Buying a Camera...
...How to Choose the Best Digital Cameras

Thinking about buying a camera? Not sure what to choose? Knowing digital camera basics will help you decide if you want a point and shoot camera or a DSLR. Once you figure out what you'll need, you'll have a better idea about what to look for in choosing a camera.

The best digital cameras are the cameras that suit the individual needs of their owners. We don't all need 12 megapixel DSLRs. That's why there's so much variety in the camera market. Here are some things to consider when choosing a camera.

Be realistic about the type of pictures you'll be taking.

Are you someone who wants to take snapshots to share with friends and family online?

If you are you don't need a camera with tons of megapixels to be satisfied. You could get a relatively cheap compact camera. You could even just use the camera on your cell phone. Cameras on cell phones are getting better and better every year. They're small, convenient, and serve multiple purposes.

Do you want to print out your pictures?

If you want to print your picture you should get a more expensive camera that will produce good quality pictures. If you want to print large 8x10 photos get a camera with 10 megapixels or more. For smaller prints it's okay to have a camera with less megapixels, but these days getting a camera with 10 megapixels isn't really that hard and will give you better quality prints.

How serious are you about photography?

If you're really serious about photography and you think you might want to make this a career or even just a serious hobby, you really need a DSLR. These cameras give you a lot of control over the outcome of your picture and take good quality photographs. Start out with an entry level DSLR like Nikon D40, Canon Rebel XS , or Sony Alpha A230L . These cameras give you quality pictures without being too incredibly expensive. As you get more into photography you can move up to buying a camera that is of a higher quality.

Do you want a camera you can carry with you everywhere?

Having a small point and shoot camera can be quite convenient. DSLRs are quite bulky, heavy and awkward to carry around. I have a point and shoot camera that I use when I don't have my DSLR with me. I use a Fujifilm Finepix and it works great. Some of the photos on this site were taken with that camera.

Answering questions like these about your own photo taking habits will help you choose the best camera for your needs.

When buying a camera always consider brand names. Buying a camera made by a company that's known for making cameras helps ensure that you're getting a good product. That company has always made cameras so they have the camera technology down. Going for a new company might seem good at first because their prices might be cheaper, but you're more lightly to get a flawed product.

When I had a film SLR camera I was a loyal Pentax user, mostly because that's what my grandfather and uncle used. I didn't get a Pentax digital camera though. I thought about getting a Pentax K-x, but an opportunity came up for me to get a camera at a really good price. That's how I ended up with a Sony a700. I'm pretty sure Sony doesn't make the a700 anymore, but it's a good camera and I'm satisfied with it.

The most popular DSLR camera brands on the market today are Nikon and Canon. Most photographers are loyal to one of these two brands, but Sony, Olympus, and Pentax are slowly advancing in the market too. When buying a DSLR camera people tend to stick to the original brand they choose because lenses aren't interchangeable among brands. Once you've started buying lenses for one brand of camera even when you upgrade it's better financially to stick with that brand.

When I was preparing for buying a camera, I wrote down the features I wanted. Then I went to a bunch of websites and photography forums and asked tons of questions. That's how I settled on getting the camera I did. Doing your own research is a great way to make sure you're getting the right product for you.

Once you know what camera you need you'll be ready to go out and get it.

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