Look for rechargeable batteries and a
charger. The cost of disposable batteries adds up over the long
run. Some cameras can use AA batteries of any type--disposable or
rechargeable. That capability can be helpful if your rechargeable
batteries run out of juice and you don't want to wait while they
replenish.
Get at least 2X optical zoom.
Nearly all
cameras offer digital zoom, but it results in photos that aren't
nearly as good as those produced with an optical zoom.
Look for a low-light focusing aid.
Some
cameras have auxiliary lights that help them focus in dim settings.
That's important for many indoor shots.
Make sure you can use removable storage
media. While the camera may have on-board memory, a memory card
allows you to expand the storage capacity.
Avoid cameras that use floppy disks or
compact discs. Floppy disks are inexpensive, but they won't hold
many images, and the cameras that use them typically take relatively
low-resolution photos. Cameras that use compact discs are typically
bulky and slow.
Try the camera before you buy.
Some
cameras have commands and menus that are easier to use than others, a
comparison you can only make with a hands-on trial. Also evaluate the
lag time between when you press the shutter button and when the camera
actually takes the picture. Try out the zoom lens--does it operate
quickly and smoothly? Find out how long you must wait between taking
pictures. And try the LCD viewfinder--in the sun if possible--to
determine how easy it is to read.
Give extra consideration to a camera with
image-editing software. Look for useful packages like Adobe
Photoshop Elements and Ulead PhotoImpact.
Insist on a camera with an LCD display.
It allows you to review your photos on the spot--and delete the ones
where your cousin kept blinking when the flash went off.
Don't base your decision on video capability.
Any still camera's ability to take moving pictures is extremely
limited. If you want to shoot video, invest in a camera dedicated to
the job.
digital camera
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canon
Consider investing in a memory card reader.
These readers act like an external hard drive attached to your PC or
laptop, allowing you to download pictures directly from the storage
media your camera uses. Many newer laptops have one or more memory
card slots built right in. That saves time downloading images, and
since the camera doesn't have to be on, saves battery life, too
