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 virtually everyone can have a multi-featured digital camera that takes good, instant pictures. We can print high quality pictures ourselves or share them with others electronically. In fact, inexpensive cameras can be so complicated, it’s hard to know what to buy. Let’s examine some rules for buying your first or next camera.

Point one, ask yourself, “What is my purpose in buying a camera”? Will it be to take pictures to post online? Will you use it to take mainly indoor or outdoor pictures? Will the pictures be lots of action shots or more stills? Are you going to take simple pictures or do you need the ability to take specialty pictures like fireworks at night or a hummingbird in the feeder?

Next, determine how much you are willing to pay for a camera. Usually you will get about what you pay for. But with all the features available, you could easily get more than you need. Thus, these are important questions to answer. If you are a novice at photography or if you are technologically challenged, you probably don’t want a complex, many-featured camera with capabilities you will never need. Instead, ook for a simple point-and-shoot model instead of the fanciest camera you can afford.

Cameras are often featured for how many megapixels they have. This megapixel figure simply tells the maximum resolution it can take. A larger number means that you can take larger, clearer pictures A number of nine or more means that the camera can take clear pictures for enlarging. However, these pictures will be multiple megabytes in size. Those wanting to post pictures on the web or email them to friends will not want pictures that large, and neither will the friends on the download side.

Most digital cameras have an LCD screen so you can see what you are taking and what you have already taken. Be sure this screen is plenty big to see the image clearly and to see what you are taking even in bright light. The lens size will usually determine its zoom ability. The larger the camera, the better the flash, generally. But you are able to zoom in closely indoors where the flash cannot illuminate the subject. Some cameras contain a flash boot so you can use a larger external flash . Generally the larger the camera is, the less portable it is, but the better the lens and flash.

More pricey cameras will have additional features like the ability to self-portrait (delay shutter). 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 are interested in a particular camera, check online reviews before committing yourself to buy 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?

Not only read the consumer reviews, but also go to a store where you can see and feel the camera, even if you don’t buy it there. Also, read the warranty. Should you purchase the extended warranty? I generally do for electronics since so much could go wrong that I wouldn’t be able to fix.

Once you have made your selection, then live with it. Don’t second-guess yourself that you should have gotten something else. Instead, read the manual and take lots of pictures as you learn all it can do. Taking pictures is a wonderful way to conserve memories and photography can be fun. With so many low priced good cameras available, why not 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, who are skilled in Virginia Beach Photography. See their website portfolio for results.

See also How to Buy Digital Cameras for advice on the best digital camera review sites.

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