Choosing a digital camera can be exciting because you get to explore and play with the latest gadgets loaded with cool features. You have to decide whether you can handle a totally cool, techno-loaded camera or would be better off with an easy-to-use one, or something in-between.

What’s your budget? You will need to at least have a range of money that you would like to spend; digital cameras can range from $100 to $5000. Having a limit in mind will help to narrow down the choices that you have.

What will you be taking pictures of? Will you take pictures of your kids playing in the park? Will you be travelling often & therefore be taking pictures of various landscapes? Look for cameras that will best suit your needs, for example if you go to a lot of sporting events, chose a camera that can shoot at high speeds.

What is your experience level? If you are just starting out, then look for cameras that are easy to learn & use. Go to the stores & actually have a look at the cameras. Ask the associates to turn them on for you & to show you how they work. If you are more experienced, then you are going to want a camera that allows you to have a little more control.

What size prints do you want? For simply sharing vacation photos with the family in an album that holds 4x6 photos, 2 mega pixels will be sufficient. If you plan to make larger prints & make them more frequently, then you will need more mega pixels

How do you plan to store your images once you have taken them? If you have no CD burner or a computer with little memory capacity, then I don’t recommend that you go & buy that hot little 7 mega pixel number. The images will just be too large to store. If you have space on your hard disc or you can put your images onto a CD, then by all means, go for it.

Now that you have some information, chose two to three of the above features that seem most important to you. This will help you to quickly narrow down the cameras that best fit your needs.

Once you have narrowed down the field of choice, do some research on line, (which you are obviously doing now). Many sites offer side by side comparisons of the different models as well as suggestions. You will also be able to identify any questions that you might have before you go on that shopping spree.

Before making the final purchase, decide if you would like to buy the optional extended warranty that the store has to offer. Take a look at the vendor’s site beforehand; their warranty may be all that you need.

Now off you go, it’s time to put your new knowledge to use. Don’t forget to keep your receipt; you will need it for a valid warranty!