If buying a digital camera on a tight budget, the first step is deciding which type of camera is best for you. If you become disappointed, the camera will probably remain in the closet.

That's why this step is so helpful. First, it narrows the field down to a more manageable number of choices. Second, you gain an understanding of what each type of camera can offer; which solidifies your thoughts on what is most important TO YOU.

Tip #1: Is The Discount Digital Camera a Good or Bad Idea?

Most consumers skip the critical first step of answering this question: "WHAT IS THE PRIMARY REASON FOR BUYING A DIGITAL CAMERA?"

Instead, most people first fall in love with a digital camera; then become pleased or disappointed with its performance after using it. Instead, ask yourself some basic questions before the purchase:

"How will I most likely use the digital camera… the occasional family snapshot, email, Internet postings, landscapes, macro work, heavy flash use, all of the above?"

"How often will I use the digital camera - twice a year, or once a week?"

"What is most important to me: picture quality, camera size, camera weight, durability, or telephoto/wide angle viewing?"

"What is my budget?"

Based on your responses, a discount digital camera could be your best choice or a complete waste of money.

Tip #2: When It Comes To Digital Cameras, What Does "Affordable" Mean?

“Affordable” digital cameras have a tendency of making your budget happy, but disappointing the photographer in you.

Don't overlook the camera's ergonomics. Are the controls simple to understand? Comfortable (not too big or small)? How many buttons or controls need to be SIMULTANEOUSLY set before getting the result you want?

If you're upgrading from a less expensive digital camera, don't assume that spending more money or having more camera features will automatically make you happy. Always test out the camera (in your HANDS). An affordable digital camera isn't affordable if you wind up not using it!

Tip #3: When are Small Digital Cameras the Ideal Choice?

Despite impressions to the contrary, mini digital cameras (also referred to as a "compact digital camera" or "point and shoot") are quite popular. They're easy to carry, usually loaded with features, and take respectable photographs.

We need to remember that mini DOESN'T MEAN SECOND RATE. Some advantages of going tiny are: less bulky, easier to transport, less conspicuous (less likely to “walk off”), and they often compare favorably with larger cameras in the feature and price categories.

Two of the possible pitfalls of going mini include: size of the operating controls and being less likely to support an external flash.

Now that you have an idea of why a smaller digital camera might be right for you, let's take a look at how to decide which features and functions make sense.

Choosing a Digital Camera