Subscribe1. Select a digital camera with a maximum resolution that meets your larges typical output. If your images will primarily be used on the web, you’ll need a camera that supports a 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution. For snapshots, check out cameras that support 1,024 x 768 (XGA), and enlargements will require a 3 megapixel camera or batter. Generally, 3-megapixel models give the best price/ performance combination and are suited for about 85 percent of the best resolution money can buy, try 8 megapixel instead.
2. Make sure the camera has all the features you nee, such as removable memory, video recording, and zoom lens.
3. When comparing costs, don’t forget to calculate the extras that may or may not be included, an AC adapter, and a larger memory card. A 128Mb memory card would be an ideal option.
4. Try to buy a digital camera that has a USB interface or can be used with a camera dock or both. This will simplify the image transfer process. With USB, the computer sees the camera as a disk drive, so all you have to do is drag and drop the images into windows Explorer.
5. When looking at digital cameras with a zoom lens, what counts is the optical zoom- not the digital zoom. Digital zoom is actually a software function that cropping and magnifying an image. It often appears a little blur, though this can be improved on high-end camera.
6. If you don’t know an f-stop from a white balance, a digital camera that has lots of modes and settings will generally be overkill for your needs, as well as being higher in price and more complicated.
7. If you wear eyeglasses, make sure your digital camera has a focusable diopter in the optical viewfinder, which allows you to adjust the focus viewfinder so you can see your subject clearly. But the appearances of the LCD panel are vastly improving. It’s now both bigger on size and clarity.
8. All things being equal, look for a digital camera that comes with a pocket-size instruction manual instead of one a CD-ROM. It’s easier to consult when you’re out shooting. Especially if you’re trying out a different setting or camera mode. After all, you need not be a professional photographer, you just have to get a little digital savvy.
9. For small, young, or arthritic hands, look for a digital camera with a limited number of buttons, and make sure they are large and easy to operate.
10. Test how fast the camera shoots. You will probably be unhappy with any digital camera that takes longer than 4 second to boot up or longer than 6 second to let you shoot again.