Not so many years ago, only the wealthy could afford a good camera. The rest of us used a point-and-shoot and were content. But that changed when electronics and digital cameras became available to the public. Now anyone can afford a multi-featured digital camera that takes good pictures. We can print high quality pictures ourselves or share them with others electronically. In fact, most can afford a camera with features far more sophisticated than they need. This article gives some suggestions on what to look for in a camera.

First, why are you buying the camera? Are you going to take pictures to share online? Will they be outdoor or more indoor pictures, needing a flash? Are you going to take mostly still pictures or sporting events? Will the conditions be standard or unique, like night pictures or extreme close-ups?

Next, determine your price range. For the most part you will get what you pay for. But you could easily get more camera than you need. Thus, all these steps are important. If you are new at photography or don’t care for all the complex settings, then don’t get them. Instead, look for a point-and-shoot model of some kind.

Many want to buy a camera with the most megapixels possible, thinking they have a better camera. The megapixel number tells the resolution of the pictures the camera can take. A larger number means that you can set the camera to take larger pictures that are still very clear. However, these pictures may also take up lots of memory. If you plan to email pictures, or post them on a family website, then this will mean clearer pictures but much longer download times.

Most digital cameras have an LCD screen so you can see what you are taking and what you have already taken. Be sure this is large enough to see clearly and clear enough to see even in bright light. The lens size will usually determine its zoom ability. A larger camera usually has a better flash also. Just remember that if you zoom in to a distant object indoors, the flash will probably not be able to illuminate it sufficiently. Some cameras have a flash boot on top and this enables the owner to use a more powerful external flash. Generally the larger the camera is, the less portable it is, but the better the lens and flash.

You may want additional features such as the built in delay shutter so the photographer can get into the picture as well. Some LCD screens can be rotated which is great for over the head or below the waist pictures, or for seeing what your self-portrait will look like. Many digital cameras today are also able to take short video shots.

Once you have narrowed your field to a particular camera, check reviews of it before you set your heart on getting it. Unbiased reviewers and owners are usually pretty honest. Check out the type of batteries it uses. Be sure they are standard AA or AAA batteries or else batteries could be expensive. You may want the camera to have the same type of memory as other devices you own like video cameras or LCD picture frames. Is the memory card compatible with your computer and/or printer?

As I said, check consumer reviews, but also, if possible, go to a store where you can try it out, even if you don’t buy it there. Check out the warranty. Is it good to spend extra for an extended warranty? For electronics, I generally do, for too much can go wrong and few will know how to fix it if it malfunctions.

Once you buy it, don’t keep reading the ads. Be content with your purchase instead of wishing you had gotten something else. Rather, get to know it by reading the manual and using it often. Taking pictures is a wonderful way to conserve memories and photography can be fun. With all the great cameras available now, don’t wait any longer to get started.

Following these principles will lead you to a digital camera that provides great service for years. But if you’re more interested in a professional handling your photography, consider the services of Expressions Photography, an experienced Virginia Photographer. See their website portfolio for results.