| How do you pick the digital camera that's right for | | | | at the drugstore? Then you won't need a camera |
| you? Here are 5 things we suggest you consider | | | | with huge amounts of megapixels. On the other |
| before making your choice. | | | | hand, if you sometimes make poster-sized prints, |
| Whatever camera you're using, you can take good | | | | then look for a minimum of 10 megapixels. If you |
| pictures by knowing a few basic guidelines and some | | | | don't even print your pictures but share them online |
| pro-level tips. | | | | and via email, you need even less. |
| To create a shortlist of digital cameras, here are the | | | | 4. Who uses the camera |
| top 5 things to consider: | | | | Will your spouse, children or co-workers be using the |
| 1. Your budget | | | | camera as well? Then you'll need a camera that's |
| Decide how much you're willing or able to spend on | | | | easy enough for them to use. Digital cameras that |
| your new camera, and limit your research to cameras | | | | offer automatic program settings are easy enough |
| within that budget. Why waste your time oohing and | | | | even for children to use. Image stabilization also |
| aaahing over the latest coolest gadget only to | | | | comes in handy when young ones or amateurs use |
| discover that it's beyond your means? Now you can | | | | the camera. |
| look at the cameras within your budget. The next | | | | 5. How serious you are with digital photography |
| thing to consider is... | | | | Do you foresee yourself growing beyond a digital |
| 2. Your photography needs | | | | photography enthusiast to possibly becoming |
| What types of pictures will you be taking - portraits? | | | | semi-professional? Then look for a camera with |
| landscapes? sports pictures? indoor or outdoor? The | | | | features that will grow with your skills. For example, a |
| answer to this question will help you determine which | | | | digital camera which allows you to make your own |
| features are important for you. If you'll mainly be | | | | aperture, shutter speed, focus and other settings will |
| taking snapshots of your children, you'll probably want | | | | give you enough room to experiment. |
| a camera with face recognition feature and easy | | | | We suggest you use this guide to make a shortlist of |
| red-eye reduction. On the other hand, if you're | | | | digital cameras, and then head to the nearest |
| always trying to capture action shots from your | | | | electronics shop and look at each of the shortlisted |
| son's soccer game, you'll want a camera with | | | | cameras in person. Note how each camera feels in |
| high-speed burst shooting. | | | | your hand, how easy it is for you to reach the |
| 3. How you print your pictures | | | | buttons and manipulate them, and how solid the |
| You also need to ask yourself how you print your | | | | camera feels. |
| pictures. Do you make 4 x 6-inch prints at home or | | | | |