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Sunday, March 15, 2009

How To Buy A Digital Camera

By Michael Thompson

A cheap digital camera is what everyone is looking for, but what is really important is that you know what your needs are before you buy anything. Imagine spending $150 and feeling great about the deal you got, but you then realize that this camera is not enough for which you need! Basically, we need to take a look and match the price to what your usage is going to be.

Camera manufacturers all talk about the megapixel (MP) as a rating of the quality of the picture, and how good a camera is, but the mega pixel as a measurement of the quality of the camera is actually not a good point of measure. With technology improvements, the mega pixels keep getting higher, but that may not be what you really need.

The 3.1 mega pixel prints a perfect 8x10, but the new standard is 7-8 mega pixels. Unless you are a pro photographer, then anything over 3.1 is great. So, instead of spending bucks on a seven or eight mega pixel camera, you can get anything from 3.1 on up.

The next thing you wanted to is pick the right physical configuration of the camera. How many times have you purchase something with all kinds of bells and whistles, but never learn how to use them, or had a difficult time using them? Be honest with yourself. If you're just a point and shoot kind of person, and keep with the simple camera.

A Digital Single Lens Reflex typically has a larger body and a detachable lens. For many of you reading this article, the DSLR camera is more camera than you'll ever need. Here are the pros, the DSLR will take better pictures, but you will have to learn more. They are not point and click.

Point-and-shoot cameras are smaller, the lens is usually attached, and the lens actually retracts back into the camera base. These are the cameras sold at all big box retailers and electronic stores. You can find many in the few hundred dollar range.

The pros: The prices are much better, and affordable. Cons-the camera may not be repairable and goes out of date quickly. However, in many cases by the time the camera breaks it is out of date and the costs of purchasing a new one is actually cheaper.

Take a few minutes and think about what your needs are before you buy your cheap digital camera. If you are taking quick pictures for a photo album, then anything on the market from a mega pixel standpoint is fine. If you are taking quick pictures, then a point and shoot should work for you.

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