Digital camera features: Which ones do I really need?

Before you start assessing or reviewing digital cameras, you should make a list of all the features that you really need. For the next step, you should prioritize them putting the ones you want most at the top of your list. Then you could go to the electronics shop in your neighborhood and put forth your requirements to the salesperson there and try out a few models.

Here are some points to consider before you buy a digital camera:

1. Close-up pictures: Do you need to take close-up pictures that require minute details like small objects or jewelry to sell on ebay or your e-store? Although most cameras allow you to take close ups, if you are going to do it pretty often, you need to opt for a camera which gives you this feature in an easy to use style.

2. Optical zoom: Do you require a camera that allows you to click a picture from a distance? If so, then you must take a look at digital cameras that come with a higher optical zoom of over 3x rather than the regular digital zoom. Then again, you must know that most cameras which have a greater zoom feature end up getting bulkier and bigger.

3. Flash: Lighting is one of the most important features you should look for in a camera as you are going to get bad shots it you have bad lighting. And a regular digital camera is not going to give you good light. The majority of flashes built into the camera can sufficiently light up your subject just about 10 feet from your camera. And this light might not always be the right type or the best. So what you would need is some supplementary lighting. If you decide that you might want to opt for an external flash for your camera, make sure that it has a mount normally located at the top of the camera, where an external flash would fit.

4. Lens: Do you often need to take pictures of huge interiors or exteriors like constructions sites, houses or buildings? Then you might rather invest in a camera with a wide-angle lens which does not come with a regular one; it will cost you some more money but it will be worth it if you need the feature.

5. Size: Is a smaller digital camera better? Although owning a camera that fits in your pocket is like a dream come true, if you have rather large fingers and not the best of motor skills, operating a small camera can be quite exasperating. Also, a smaller and lighter digital camera will normally not provide you with a high optical zoom or a large LCD because these features utilize a lot of space. Some vendors even compromise on battery power so as to get a smaller size.

6. LCD size: The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen is the best thing in a digital camera as it allows the user to look at the picture after clicking it and decide whether he wants to retain it or get rid of it. If you are looking to get in a lot of detail, you require a good LCD which allows you to enlarge or zoom in on the picture that you are taking so that you can see whether you care capturing the detail. A small LCD with low resolution will not give you that detail you might be looking for. On the other hand, a larger LCD of about 2 inches will mean a bigger camera and thus draining the battery sooner.

7. Price: Is your purchase restricted by price? Today you can buy a branded camera of one of the good names like Sony, Nikon, Kodak, Olympus, Canon, Minolta and others with a megapixel range from 3 to 5 at a price between $300 and $500. These cameras satisfy the major chunk of digital camera buyers as they tend to give you the best in features as well as handling.