How do I Choose a Digital Camera

							Ask Alice...                                         How do I Choose a Digital Camera?

Being on the road gives you incredible                          Remember though, you most likely won’t have the
opportunities to put a camera to use. But                       versatility and capability of a more advanced camera.
how do you choose a camera that suits your
                                                                Do you want a camera that fits into your coat or
needs with so many cameras on the market
                                                                shirt pocket? Or are you in the market for a camera
today? The best way to choose is by defining                    with easy to use, thoughtfully positioned controls? Look
exactly what your needs are and how much                        for a camera that fits your style, but remember there will
money you want to spend.                                        be trade-offs. The main downside to a small camera is
                                                                that the controls are harder to find and can be difficult to
Choosing your digital camera can be overwhelming                manipulate especially if you have medium to large size
with so many brands and styles to choose from.                  hands. The downside to a larger camera is its size. You’ll
Most of them are loaded with enough features to really          find that you won’t be as likely to take it with you, but with
confuse you. Your main goal is to find a camera that is         the smaller camera, you’ll be carrying it with you almost
reasonably easy for you to use, and is within the price         everywhere you go.
range you’ve set. You have to decide whether you want a
camera loaded with features, or if you’d be better off with     What type computer do I need to work with my
one that’s easy to use with not as many features. If you do     images? Most newer computers are equipped with USB
buy a camera that’s loaded with features that you don’t use     ports that the camera uses to connect to the computer.
at first, you’ll be able to grow into it as you become more     Make sure to take the time to review the specs and verify
familiar with digital photography.                              what the computer requirements are before you buy the
                                                                camera. Some cameras don’t include the USB cable in
The average cost of point and shoot digital cameras             the box, so make sure you buy one. Make sure it’s the
range from about $200 to $800. The the low end                  right cable for your camera, so you aren’t disappointed
cameras produce lower resolution photos good for e-             when you want to view and edit your pictures using your
mail and viewing on your computer monitor, but not as           computer. Some computers and printers have media slots
good for large prints. The higher end cameras will give         that accept the digital memory cards, in that case you
you exceptional quality pictures and advanced camera            won’t need a USB cable to connect your camera. It’s a
functions.                                                      good thing to have one on hand anyway.
Finding a balance of cost and function is the key.              How Many Mexapixels? Resolution determines picture
Watch ads for prices and visit a few stores that sell digital   quality, the size photo you can print, and how much you
cameras. You’ll notice that when new models come out,           can crop your photos. I recommend a camera with 3 to 4
the prices of older models are usually reduced. Remember        megapixel resolution for general photography. Check out
that accessories are going to be in addition to the price of    your camera’s other resolution settings. Most cameras offer
the camera.                                                     a range of settings, which allow you to fit more pictures
                                                                on your memory card and can save you from having to
Do you just want to take family photos, or do want to
                                                                reduce the image size later. If you know you’re only using
photograph lots of different subjects, from landscapes to
                                                                the pictures for e-mailing, you can set your resolution to
race cars, or nature and wildlife shots? As functions and
                                                                the lowest setting and not have to edit the picture size later.
capabilities increases the cost and complexity increase too.
If you buy one of the more complex cameras you’ll need          Resolution       Maximum print size
to keep the manual with you for reference all the time          1 megapixel      5 x 7 inches
when you’re using the camera. You’ll need to practice with      2 megapixels     8 x 10 inches
the camera until you’re familiar with the features you’re       3 megapixels     11 x 14 inches
going to be using. Once you master it, you’ll be taking         4 megapixels     20 x 30 inches
incredible photos.
                                                                Best of luck choosing the right digital camera for you.
With a basic point and shoot camera, you’ll be taking
pictures just a few minutes after you take it out of the box.

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