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5 Tips For Buying A Digital Camera for the Very First Time

by Tim Ng

I am going to share with you a secret that not many know about the 5 Best Tips for Those Who Are Buying A Digital Camera for the Very First Time
1. Set a Budget Before Buying
When starting out in the world of digital photography, I would recommend not spending a huge amount of money on the high-end prosumer or digital SLR cameras. Look for cheaper, yet powerful, compact digital cameras that are easy to hold and don't add too much weight when you travel. Learn the basics with this digital camera and make sure you enjoy the hobby before spending the cash for higher-end digital cameras.
2. Ignore Digital Zoom
Although many salespeople would disagree, when choosing a digital camera to purchase, I would completely ignore advertised digital zoom magnifications and only look at cameras' optical zooms. Digital zooming performs an interpolation, or computer-based 'guesswork', of an image to try to increase the perceived zoom distance. These can result in "fuzzy" images or those with less than optimal clarity, especially if you blow them up into 8x10 or larger photos. However, optical zoom provides for a true zoom-in or zoom-out on your subject.
3. Two Considerations When Buying A New Camera
Planning on buying a new digital camera? Among the many choices you have to make including megapixels, image quality, and zoom capability, here are two more things you should consider:

Media Type: There are lots of media types available for cameras, such as CompactFlash, SecureMedia, etc. Because of my previous purchases of CompactFlash cards that I used in older cameras, if upgrading, I would not want to purchase a camera that used a different type of memory unless its other features far outweighed those of competing cameras. Memory prices are going down, but cards are still not cheap and I don't want to 'throw away' this media investment when upgrading.

Some cameras are realizing that not everyone wants to use their manufacturer's proprietary media format. For example, the upcoming (at the time of this tip's writing) Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 uses Sony's Memory Stick format, but this digital camera also supports CompactFlash and MicroDrives.

Battery Type: If you currently use rechargeable batteries, factor into your purchasing decision whether or not your 'dream' camera supports the same types of batteries. I own six or seven sets of AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and would be very weary of purchasing a camera that had its own custom battery type. Of course, if the digital camera offered double the megapixels, a wider zoom lens, and better quality photos, I might reconsider (grin).

4. Small Doesn't Mean Underpowered
Purchasing a small digital camera definitely can have its advantages. They are easier to transport long distances, less bulky to carry with you on trips, and less conspicuous. Plus, nowadays don't expect all small digital cameras to be underpowered toys!

Small cameras may not have as many features as digital SLRs and high-end prosumer digital cameras, but their megapixel resolutions are matching, and sometimes beating, their higher-priced alternatives! Plus, smaller cameras are starting to come with larger and larger zooms.

While a high-priced large digital camera looks impressive to onlookers and usually comes with a wide variety of image manipulation features, don't overlook the value of small digital cameras. If you just want a digital camera to use for friend and family photos, travel a lot and need something that takes up less luggage room, or just don't want to deal with the bulk of a large digital camera, consider the lighter alternatives.
5. Be Careful When Buying Package Deals
Be careful before you spend your hard-earned money. While these deals may save you money, they may not save as much money as specified by the individual products' manufacturers' retail prices. And, sometimes, these deals are just ways for unscrupulous dealers to make a few extra dollars on the side, selling substandard or closeout equipment in combination lots that seem like huge bargains for the unwary.

Before you buy such a package deal, examine the contents. Check out what the prices of the individual items REALLY cost, and that may mean visiting other digital camera stores or websites. Then, only then, make a decision. Do you really need the products? Does the package deal really save money, even if not as much money as the seller claims?

I've saved money buying package deals when I really needed all the included equipment, but some people end up spending way more than originally intended on equipment they don't need. Don't let the latter happen to you.
If you are truly interested in buying a digital camera, and for the very first time, I certainly hope that the tips are useful for you.
Tim Ng, Avid Photographer, MSci (Education), Photographer for important functions.
Head of Audio Media (1998 - 2002 East View Primary School)
Written in plain English instead of “techno speak” this guide will help you sharpen up your talent and improve your overall results as an amateur photographer. Or, if you are considering the possibility of expanding your hobby into a money making enterprise, you will definitely find the answers to your questions in the chapter on “How to start a photography business.” The purpose of our guide is to give you an over view of photography as well as provide you with information about the different types of equipment used in amateur photography. http://www.fotogenick.com

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Tim Ng, Avid Photographer, MSci (Education), Photographer for important functions. Head of Audio Media (1998 - 2002 East View Primary School) Written in plain English instead of “techno speak” this guide will help you sharpen up your talent and improve your overall results as an amateur photographer. Or, if you are considering the possibility of expanding your hobby into a money making enterprise, you will definitely find the answers to your questions in the chapter on “How to start a photography business.” The purpose of our guide is to give you an over view of photography as well as provide you with information about the different types of equipment used in amateur photography.

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