Shopping for a digital camera can feel like a complicated task. Becoming familiar with the basic features of digital cameras will assist in the purchasing process. There are many different models of cameras for all kinds of photographers and new cameras are constantly being developed. A digital camera is very different than a traditional film camera. It is more like a computer that industrial designers have given a familiar skin.www.digitalcameraroundup.com/3_col09.html Even longtime photographers may need time to grasp the newest technology surrounding the latest digital cameras. One may be familiar with the term film speed, but what about sensors?www.photoxels.com/glossary.html This is a step-by step explanation of how to buy a digital camera, even if you've never met a megapixel.

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Each individual photographer must ask themselves the following questions as they begin to assess their needs in a new digital camera:

1. What are my typical subjects? (eBay items, family portraits, pets, sporting events, landscapes, travel)
2. How far away is my subject when I take my photos? (two feet, two yards, two miles?)
3. When and where do I take pictures of my subject matter (day, night, indoors, outdoors)
4. Will the camera be carried often? (no, will sit on shelf or yes it will be in a backpack)
5. Do I print my own images? Do I want these images to be able to be printed in large format?
6. Because of its convenience and versatility, you may find yourself using your digital every day, even if you haven't used a film camera in years.
7. If the camera is a gift for someone else, consider their lifestyle and list their potential uses for the camera.

Digital cameras fall into major categories an array of categories according to their design and purpose;

'Point and shoot' cameras:

1. $75-$500
2. Low-cost, easily portable and compact.
3. Live-preview LCD-screen instead of traditional up-to-the-eye viewfinder.http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Evolution-of-the-Live-Preview-in-Digital-Photography-.htm
4. Fixed-lens (non-interchangeable).
5. Require minimal photographic experienced and are meant for general use, family shots, scenic shots, or casual artistic experimentation.

'Bridge' cameras:

1. $400-$1,000
2. A category unique to digital cameras.
3. Combine the convenience of point and shoot models (live-preview, compactness, lower price) with some of the added quality of DSLRs (large, powerful lens and good quality traditional viewfinder).
4. Typically, a fixed-lens.
5. For dedicated shutterbugs in search of an effective alternative to a bulkier SLR, this may be the way to go.

'DSLR's:

1. $600-$8,000
2. Stands for digital single-lens reflex.
3. Typically have an optical viewfinder.
4. Interchangeable lenses.
5. Larger and higher quality digital image sensor (which a digital camera uses instead of film).http://homepages.tig.com.au/~parsog/photo/sensors1.html
6. Lack of shutter lag.
7. Used mainly by dedicated amateurs and professionals. If you need to take professional quality portraits, action shots or night shots, you may want the extra versatility.
8. If you're in the market for a DSLR, finish reading this page and then check out how to buy a digital SLR.
9. 'Digital camcorders': Photographers planning to use their camera mainly for movies will want to know how to buy a digital camcorder.

Digital camera pricing is wide ranging. For $12, you can get an American Idol keychain camera, while an elegant Leica M8 will run $6000.http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2225818,00.asp?kc=PCRSS05039TX1K0000750 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/leicam8/ With such a range, it's important to decide on a budget.

Cameras under $100:

Most models beneath this figure are similar to mechanisms in a cameraphone, though refurbished items, closeouts and overstocks could be an exception.

$100-$350:

Higher end point and shoot digital cameras, certain 'bridge' cameras.

Referring to Step 1, Assess needs and the potential uses of the camera to set a budget.

$350-$900:

Many 'bridge' and 'DSLR' cameras are within this budget range.

Over $1000:

Often camera 'kits' (DSLR camera body and one lens) may be purchased beginning at this price range. Professional digital cameras will range in the multiple thousands.

Buying a camera is like buying a car, in the sense that there are always more features on higher priced models.

"Pixel" means "picture element." A megapixel is a million pixels. A camera's resolution capabilities, measured in pixels, is one of the main indications of image quality. But how many will you really need?

2 megapixels or less: Fine for emailing pics or posting them online, but prints will look grainy at larger than 4"x6".

3-4 megapixels: Fine for high-resolution prints of 6"x9" or larger.

5 megapixels: Fine for most uses, arguably even 11"x17" prints.

6 or more megapixels: There is arguably no visual difference between 6 megapixels and 13 megapixels even blown up to 16x24 inches.http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/11/21/21pogues-posts-2/ However, this issue remains a subject of debate in the photography world.http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/02/15/deconstructing-the-megapixel-myth/

When shopping for a fixed lens camera (either a "point and shoot" or "bridge" model) consider the optical zoom range as more important than the digital zoom.http://www.photoxels.com/article-optical-digital-zoom.html The digital zoom feature effectively crops out a piece of whatever's in the frame and makes it bigger at the expense of resolution. Optical zoom (from the lens itself) can produce a high-quality close-up image. How powerful a lens will you need?

2x to 4x: Take pics of friends, family and any sizeable subject at close or medium range.

