Buying a Digital Camera

Understanding the following will make the job of buying the best digital camera for your needs much simpler.

Potential photographers are often confused about all the technical jargon a slick salesman might throw at them. This short expose will be like a shield of armor to protect yourself from unscrupulous exploitation.

Firstly you need to understand, that there is nothing mystical or secretive about digital cameras. Sure, they are highly evolved technology, but so is your car. Yet you are quite happy to get into your car and drive away, without understanding the intricacies of an internal combustion engine with its associated electronic control  systems.

Putting it like that, the car sounds rather intimidating as well.

So here is the first secret: You don't need to understand everything about a digital camera. There are a few important things to be aware of, but that's it.

 When you go to buy a car, quite often you are swayed in your final decision by the looks of the car. Does its "beauty" appeal to you. They call it ergonomics in marketing terms, just to confuse everyone.
 
 There is the second secret: Does the camera actually feel comfortable when you are using it. Notice I said using it, and not holding it. Some models have controls that are important to you in very obscure positions. This might affect your ease of using them effectively. So, whenever possible, try and hold the camera and experience what it would feel like using it.
 
Back to the car story. You look at the acceleration, top speed, size and fuel economy. Then you try and optimize the best balance in your budget range. Often you have to compromise luxury for utility, ride comfort for load space, top speed for family versatility.

Buying a digital camera is a similar thing.

First decide what you actually want it for. Hey some people buy the most professional equipment at incredible cost - just to impress their friends that they own it. They have no clue as to the actual capabilities of the digital camera, but then that is not their aim. I know this sounds extreme, but it merely serves to highlight the fact that you do need to know what you want to do.

Make a list of must have features, quality requirements (of the image) versatility requests etc. Then go and ask the salesman specifically whether he has a model that does that. If the salesperson knows what they are doing, they will be able to point you to a range of models that fit your specific need.

Approaching the Digital Camera buying decision this way, can save yourself a lot of heartache, not to mention money.

Happy (digital) clicking.