Set a basic budget on how much money you want to spend. Be realistic about the fact you won't be able to get the best of every feature, as you'll have to make tradeoffs.
Determine your experience level. Are you a novice or an expert when it comes to digital photography? If a novice, a point and shoot might suffice. Experts will want more manual control over the exposure process.
Consider what you will use your camera to capture. For kids or wildlife, get a camera that acts fast after you click the shutter and has a good autofocus system. For landscape photography, you won't need a camera that has high ISO performance or fast autofocus (since most of your compositions will be done on a tripod).
Be aware of the difference between a global shutter versus a rolling shutter that can give odd looking results when shooting a high-speed airplane propeller or wiggle in video.
Decide if you want to capture video with the camera. Digital cameras now offer 4K recording as well as slow motion video recording. If audio quality is important to your video, look for a camera with microphone input.
Check reviews on the web. When you're trying to decide between two choices, or just want to explore similar cameras, search for information online or use a free comparison tool on the web.
Make a list of which features are important to you, and prioritize the list. Keep in mind that there are tradeoffs, for example, size vs. optical zoom. You probably won't get everything you want.
Consider which type of batteries would be most useful to you. Your main options are either AA batteries or a rechargeable lithium battery pack. Rechargeable pack may be lighter and last longer, but when it wears out, it may be difficult to buy a replacement. If camera takes AA batteries, it can usually run on rechargeable AA batteries as well - these are not manufacturer specific and can be easily replaced when needed.
Try not to end up with a complete compromise camera. Decide what's important and get something best at that, rather than middle-of-the-road in everything. It may be wise to invest more into a high quality lens rather than an expensive camera.
Remember that megapixels do not equal good pictures. There are many other things, including the lens, that determine the quality of the image. 3 megapixels is the minimum you should look at. A 3-megapixel camera will get you excellent 4x6 prints, if you want anything bigger consider a 4 or 5 megapixel -or more if your budget will allow. Talk to a photo store professional for more information about how many megapixels you will need your camera to have to make a quality picture in the print size you want.
Narrow your search down to one or two models and shop around for the best price. Price comparison sites can be helpful but often the best priced merchants may have poor after-sales service.
Make sure your camera has a warranty that you feel comfortable with. Most cameras come with a limited one year warranty, but extended warranties are usually available.
Buy the camera. If you have time to wait or do not need your camera immediately, we recommend you use price comparison sites. You will save time and money finding the lowest price. Consider shopping at a local camera store. You will be paying about the same as you would off the internet, you are getting a person behind the counter who knows more about cameras than the internet, and also an easy place to take your camera back if it should happen to malfunction sometime down the road. And economically speaking, you will be supporting your local towns and creating jobs and keeping the money circulating locally.
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