when you like.

Digital camera sales have increased rapidly since the late 1990s. The boom in sales over recent years reflects the innovations in digital camera technology, and many photographers agree that digital cameras are now producing pictures of the same quality as pictures produced by conventional cameras.

Savebuckets gathers up to date information about thousands of cameras every day so you can search and compare prices of many models of digital cameras that you are looking for.

Digital Camera Features to Consider Before You Buy

Here are the main features to consider when buying a digital camera:

Resolution

Digital cameras use a picture resolution from 1.2 megapixels to over 7 megapixels. The higher the resolution, the sharper the picture. If you want to produce good quality images for printing, you'll need a digital camera with a picture resolution of around 4 to 5 megapixels. If you are only planning on viewing your photos on your computer or emailing them, a digital camera with a lower picture resolution will suffice. For detailed or professional photography a higher resolution is recommended.

Battery

A rechargeable battery is the best option for a digital camera, preferably a lithium battery as it has a short recharging time. Digital cameras, like conventional cameras, can have zoom and flash functions, which use a lot of power. A mains adapter is also usually supplied with a digital camera so you don't always have to rely on batteries.

Memory

A typical digital camera will store over 500 quality photographs per 1 gigabyte of storage. Memory cards range in size from 64 megabytes to over 2 gigabytes and rise in price accordingly, but it's worth noting that even the popular 1 gigabyte memory cards have fallen in price considerably in recent years.

There are a number of different types of memory card available for digital cameras, including Smart Media, SD /MMC memory cards, Memory Sticks, Compact Flash and xD picture cards. When you're buying a memory card, make sure that the type that you're considering is compatible with your digital camera.

Screen

As well as a conventional viewfinder like those found on traditional cameras, a digital camera will also have an integrated LCD screen. The LCD screen can be used as a viewfinder, to view and delete photographs, and as a menu function to set controls. The larger the LCD screen, the easier it is to view photographs, and if you are trying to choose between two very similar models of digital camera, pick the one with the larger screen.

Optical and Digital Zoom

A zoom magnifies the image on a digital camera, with optical zooms keeping the detail. For longer range shots, combining an optical zoom with a digital zoom will magnify the image without losing picture quality.

Remote Control and Timer

A remote control or timer allows you to take pictures when you are at a distance from the camera - so you'll be able to include yourself in the pictures!

Stabilisation

This is a great function that will help if you're taking a picture on the move or if you have unsteady hands. Stabilisation is usually included on high-end digital cameras and prevents the image from being blurred by compensating for hand movements.

Video

Most digital cameras will include video settings, so you'll be able to use your digital camera to record moving images and sound. Whilst the quality and length of your videos won't be as good as those shot on a camcorder, a video function is great for recording short clips.

Editing

Although you can edit files from your digital camera on your computer, many digital cameras offer basic editing facilities such as resizing and copying photos, and editing video clips.

Manual Settings

While digital cameras usually have automatic controls, which are convenient and time saving, some models allow you to alter these settings. This can be useful, especially when focusing or for creating effects.

Set a Budget Before You Decide to Buy a Digital Camera

It's a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money that you're prepared to spend on a new digital camera. Prices can vary significantly and it's worth noting what you need from your digital camera and not spending more money on a model with unnecessary functions. However, by shopping around online, comparing prices between different digital camera retailers, and taking advantage of discounts and special offers, you could even get a better model of digital camera for your money.

When choosing your digital camera find out what warranty is available with it. A warranty ensures repairs to or the replacement of your new digital camera under certain conditions. The terms can vary according to manufacturer or retailer, so make sure that you check them before buying your camera. If you're buying an expensive model, you might want to pay extra for an extended warranty.