What digital camera features do I need? This is question that is very important to answer before buying your new digital camera.

Compact digital cameras are for everyone. They are small, lightweight and easy to use. Weather you are buying your digital camera as your first and only camera, or as a second camera, there are some aspects to consider and some features you should look for to make the most of your new equipment.

Size and Weight

Some compact digital cameras are so small and light that you won't notice you have your camera with you! The size and weight is an important digital camera features when choosing a new camera. Select a size that you will find practical - fits in your handback or pocket or bigger size so it's easier to use the controls.

Controls

Simple compact digital cameras have a minimum of controls but, the up-market models can offer a variety of features. In the interest of keeping the number of buttons to a minimum, it can take a while to get used the way the controls work. Simple to operate doesn't always mean simple to learn - but it's no harder than a DVD player.

The lens

Zoom lens is one the digital camera features that comes with most digital cameras. A zoom lens allows you to magnify your subject (zoom in) or take a wider angle of view (zoom out), all with a single lens.

Since most lenses on compact digital cameras can't be changed later, you should choose your camera carefully. Some compact digital cameras have extraordinarily long zoom lenses which are ideal for sport and wildlife shots.

Other digital cameras favor wider angles of view which is great for landscape and interiors but maybe not the best option for sport action shots.

The longer the zoom ranges, the bigger the camera and the higher the cost.

It is definitely worth getting the right lens. The extra expense for a good zoom can be easily justified.

There is also an issue of lens quality. Some cameras have highly specified lenses which produce clearer and better defined images. I believe Canon produces the best lenses.

No wonder why 75% of professionals use their lenses.

Sensor Size (Pixels)

As mentioned in my buyer's guide, get a digital camera with as much pixel that will suits your needs. In today's market, 4 megapixels is becoming the minimum when buying a digital camera.

Shutter Delay

When you are shopping and testing for your new digital camera, check how long it takes the camera to take a photo after you pressed the shutter button.

Some compact digital cameras have a significant delay which can be frustrating if you're taking shots of a moving subject.

Most new models address this issue, claiming no lag.

It is very easy to test while you are at the camera store. The shorter the delay, the better.

Image Review

Digital camera features that are common to all digital cameras are image review. Three questions you should able to answer when selecting your camera:

• How quickly does the review image appear?
• How quickly can you scan from one image to another?
• How easy is it to delete unwanted photos?

As you will be reviewing a lot of photos with a digital camera, speed and ease of use are important.

Focusing

Sometimes people are complaining about the lens quality on compact digital cameras, but often it is the quality of the focusing system that's at fault.

The latest, more expensive compact digital cameras have extremely accurate auto focusing systems that produce excellent results.

As you move towards the budget end, the focusing systems generally become less sophisticated and precise focusing suffers as a result.

Exposure Control

All compact digital cameras have a fully automatic exposure control system and most have a selection of additional exposure for photographers who want something a more appropriate for the subject they are shooting.

The fully automatic mode is generally denoted by a green circle or camera symbol.

This mode generally favors small apertures (and slower shutter speed) to ensure the greatest subject sharpness.

Not the best solution for all situation, so one of the most popular digital camera features is the scene programs. These modes set up the camera with the most appropriate setting for a particular subject type.

Portrait, landscape, beach, snow, night time modes are very useful exposure control modes. The more preset mode, the better.

It is important to know digital camera features available when shopping for a new digital camera, it will simply help you select a better camera for your needs.

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