Buying a camera can be a confusing and daunting task since there are too many brands, models, and features. It is a jungle out there. So, before you go shopping, consider these.
* Your budget: Everyone wants the most out of their money. Determine your budget for that camera will eliminate many choices and narrow them down to a few manageable ones. Remember: Spending a lot more doesn't always translate to getting a lot more; there's a diminishing return, and you might not need all the latest and coolest features anyway. Right now, a very good, new, digital SLR can be purchased for less than $500, with a [wide-to-telephoto] zoom lens.
* Your usage: If you are planning to take photos of your kids playing sports, then you might want something with a long zoom lens. If you plan to take photos mostly at family gatherings, you might want something with a short zoom lens. If you only use your camera at holidays (a few times a year), then you might not care for a SLR; a point-and-shoot might work just as well.
After you have nailed those down, consider these:
* Buy new or used: If you comfortable with used, then you'll get the most bang for your bucks, but there are risks with used cameras. If you're not comfortable with used, then you should go for new; it's more expensive, but there is a warranty for a year.
* Model: If you want the latest, then it's gonna be more expensive, and the depreciation is high. If you don't care for the latest, you can buy one which is a few models back, which should work just as well, and the depreciation is manageable. For example, right now, the Canon T2i just came out. If you buy the Canon XS (which is 3 models back from the T2i and which is still being sold new), then you get the most bang for your bucks. Sure, it's "only" 10 MP, the LCD screen is "only" 2.5", and you can't record video on it, but you can't be the prices and the deals available on the XS.
* Features: The most confusing feature is the number of megapixels. The latest cameras flaunt 10-18 MP. But most people need only 2.5 MP, 99.99% of the time. (A 2.5 MP allows you to print out a 4"x6" print without interpolation.) If you're comfortable with a low megapixel model, you'll get the most bang for your bucks with low-megapixel models, maybe a few models back (from the latest). As far as video feature goes, right now, it's not worth buying one with video, mainly because you can't zoom while in video mode!!!
* Buy online or local: If you buy new, you can buy online since there's a warranty. If you buy used, you should buy locally since you can inspect the camera.
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