Buy Digital Cameras (Part 2)

Executive Summary about Buy Digital Cameras from PCWorld.com

Stating the number of megapixels is another way of expressing a camera's resolution; the higher the megapixel number, the higher the resolution. In general, higher-resolution cameras let you produce larger, higher-quality prints. Even a 5-megapixel camera (which is rare these days) can produce images of high enough resolution to produce crisp 11-by-14 prints.

Important: Battery Life
Some digital cameras quickly drain batteries--especially alkaline batteries--which can be expensive and annoying. With more megapixels, you can print larger photos with better image quality. Some models offer aperture and shutter priority modes, as well as full manual control. Cameras with greater focal range can zoom out to fit more into a shot or zoom in to fill the frame with the subject. Optical zoom produces sharper images than digital zoom. All new point-and-shoot and advanced cameras offer at least a 3X zoom, and some offer up to 20X zoom (the zoom of a single-lens reflex camera depends on the lens). If you want a camera with a powerful optical zoom, look for one that also offers optical image stabilization.

Somewhat Important: Manual Focus Override
Focusing the camera yourself can be more accurate than using automatic focus in some situations. Most compact point-and-shoot cameras, however, require that you use a button to adjust manual focus (if they offer manual focus at all).

Digital Camera Shopping Tips

Ready to buy a digital camera?
Match megapixels to your use: Most point-and-shoot cameras offer at least 5 megapixels, which is plenty for producing 11-by-14-inch prints. Some cameras can use AA batteries of any type--disposable or rechargeable.

Disregard digital zoom: Most cameras offer at least 3X optical zoom--and some boast an optical zoom as high as 20X.

Look for a low-light focusing aid: Some cameras have auxiliary lights that help them focus in dim settings.

Consider investing in a memory card reader or a camera dock: A memory card reader acts like an external hard drive attached to your PC or laptop, allowing you to download pictures directly from your camera's storage media. If you have a second memory card, you can keep shooting while the images download, rather than having to keep the camera hooked up to your PC. A dock also charges the camera's battery.

Also check out our other guide on Buy Cameras