How to Choose the Right Camera?

This is something many first timers have a problem with. It is not as complicated as it seems to be once you have a few simple guidelines to work with. All manufactures basically create a camera based on a price point and include features to balance out the overall manufacturing cost within that price point. The two typical features mentioned by all manufacturers are megapixels and optical zoom strength. Therefore, if a camera has a really high megapixel rating compared to other cameras in the same price point, you will lose in other areas of the cameras features like zoom. If you rarely use zoom or have little understanding of zoom then look for the higher megapixel camera. Make sure you purchase additional rechargeable batteries right away. One set to use and one set to have as a backup while the used batteries are being recharged. 

Now, knowing the situations in which you will most likely take your pictures will certainly help.

1: Will they be during vacations and how often do you take vacations?

2: Will it be at gatherings like parties, restaurants and bars?

3: Mostly scenery.

4: Mostly portraits.

5: Sports or action shots including wildlife and insects.

1: Typically I would go with a small compact point and shoot camera. Choose one with easy access to picture view, picture delete, numerous scene position choices and uses easy to replace AA or AAA batteries.

2: Gatherings, restaurants and bars typically means close ups or group shots. A point and shoot will again be suitable. In this case a camera that has a good sized and bright LCD display to see in low light conditions and one that also supports multiple face recognition to insure everyones face is in proper focus.

3: Scenery is a harder category and typically requires more flexibility which an advanced compact camera will have. A strong optical zoom of 5+ is highly recommended over higher megapixels. If you can afford to maximum both megapixel and optical zoom within your price range the better. The ability to have shutter priority, aperture priority and manual setting modes are ideal.

4: Portraits are similar to gatherings but differ in that you are poised to capture the best of the individual or group. If the budget allows, a D-SLR would be a great choice. The main advantage of a D-SLR is a built in hotshoe which allows for an external flash and other accessories to be attached. If the budget does not allow for a D-SLR then an advanced compact with a good sized flash with easy access to the flash intensity adjustment is key. Face recognition is also a plus to have and opt for the highest megapixel possible and do not worry too much about the level of zoom. All cameras now come with at least 3X optical zoom and for portraits, this is plenty.

5: Sports or action shots means either you need to freeze the fast moving object or have the ability to take images quickly. All digital cameras requires some amount of time to save the image to memory before taking the next shot. For this reason, a camera that has a fast image to memory speed is important. The ability to snap sequentially in fractions of a second is highly recommended. This will allow you to capture a number of quick shots and increase your chances to capture that one award winning action shot. An advanced compact is ideal and I would suggest you maximize the amount of optical zoom avaialble. 

If flowers and insects are your fashion then the added features to look for are macro with zoom and super macro (2 cm - 4 cm) with no zoom plus good imaging in low light conditions.

These are my simplified suggestions for choosing the right camera for the job. Most professionals will use a D-SLR due to the overall flexibility in automated and manual adjustments. That being said, a D-SLR is not always the best choice when the situation calls for quick shots to be taken with little or no advanced notice. Keep in mind that the salesperson can mention a wide number of features and capabilities. Try to stick to your selection of features you need and avoid unnecessary features in the end. Most cameras will have features you will rarely use or in the end not at all.

Happy camera shopping and photo shooting.