5x to 6x: Frame a head-shot of player in little-league game or explore a landscape.

7x to 12x: Go where your feet can't take you: a Peregrine Falcon in the canopy of a redwood, predators stalking prey in the savanna, or a sidewalk scene from the 20th floor.http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Peregrine_Falcon.html

Image stabilization (IS) digitally corrects for the blurriness that can occur when a camera is hand held in low light conditions or during long exposure shots.

Dual stabilization modes, which some higher-end cameras have, add extra protection against wobbles.

Vibration reduction is a term used by some brands to refer to image stabilization.http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/image-stabilization.htm

Anti-shake, a feature advertised on some lower-end cameras, does nothing more than accelerate the shutter speed and is not to be confused with image stabilization.http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/image-stabilization.htm

Many lower priced cameras do not contain IS. If you plan to take your camera on the go, or do any kind of sports photography, IS can be a tremendous advantage.

Most digital cameras feature built-in editing tools like basic cropping and red eye removal. Generally speaking, most such adjustments can be made with greater quality and versatility on your computer with digital photography editing software. The following are just a few of the many exotic effects available:

Facial recognition: the most useful and revolutionary of these features, zeros in on human faces and adjusts focus and exposure for maximum clarity.http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-features/shooting-modes/face-detection.php

Slimify: available on some Hewlett-Packard models, stretches the image to make subjects appear thinner, while another HP feature removes freckles.

Skin-tone adjustments: can give sun-deprived subjects a tan.http://www.news.com/Digital-cameras-focus-on-revised-reality/2100-1041_3-6110277.html

D-lighting: from Nikon brightens up underexposed portions of a shot without affecting the whole photo.

Before making final decisions, browse the array of new machines in detail then in person.

Overviews of a wide range of models can be found on:

• NexTag
• PriceGrabber
• My Simon
• BizRate
• CNET Shopper

Browse according to price range. All of these sights have a category menu that allows you to search by price.

1. For each model in a price range, note the specifications listed on Steps 4 through 7:
   • Number of megapixels
   • Range of the optical zoom.
   • Presence of image stabilization.
   • Special modes and editing tools.
2. Note other features, such as controls (some have iPhone-like touchscreen navigation) and LCD screen size.
3. Note the lowest price available (and the location of the offer) for each model.
4. Narrow your choices to the five models most appealing to you across the full range of criteria.

There are aspects of camera quality that can't be measured in megapixels. Many a consumer has been mesmerized by sleek design and up-to-the-minute technology, only to be disappointed one way or another. Check what other consumers and professional reviewers have had to say about a particular model before purchasing a camera.

1. Go to Mahalo's digital Camera reviews page and select one of the review sites listed there.
2. Search for reviews of the cameras on your list from Step 8.
3. Pay attention to the positive reviews of any given camera, but especially note the specifics of the negative ones.
4. Browse the other review sites to get a variety of opinions on each camera.
5. Keep in mind that a single negative review could be the work of a cranky or inexperienced reviewer, but if the same criticism about a specific model keeps cropping up, there may be some truth to it.

Even if you intend to buy online, online pics and specs are no substitute for physical contact with the models that interest you. Visit a camera or electronics store before making a final decision.

1. Search the online and in print media for "photographic equipment" and "electronics" and call several retailers to determine which one stocks the models on your list.
2. Take your list of five cameras on a trip to the store.
3. Don't be shy about asking to handle each of the various models that interest you, even if it's on the high-end in terms of price.
4. Do you like the way it looks? Digital cameras come in a variety of shapes and colors.
5. Is it thin and lightweight enough for your needs? (Or) Does it meet your standards for heft and durability?
6. Are the controls easy to access and operate?

There are two items crucial to your digital adventure that won't be included with your new camera. Remember batteries and memory.

NiHM batteries: Some cameras will only stay alive for as little as 20 minutes on the off-brand alkaline batteries that usually come in the package. Spend an extra $30 or so for a charger and long-lasting nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries. Get an extra set so that you won't be left with a dead camera when you spot Bigfoot or Elvis.

Memory cards: Your old film camera could take as many photos as you fed it in film exposures, but your new digital is a little more complex in that department. The number of images taken with your digital will depend not only on the storage capacity of the memory cards you buy, but also your camera's megapixel count and the size of each image file. To learn exactly which cards you'll need, see how to buy memory cards for a digital camera.

Once ready to purchase, ensure that you check the warranty and return policy. Happy snapping... and welcome to the Digital Age.

• Introduction: How to Buy a Digital Camera
• Step 1: Assess Your Needs
• Step 2: Determine Your "Class"
• Step 3: Set Your Budget
• Step 4: Size Up Megapixels
• Step 5: Focus on Zoom
• Step 6: Consider Image Stabilization
• Step 7: Think About Special Effects
• Step 8: Just Browsing
• Step 9: Check Camera Reviews
• Step 10: Meet in Person
• Step 11: Accessorize
• Conclusion
• Resources for How to Buy a Digital Camera