How to find the best digital camera and compare digital camera prices
When setting out to purchase a camera, the biggest challenge is finding the digital camera in your budget that best meets your needs. Most consumers are looking to maximize features like photo quality output, storage capacity, zoom capability, camera size and weight, and battery life for the dollars they are willing to spend. Just figuring out which model is right for your needs, and then making digital camera price comparisons to find the lowest price can be trying, especially when you're approached with hard sales pitches, manufacturer claims, and customer reviews. We recommend that before you make your purchase, you should always compare digital camera prices online to learn about the available features (as discussed below) to figure out what is most important and cost effective for you.This guide is designed to help you eliminate much of the frustration by understanding which features are important to YOU, so you can narrow your search and find the best digital camera for your needs. The guide will also help you make digital camera price comparisons once you find a model you are interested in, so you don't overpay.
Megapixel count
The megapixel count is extremely important to most shoppers in the market for a digital camera, and this is why most manufacturers highlight this feature in bold on their packaging. The most important thing to know about megapixels is this: the greater the megapixel count of your camera, the higher quality images you will be able to take.If you plan on printing quality 4x6 or 5x7 photos, or you're interested in taking mostly small images to publish on the Web or send to your friends through e-mail, you probably won't need anything better than a 1-2 megapixel camera. If you would like to print 8-by-10 photos, you will need a 2-3 megapixel camera for higher resolutions. If you are a more serious photographer or have a larger budget, any model with 4 or greater megapixels will provide excellent quality prints even above 11x17.
Price
It is important to know the price range of digital cameras, especially if you are working within a specific budget. Generally, the price of a camera is directly related to the megapixel count and other features. 1-2 megapixel cameras are generally in the $100-$200 range, 3-4 megapixel cameras are in the $200-$500 range, and 5-6 megapixel cameras are in the $500 to $1500 range. If you download the Dealio Toolbar, you can compare digital camera prices online and select the best one that meets your needs.Size and weight
Most consumers prefer small, compact cameras. Often this feature can be more important than the megapixel count itself. Keep in mind, however, that the smaller the camera is, the smaller the buttons and dials are and the more difficult it may be to set up the camera.
Battery life
If you’ve ever owned a digital camera, you know how quickly they can use up batteries. Not only does this become costly, but it can be extremely inconvenient. Always note the type of batteries the camera accepts, which may include non-rechargeable or rechargeable AAs, disposable CRV3s, or rechargeable batteries the manufacturer produces. Whenever possible, we recommend using rechargeable batteries and having extras on hand just in case - running out of battery life at an inopportune time can be very frustrating.
Zoom capability
A zoom lens is a great feature on any digital camera because it allows you to zoom in on the subject of your image. Why is this important? If your camera does not have a zoom lens, you will need to use image software to crop the image around your subject (since zooming was not possible when you captured the picture). This forces you to lose some of the image’s resolution and overall quality—even if you took the image using a camera with a high megapixel count. If you are going to take detailed images of specific subjects (nature, art, automobiles), and a zoom lens is required, we recommend that you choose a camera with an optical zoom, which allows you to zoom in on your subject while maximizing the camera’s available resolution. You can also opt for a camera with a manual focus, which gives you the most flexibility when taking extreme close-ups.
Storage capacity
Storage is defined as the amount of space on the camera’s memory card, which translates into how many images you can store in your camera’s memory. Many digital cameras offer removable memory cards, which is a great feature because it allows you to continue taking pictures indefinitely (assuming you have extra cards you can swap out). Other digital cameras do not offer removable memory cards, which means you have to upload your images to a computer once you have taken up 100% of your memory card’s space. Because many cameras can only hold 10 high resolution images on a memory card, you can see the value in purchasing a camera that accommodates memory card swapping.
LCD quality
Low-end models often omit an LCD screen, which is necessary for reviewing images you just took. A good LCD is essential for knowing whether you got the shot you wanted, and can usually give you an indication of whether it was properly exposed. LCD quality varies widely; many wash out in sunlight or become grainy in low light, or the image may change if you tilt the camera slightly. If you can, try a camera outside before you buy it.
