How to Select Compact Digital Camera?

When shopping for a compact digital camera it is as much about dodging the mistakes you can make as it is about buying the right camera for you. If you do not have all the information you need to buy a compact digital camera you can make any number of mistakes when out shopping.

Here are some things to think about before buying your new compact digital camera.

Have you done your Homework?

If you think you can just walk into a store and buy a compact digital camera to suit you, your needs and you budget - then you might, by chance; but you really need to have some idea of what you are doing. Do your homework. Make a list of all the features and specifications you want included in the new digital camera. Go online. Research 'compact digital cameras'. A multitude of brands and models with different features will come up. This is where your list comes in handy.

Now start narrowing your search for cameras that meet your specifications, these may include:

• zoom lens
• 8.5 megapixels
• size of memory card

Also have a good idea of the manufacturer you are interested and it is wise to stick to the most popular ones - Nikon, Canon, and Olympus just to name a few.

compact digital camera

Are you Focusing on the Wrong Specifications?

Getting swept away in all the technology talk can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with pixels, megabytes and ISOs. Don't be misled into thinking you need 10 megapixels if you only want 8.5. The differences between the two compact digital cameras are minimal but the cost can be high. And 8.5 megapixels is enough, especially if you are just starting out in photography.

Make sure the zoom measurement will suit the use of the camera. Watch out. If looking at a camera that has a 30X combined zoom it may not be as powerful as 10X optical zoom lens. Look at the optical zoom lens size not the combined zoom lens size to get a true idea of the power of the compact digital camera's zoom lens.

Don't spend too much Money

If you are shopping for a new compact digital camera set yourself a budget. Yes I am serious, and stick to it. If you have done your research you should have a good idea of what you can get for what price. There is no point spending the extra money on extra features if you are not going to use them - so why spend money you don't have to?

Doing your research before you go shopping will save you a lot of money as you know exactly what you want within what price range.

Stick to the well-known Manufacturers

While no name or unfamiliar name brand compact digital cameras may well be cheap but they usually deliver poor quality results, less power and minimal ISO choice or telescopic scope.

If you stick to the name brands then you know you are getting a well priced camera from a manufacturer who has been in the business for a long time. Remember, you only get what you pay for.

Always try before you Buy

Make sure you try out all the different model cameras you are interested in, especially the small point and shoot models. Some are so small and thin they may be awkward to use. A bigger model may suit you better.

When you are testing the camera test the zoom function and try out some of the ISO settings to give you an idea of what the camera can do. Test the camera's balance and weight. Can you use the camera one-handed?

Visit local camera and electronics stores - talk to the salespeople and try out their demonstration models. Even if you intend to buy your compact digital camera online, still visit the local store to try out the ones you are thinking of buying and price them locally as well. You never know, your local dealer may do you a better deal than what you can get online.

You will never know unless you ask.

Now you have this information you can avoid making mistakes when buying your new compact digital camera.