How to Choose the Proper Camera

Can you name the three best rated ultra-compact, compact, and SLR digital cameras ? There are so many choices in digital cameras these days, it's very difficult to get consensus. Those categories being ultra-compact (subcompact), compact, and SLR digital cameras. Ultra compact cameras are, (as their name implies) very small cameras. Like your pants pocket, a shirt pocket, small purse or accessory pocket on your backpack. Those choosing a ultra-compact value portability above other features. Compact cameras are bigger than the ultra compact cameras, but offer several more features. While not as portable, they do take better pictures, and offer more control over camera settings like shutter speed, and ISO settings. While both compacts and ultra compacts have large LCD screens, your more likely to find a viewfinder included with the compact digital camera. While both ultra compacts and compacts could be considered point and shoot cameras, our next category is not. The SLR digital camera is the choice of many professionals and serious hobbyist photographers worldwide. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. With SLR camera, you get complete control over all camera settings. In addition SLR cameras have interchangeable lenses. The Canon Digital Rebel XTi and the Nikon D40 are both popular and well rated cameras in this category.

While there are many highly rated cameras, the consumer needs to understand the different features and skills required for each camera type. From there, it's simply a matter of choosing the best rated digital camera that fits within your budget. I'm a firm believer in the power of choice. Choice in cars, choice in cable providers, choice in which movies I watch, and choice in how I live my life. Take digital cameras for instance. I did promise a SIMPLE guide to digital camera buying, and I meant it. Let's only look at the top cameras from whatever category / budget were interested in.

-          image sensor size (bigger is better, not megapixels, that's different , if the salesperson can't answer this, find another salesperson)

-          image stabilization (great for shaking hands and slow ISO settings)

-          face detection / auto focus ( not essential, but could save a few bad pictures)

-          flash recharge time (slow recharge times can result in missed pictures)

-          size (choose from ultra compact, compact, or extra case need just for lenses)

-           SLR or point and shoot ( professional or Amateurs)

-          ISO settings (if your into manual tweaking)

-          Built in camera editing (things like removing red eye)

Once you have your short list of features, it's time to try a few cameras out. I like to visit the camera store, and take lots of pictures. Ask question, take pictures, ask more questions. Wash rinse repeat with a couple of cameras, and even a couple of salespersons if necessary.