Choosing a Digital Camera
What kind of digital camera you choose will depend on how you plan to use the images you take, as well as the degree of flexibility you desire. Point-and-shoot models may cost less, but if you find them too limiting, it's worthwhile to pay more for manually adjustable models.

Key Questions:
What are you going to do with your pictures?
What's the camera's optimum resolution?
How expert a photographer are you?
Does size matter?
Does it come with rechargeable batteries?

Resolution Evolution
The biggest question when buying a digital camera is what are you going to do with the pictures? If you plan to use them only electronically — posting them on a Web site, e-mailing them, or making slide shows for your PC or TV screen — then you need only a low- or mid-level model. If you plan on printing out your pictures, however, or if you need very high-quality, data-rich images, you want at least a 2 million pixel-plus (2 megapixel) model. (A million pixels equal 1 megapixel.)

Obviously, 1 megapixel and 2 megapixel models offer resolution in excess of what's available with computer monitors. In fact, most 2 megapixel models contain more than 2 million pixels. Bear in mind that some stated resolution figures aren't entirely accurate. Many cameras tout a high resolution, but that optimum quality is often "extrapolated" — that is, achieved through software rather than by the camera's optics. Check to make sure that the stated resolution is achieved by the camera itself.

Display vs. Print
Still, you should get the highest resolution you can afford, right? Not necessarily. To reiterate, if you're going to display a picture on a Web page rather than make printouts, you'll probably want to reduce the image to a size that will fit in a typical browser window (horizontal scroll bars are tres tacky on an on-screen image). You might want to further reduce the file size for quick downloading by saving it at a higher JPEG compression factor.

On the other hand, maybe you're an aspiring graphic artist who plans to subject your digital pictures to the more advanced image manipulation techniques offered by Adobe PhotoShop. The more information available in the original the better the potential results. Accordingly, a megapixel or higher camera might be worth the investment. (Bear in mind that we're discussing consumer models here. Professional digital cameras — some with 6 million-pixel CCDs — can be pricey.)

Extra pixels are also critical if you're going to print your images, whether in a family newsletter or a brochure for a small business. The higher the resolution, the larger the picture that can be printed without losing sharpness.

Look Before You Shoot
Above the entry-level range, most digital cameras feature optical zoom lenses, albeit not very powerful ones (it's rare to find much more than a 10x zoom). Higher-end cameras may allow you to attach such accessories as telephoto lenses and filters. Some cameras also have a digital zoom function, which allows zoom factors beyond what the optics can achieve. Don't be seduced by digital zoom figures, however. Because this feature essentially makes the pixels bigger, resolution actually decreases as the zoom factor increases.

Nearly every digital camera will have a small LCD — usually 2" or smaller, measured diagonally — that allows you to preview the pictures you're about to take or have already taken. You can then discard any that didn't turn out. Depending on the model, its screen may also function as the viewfinder, or it might have a traditional optical viewfinder. These LCD screens, usually color, consume a lot of battery power. Some models with traditional eyepiece viewfinders allow you to turn off the LCD.

In point-and-shoot models, the eyepiece is completely separate from the lens construction. Accordingly, what you see through the viewfinder is not quite what the camera actually captures. With models that have an SLR design, however, the image seen through the viewfinder is identical to what ends up on the CCD.

Size, Power and Suitability
Digital cameras don't require the big batteries used by camcorders. Because most take AAs, either single use or rechargeable, weight isn't likely to be a major concern. However, cameras do eat batteries quickly, making rechargeables highly desirable extras. But many camera makers don't include rechargeable batteries; you must buy them separately. If your decision comes down to price, check to see if rechargeable batteries and a charger are included with the camera.

When it comes to size, there are a few things you should consider. If it's a point-and-shoot camera, will it slip easily into your pocket? And if you're buying a camera with a zoom lens (a zoom lens inevitably makes the camera bulkier), is its weight properly distributed? Where is the lens positioned? Is it on the front of the camera or on its side? Which do you prefer?

You should also determine whether the camera's controls are placed within easy reach of your hand. And is it relatively easy to distinguish the different buttons by feel alone? 

