With all the new and varied cameras on the market, sometimes 
choosing the right one for your photography needs can be 
confusing. All are not created equal and performance and cost 
will play a large role in your decision.

Some key points to be considered when choosing your camera:

1. Your purpose

2. Budgeting

3. Features you need rather than just want

4. Examining the results of different cameras


Your purpose:

1. Will you need it for snapshots? A more basic camera but one 
   with good images will be needed for this.

2. Videos of family outings? Do your research carefully for 
   this as described below.

3. Large pictures: Megapixels will determine quantity and the 
   amount of data captured. If you need bigger pictures, then 
   this factor must be considered.

4. Professional pictures: This will depend on your purpose but 
   will obviously cost more, as many factors including image and 
   versatility must be considered.

5. Sending pictures over the Internet: This can be done with a 
   simple relatively cheap webcam.

6. Pictures to download into e-mails or use on Yahoo photos. 
   Making pictures for your website:  This requires a little 
   technology and care in saving and uploading files to ensure 
   quality. Software like Photo Shop is generally used for web 
   editing and designs.


How much can you really afford? Budgeting: When buying a camera 
it is important to know that you will not only be paying for your 
camera but will also be paying for any accessories you need 
separately. It is necessary to really decide which of the 
accessories are absolutely necessary before making your final 
purchasing decision. Photography is a fairly expensive hobby and 
you will be wise to keep a budget for this.

What features do you need, not just want? Buying a camera is 
rather like being a kid in a candy store everything is 
fascinating and looks so good. However cost and practical use is 
important. Make a list of all the features you need in your new 
camera and stick to it. Do not get carried away, it's easy to do. 
Remember what you need and can often be achieved without many 
little gadgets.

Resource: Reviews of Cameras objectively written: Helping you 
make the educational decision, not selling it to you. Before 
making your decision it is wise o know something about each one 
of your intended choices. You will find some objective reviews 
here http://www.imaging-resource.com Look over the reviews, go 
to your local camera store and list your choices. Then look 
carefully at the images that each camera will produce. They also 
offer technical help with resizing for printing and other 
questions you may have.

Testing your camera before buying. Compare portrait images taken 
from each of the cameras you want to buy and download them to 
your computer. Note each camera and the photo it produced. Resize 
the images and printout on 8x11 paper. This takes a little 
expertise and you may need some tech help with this. Zoom in and 
examine a feature of the face, an eye is good, and compare the 
different images. You may want to change the resolution chart to 
grayscale for better color comparison. Also use good quality 
white paper when you copy to see the best image. A word of 
caution photographs need quite a bit of color ink be sure you 
have a full color cartridge in your printer and the quality is 
good. Examine your images minutely, using s lens if needed.

What should you compare in the photo example?

1. Colors and missing pixels

2. Cleanness of line

3. Resolution

4. High/low lights


Comparing prices: This is a lengthy but necessary task. Do your 
research and compare the prices. The same camera can have wide 
variations in price.. Do not just rely on the stores; check 
photography magazines and especially the Internet.

With these points you will be able to choose the right camera at 
the right price for your purpose. Remember your camera is an 
important investment for your future. Get good value for your 
money but try not to base your decision entirely on price.
 

Cheryl Miller is an entrepreneur specializing in niche markets. 
For more information about photography please visit: 
http://phototoppapers.com/index.htm 

Cheryl is also the Publisher of the 
"Phototoppapers Photography Tips" 
a free newsletter about photography.