The biggest area of confusion in selecting a digital camera involves its Features.. While many consumers look for a digital camera with the MOST Features, the real question to ask yourself is: "Which features do I NEED?"

These tips should help you make the best decision FOR YOU.

Tip #1: Should You Consider a Digital SLR?

A Digital SLR (single lens reflex) is made up of the camera body and the lens. If the lens is NOT removable, it is not a Digital SLR. More familiar names for this type of camera are "Point and Shoot," "Pro-Sumer," and "Compact." For simplicity, the key distinguishing feature is whether the lens can be removed or not.

The 2 key questions to ask yourself are:

"Do you plan on shooting photos in low-light situations?" If you do, digital cameras capable of high ISO numbers (over 800) and apertures capable of F-stops equal to or less than F/2.8 are desirable. Typically, that is a Digital SLR.

"Will you be taking flash photos at distances greater than 12 feet from your subject(s)?" If so, an external flash unit is needed, and that means your camera must have a hot shoe.

If you have these requirements, Digital SLRs should be strongly considered. If you don't, you would likely be happy with less sophisticated gear.

Realize that today's digital SLRs have more features without being more difficult to use. Almost all entry level SLRs are designed to be as simple to use as a Point and Shoot while providing additional features that you can grow into.

Tip #2: What's The Big Deal About Megapixels?

Megapixels is one of the most talked about (and least understood) concepts in digital photography.

Taking better photographs involves more than just having a camera with a bunch of megapixels; although you wouldn't know that by listening to salespeople. Megapixels is JUST ONE FACTOR in creating better digital pictures. Other features are just as important…

How fast or slow you can set the camera's shutter speed is key. It is also important to be able to manually set the white-balance and to have pre-programmed modes to aid in tricky lighting situations.

The number of megapixels your digital camera has is not the most important factor, but it should not be ignored either. The one area where megapixels is critical deals with cropping.

When you crop a picture, you are removing pixels from the image. The more pixels you start with, the better the chances are that the resultant cropped image will be sharper and clearer when you are done.

Tip #3: Between Digital and Optical Zoom, Only Optical Zoom Matters

Although some salespeople might argue with this, when buying a digital camera, COMPLETELY IGNORE ALL DIGITAL ZOOM FIGURES. Why?

Because digital zoom has absolutely no impact on being able to take a photograph of a distant subject by zooming in on it. Manufacturers use it more as a marketing tool than anything else.

Now that you know what to look for, we can show you how to get the best price.

Choosing a Digital Camera