Choosing a Digital Camera
What kind of digital camera you choose will depend on how you plan to use the images you take, as well as the degree of flexibility you desire. Point-and-shoot models may cost less, but if you find them too limiting, it's worthwhile to pay more for manually adjustable models.

Key Questions:
What are you going to do with your pictures?
What's the camera's optimum resolution?
How expert a photographer are you?
Does size matter?
Does it come with rechargeable batteries?

Resolution Evolution
The biggest question when buying a digital camera is what are you going to do with the pictures? If you plan to use them only electronically — posting them on a Web site, e-mailing them, or making slide shows for your PC or TV screen — then you need only a low- or mid-level model. If you plan on printing out your pictures, however, or if you need very high-quality, data-rich images, you want at least a 2 million pixel-plus (2 megapixel) model. (A million pixels equal 1 megapixel.)

Obviously, 1 megapixel and 2 megapixel models offer resolution in excess of what's available with computer monitors. In fact, most 2 megapixel models contain more than 2 million pixels. Bear in mind that some stated resolution figures aren't entirely accurate. Many cameras tout a high resolution, but that optimum quality is often "extrapolated" — that is, achieved through software rather than by the camera's optics. Check to make sure that the stated resolution is achieved by the camera itself.

Display vs. Print
Still, you should get the highest resolution you can afford, right? Not necessarily. To reiterate, if you're going to display a picture on a Web page rather than make printouts, you'll probably want to reduce the image to a size that will fit in a typical browser window (horizontal scroll bars are tres tacky on an on-screen image). You might want to further reduce the file size for quick downloading by saving it at a higher JPEG compression factor.

On the other hand, maybe you're an aspiring graphic artist who plans to subject your digital pictures to the more advanced image manipulation techniques offered by Adobe PhotoShop. The more information available in the original the better the potential results. Accordingly, a megapixel or higher camera might be worth the investment. (Bear in mind that we're discussing consumer models here. Professional digital cameras — some with 6 million-pixel CCDs — can be pricey.)

Extra pixels are also critical if you're going to print your images, whether in a family newsletter or a brochure for a small business. The higher the resolution, the larger the picture that can be printed without losing sharpness.

Look Before You Shoot
Above the entry-level range, most digital cameras feature optical zoom lenses, albeit not very powerful ones (it's rare to find much more than a 10x zoom). Higher-end cameras may allow you to attach such accessories as telephoto lenses and filters. Some cameras also have a digital zoom function, which allows zoom factors beyond what the optics can achieve. Don't be seduced by digital zoom figures, however. Because this feature essentially makes the pixels bigger, resolution actually decreases as the zoom factor increases.

Nearly every digital camera will have a small LCD — usually 2" or smaller, measured diagonally — that allows you to preview the pictures you're about to take or have already taken. You can then discard any that didn't turn out. Depending on the model, its screen may also function as the viewfinder, or it might have a traditional optical viewfinder. These LCD screens, usually color, consume a lot of battery power. Some models with traditional eyepiece viewfinders allow you to turn off the LCD.

In point-and-shoot models, the eyepiece is completely separate from the lens construction. Accordingly, what you see through the viewfinder is not quite what the camera actually captures. With models that have an SLR design, however, the image seen through the viewfinder is identical to what ends up on the CCD.

Size, Power and Suitability
Digital cameras don't require the big batteries used by camcorders. Because most take AAs, either single use or rechargeable, weight isn't likely to be a major concern. However, cameras do eat batteries quickly, making rechargeables highly desirable extras. But many camera makers don't include rechargeable batteries; you must buy them separately. If your decision comes down to price, check to see if rechargeable batteries and a charger are included with the camera.

When it comes to size, there are a few things you should consider. If it's a point-and-shoot camera, will it slip easily into your pocket? And if you're buying a camera with a zoom lens (a zoom lens inevitably makes the camera bulkier), is its weight properly distributed? Where is the lens positioned? Is it on the front of the camera or on its side? Which do you prefer?

You should also determine whether the camera's controls are placed within easy reach of your hand. And is it relatively easy to distinguish the different buttons by feel alone?