The 10 Most Essential Items to Consider When Buying a Digital Camera

There are many features to consider when buying a digital camera. And they will vary from one person to another. However I have listed ten digital camera features I consider very important to consider when selecting a digital camera.

1. The number of megapixels that you need to take the pictures and produce the prints that you want. The size of the prints will effect the number of megapixals you will need.

2. Zoom lens and quality of lens. We would always recommend a zoom lens to get you closer to the action and lens quality is also an important consideration when making your final choice. Also consider optical zoom and digital zoom lenses. You will get better results with optical zoom. I would not purchase a digital camera that did not have an optical zoom lens.

3. Image quality. Does the camera that you are considering have a reputation for producing clear, correctly coloured images.

4. Size and weight. With digital cameras size does matter. There is a huge variety in the size and weight of today's digital cameras. Some are small enough to slip into your pocket. Other more weighty models with their accessories will be quite a load to carry.

5. Camera features. If you really want to get into digital photography does the digital camera you are considering offer enough manual features to give you the creative control that you are looking for?

6. Memory card. What size memory card does the digital camera come with and what type is it. If you have a 4 or 5 megapixel digital camera and only 32mb of CompactFlash storage that will fill up very quickly and you will have no memory for the photos you want to take.

7. Power Source. Battery type. Batteries run down quickly on digital cameras and carrying a number of spare batteries adds to the weight. If you propose to use the camera heavily then you may want to consider a model using Lithium-Ion batteries.

8. Computer connections/memory card reader. Do you have a USB port on your computer? If not then you will also need a card reader.

9. Size and clarity of LCD screen. LCD screens are a great idea, allowing you to preview and review your pictures. Pick a camera with a large and clear one.

10. Price. Shop around for price but make sure you purchase a camera that is capable of taking the photos you want for at least the next few years.