Find the best digital camera available using these resources and get the perfect mix of features, size, and price.

Today's digital camera buyers have an overwhelming array of camera choices, nearly all of which will take good pictures under normal conditions. How does a buyer find the best from among all the top digital cameras? Quite simply, there is no best camera; the best choice will depend upon a buyer's experience and photographic style. Buyers can use these suggestions to narrow the field to their best digital camera.

Digital Camera Options

Cameras range in size from tiny, pocket-sized point and shoot to large and bulky Single Lens Reflex (SLR) used by professionals. In between are mid-sized cameras which combine some features of each.

Point and shoot cameras require very few settings, therefore are good choices for the novice photographer. Digital SLRs are very sophisticated, allowing the photographer to set shutter speed, aperture opening, lighting, and focus. Mid-sized cameras usually have point and shoot as well as manual control options. Prices range from under $100 to over $1000.

If the camera will be used primarily for family snapshots, a point and shoot may be sufficient. For nature scenes, distant objects, or difficult lighting situations, a more sophisticated camera is appropriate. A mid-sized camera is a good choice for many people.

Shopping for a Digital Camera

The camera business is very competitive, with prominent manufacturers selling equivalent products and competing for the buyer's dollar. Cameras are available at a broad range of retail and online outlets.

Generally speaking, the characteristics of each outlet are:

• National department stores such as Target and KMart will tend to carry low-end cameras. Clerks will have little technical knowledge.
• Electronics giants such as Best Buy will carry a broad range of products, but staff knowledge will vary.
• Photo shops will be expensive but generally will have knowledgeable staff.
• Online offers good prices, but expect very little help.

Comparing Cameras

The careful buyer will look for multiple opinions from established and professional reviewers. A trusted local photo shop allows for hands-on comparison, normally with knowledgeable staff, and can help the buyer narrow choices.

Best Online Digital Camera Reviews

Online review sites are plentiful. The following are some good choices.

Retrevo provides an interesting visual comparison of many (currently 285) digital cameras. This site constructs a chart of benefits versus price, helping a buyer see the price-benefit trade-off between cameras. Each camera is assigned a number based on a combination of features, price, and user reviews, enabling the buyer to see a rank ordering of all cameras. Click a specific camera to find a list of expert reviews, user reviews, manufacturer information, and current prices.

Digital Camera Resource Page provides very detailed, professional, and seemingly unbiased reviews based on a consistent set of tests and test scenes. Features are analyzed from the perspective of both the novice and experienced user.

Imaging-Resource is similar to the one above. The careful buyer may want to view both expert's opinions of the same cameras to eliminate individual biases. This site provides side by side comparisons of reference images taken from two different cameras.

Forums

User forums consist of raves and rants, some well thought out, others based on questionable logic. But it's useful to get a feel for the variety of compliments and complaints on cameras under consideration.

The Best Digital Camera

The buyer who can carefully evaluate the information from the above resources, and integrate that objective data with the attraction of look and feel will find the best digital camera after all.