Consumer Digital Cameras

I must be asked on a weekly basis " I am buying a digital camera what should I get? "

The 3 starting point questions before you go near a store should be

How much
How big
How complicated

The cost thing is obvious and different for all of us but keep in mind that once you know what you want and what its recommended price is that a quick google search will usually show the product at a range of competitive prices within Australia. You do not have to buy off the web if you are not comfortable with it but many stores will price match if you can show them the price else ware. I saved $200 on a RRP$760 camera just before Christmas doing exactly this, and used it while walking the Kepler Trail in NZ (pic above).

How big- the physical size of the camera is important and again is personal choice.
Keep in mind that some small cameras also mean small buttons and controls
hence difficult to use and see
- Its mega pixel size is more relevant most consumer cameras today ship with 10-to 14-mega pixel. While more pixels give you bigger images in the constraints of compact cameras it can also mean a noisy or grainy picture particularly in low light. I could do more with a good 10 mega pixel image then a bad 14 mega pixel.

Ease of use is vital if you are not a tech head with photography. If you know f-stops iso and shutter speed you do not need to read this to know what to buy so if you are still reading look for a camera that has a good auto function - is quick and simple to use and has a menu function that is easy to navigate. Most of us when taking pictures will respond to a stimulus to take that image. Make sure the camera can capture the scene before it changes.

Some personal tips 5 times optical zoom is plenty - the technology is vibration reduction not vibration elimination even at 5 times zoom you are likely to get some camera shake. At 10 times zoom you need a sunny day or a tripod. Also on a sunny day that screen on the back of the camera can be hard to see hence a camera that also has an optical viewfinder can be an advantage

Learn how to control the flash inside and outside and look for a camera that has an easy fill flash mode then call me and I will tell you how to use it.

Also check out this web site www.dpreview.com if there is a new camera on the market they will know about it. I'm reluctant to recommend brands but I would start in the Panasonic and Canon sections.