How to Find a Digital Camera That Is Right for You
- 1). Choose the camera form factor that best fits your needs. A single-lens reflex camera allows you to use many different lenses with the same camera. SLR cameras also tend to offer very high image quality. However, SLR cameras also tend to be larger and more expensive than other digital cameras. Small digital cameras are stylish and easy to carry but tend to offer poor zoom characteristics. "Superzoom" cameras are larger but can zoom to a much higher magnification level than small cameras.
- 2). Consider the type of memory card the camera uses. The most common digital camera memory card type is Secure Digital. Other memory card types include Compact Flash and Memory Stick. If you have another device in your home that uses removable memory cards -- such as a portable game console -- you may want to select a camera that uses the same type of memory card so you can share a card between the two devices.
- 3). Select a camera with a high megapixel rating, but do not make it your top priority. The megapixel rating of a camera refers to its maximum image resolution in pixels. The megapixel rating of a camera does not affect its image quality as much as the quality of the image sensor and lens. However, a high megapixel rating allows you to print large copies of photos on paper without pixelation.
- 4). Consider whether video or still image quality is your top priority. Many digital cameras can record videos and take still pictures. However, few cameras do both with high image quality. If you are on a budget and want a digital camera that records vivid high-definition videos, you may have to compromise slightly on the quality of still images.
- 5). Read online reviews extensively before buying a digital camera. There are many digital camera websites that take the same set of pictures with each review unit to make the flaws and differences between units more evident. The only way to directly compare the image quality of two cameras is to take pictures of the same subjects under the same lighting conditions.
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