Digital Photography

What kind of digital camera should I buy?

Some common categories used to describe digital cameras include: Some common categories used to describe digital cameras include:
  • Point and Shoot (least expensive, least control)
  • Better Quality (mid-range price, higher resolution, more control)
  • High Quality Non-professional (higher price, multi-megapixel, lots of control and options)
  • Professional (very high price, very high resolution, complete control, and multiple high quality lenses).

Additional perspectives and detailed descriptions to help you determine the most appropriate camera type for your needs may be found in the resources listed below.

Digital vs. Film: When is Digital the most appropriate choice?

Do you really want a digital camera? Will it meet your needs as well as a film-based camera? Some of the comparisons and discussions below may help you decide.

What do I need to know to get good pictures with a digital camera?

Digital cameras differ from film-based ones in several ways. To make good photographs you need to learn the new features, and adapt your methods for certain situations. The links below provide helpful suggestions for capturing the images you want.


- Digital Cameras -
Under $200
  • 4.0+ megapixels (prints to 12x15)
  • Macro (close up, 6" or less)
  • 3x or greater Optical Zoom
    Canon A520 4MP 4x zoom
    Sony DSCS90 4.1MP 3x zoom
    Nikon 4600 4MP 3x zoom
    Kodak Z700 4MP 5x zoom
  • Under $400
  • 5.0+ megapixels (prints to 13x17)
  • Image Stabilized
  • Record 30 frames/sec. w/ stereo
    Canon S2 5MP 12x zoom
    Canon SD550 7.1MP 3x zoom
    Sony DSCH1 5.1MP 12x zoom
    Kodak Z7590 5MP 10x zoom
  • Under $500
  • 7.0+ megapixels
  • prints 16x22 - poster-size
  • fast start-up time
    Sony DSCV3 7.2MP 4x zoom
    Canon PowerShot Pro 1 8MP 7x zoom
    Fujifilm S9000 9MP 10.7x wide zoom
    Nikon 8700 8MP 8x zoom