Buying an inexpensive digital camera doesn't need to be a daunting project. But, if you don't think about what you want before you buy one, you will be disappointed when you wish it had all those extra features.
When you do your research on the internet, keep these things in mind to be sure you get the one that best suits your needs.
Instructions
1. There are four major things you need to consider when buying an inexpensive digital camera. They are:
a) Resolution
b) Zoom
c) Size
d) Price
2. Resolution - Resolution is the quality of the picture the camera takes. You'll see it referred to as megapixels or MP. It means millions of pixels. The higher the number, the better.
You should look for a camera with at least 5 megapixels. This will give you great-looking shots, and this is what you want since you are usually using your camera to take pictures of family, friends, and scenery - making memories.
3. Zoom - Zoom allows you to get closer to your subject without getting closer physically. Most of the smallish digital cameras these days are woefully deficient when it comes to zoom.
For instance, if you are stuck in your seat at the football game and you want a close-up of the quarterback, a 2 times or 3 times optical zoom won't get you very close.
Using the digital zoom feature results in such grainy pictures that it's never, ever worth using.
Optical zoom uses a telescoping lens for zooming, whereas digital zoom uses the camera's software to artificially zoom on something. The results of digital zooming are never pretty.
Make sure your optical zoom is as high as you can afford. 10 or 15 times zoom is perfect for seeing the whiskers on the quarterback's chin when he's in mid-field, but it makes the camera slightly bulkier and more expensive.
But again, if you are looking to pick the best inexpensive digital camera, not getting a good optical zoom is a big mistake that you'll regret.
4. Size - Credit card-sized cameras are great for portability. However, they're usually not the best inexpensive digital cameras to buy because you'll often find them lacking.
The resolution on the smaller cameras IS getting better, but the optical zooms are usually very low on these easy-to-pocket cameras. Usually just 2 or 3 times optical.
5. Price - You don't have to get an expensive camera to get the best digital camera for you. However, you should look at it as a mid- to long-term purchase.
6. Do your research. Check out consumer magazines and web reviews of several cameras. Focus on the features listed above and see what reviewers (and other users) think of each of them.
7. A digital camera is something you will use for many years. It's probable that you won't be happy in the long-run with a $79.00 camera.
Look for the smallest camera that has great resolution and zoom that you can afford, and you'll be happy to take it everywhere you go.
Tags: digital camera, inexpensive digital, optical zoom, best inexpensive, best inexpensive digital