How to Shop for a Digital Camera

How Many Megapixels Do You Need?

If you're in the market for a digital camera, you would have heard the term megapixel. Back when digital cameras first came out, megapixels mattered a lot. The quality difference from a camera with one megapixel versus one with two megapixels was significant. But now that even lower-end cameras have five or more megapixels, that number is no longer as important, and buying a camera with more megapixels may actually be more inconvenient, depending on your usage.

You only need a higher megapixel count if you want to make very large prints. Five megapixels is good enough to print an 11x14 print. Unless you think you'll be printing photos much larger than that, you don't need more megapixels.

The Connection Between Megapixels and Memory

Additionally, the higher the megapixels, the larger the file size of each photo. That means you'll need to pay more for memory and will need more storage space on your computer (or wherever you're planning on keeping the photos long term). You'll also run into problems emailing the photos unless you size them down yourself.

If you want a camera with higher megapixels but don't want the hassle of large file sizes, you can set the camera to take photos at a lower megapixel to save room.

Lastly, not all megapixels are created equal. A point-and-shoot camera with 10 megapixels is not necessarily better than a digital SLR with eight megapixels. The lens has a lot more to do with quality, so a digital SLR with a very good lens will produce better photos, even at a lower megapixel.

How Big a Camera Should You Buy?

As I mentioned, it's the lens that will make the biggest difference in quality. But if you buy a bulky camera with a great lens, it may just stay on your shelf collecting dust because you never want to carry it around. That means you'll miss out on taking photos that you would have taken if your camera was light and fit right in your pocket.

Decide whether you want a camera to carry around with you, giving you the ability to take impromptu photos, or if you'd like a nice one for very special occasions, in which case you wouldn't mind having a heavier camera if it meant better photos.

Also keep in mind how much manual control you want. If you don't want to manage all the different settings, go for the compact point-and-shoot. Otherwise, not knowing which settings to use in a particular environment will cause your photos to come out fuzzy, dark, or overexposed. The automatic settings of a point-and-shoot may not give you the very best quality, but it'll be much better than a photo taken with incorrect settings. 

The automatic settings of a point-and-shoot may not give you the very best quality, but it'll be much better than a photo taken with incorrect settings.

How Much Zoom Do You Want?

Digital cameras often have two types of zooms: optical zoom and digital zoom.

Optical zoom is what we mostly understand as zoom; the lens move to close up on the subject. Digital zooms simply magnify the pixels, which make your subject look bigger, but with larger pixels, so the image isn't as smooth and sharp.

An optical zoom of 3x means it'll make your subject three times as big. Keep in mind that zooming in can cause your image to be blurry, because it's harder to focus. You also have to hold the camera very still. If you think you'll be using zoom a lot, choose a camera with image stabilizer and/or use a tripod.

What Type of Battery Do You Want Your Camera to Have?

Cameras either have their own rechargeable battery or they use AA batteries. Buying AA batteries can add up in cost, but it may be more convenient than having to use the camera's custom battery, which you’ll frequently have to charge. Decide whether you'll have easy access to outlets to keep your camera charged when you need it, or if you'd prefer to keep a stock of AA batteries on hand.

Do You Want Your Camera to Record Video?

Do you want to be able to record video as well? Many point-and-shoot models have this feature, whereas digital SLRs are only slowly coming out with that capability.

Keep in mind, though, that the video feature in a point-and-shoot would still not be able to replace your camcorder entirely. It can only take a few minutes of video which would take up quite a large amount of space on your memory card.

Where is the Best Place to Buy Your Digital Camera?

Once you've decided which features are most important to you, check out some retailers so you can hold the cameras in your hand and try out the buttons. When you've narrowed down your options to a handful of cameras, search for the best deals on those cameras by going to deal sites--like dealnews.com--and using price comparison engines--like nextag.com. Don't forget that you can often negotiate pricing at retailers, too. Many will offer to include bonuses like camera cases and memory cards.

This has been an episode of Dealista’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Getting More for Less, brought to you by Wise Bread, a personal finance blog that helps you live large on a small budget.

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