Digital camera technology is constantly developing, and the newest compact digital cameras are both cheaper and more feature-packed than they were even a year ago. With so many brands and feature packages to choose from it can be difficult deciding on the best camera for you, but here are some points to consider before you buy.
Quality: The best compact cameras tend to offer extremely high resolution, but be aware that superb quality comes at a price. If you’re simply looking for a point and shoot that will take good family snapshots and produces good quality A4-size printed photographs then a super high-resolution model may be unnecessary. Look for 5MP or 6MP sensors as a minimum quality guide.
Lifestyle: It’s important to consider your lifestyle when choosing the best compact camera for you. Will the camera be used for photographing barbecues and holidays, or do you intend to use it for sports and outdoor photography? If the latter, then opt for an all-weather, shockproof body that is water resistant and will be able to survive the odd bump.
Features: Are you the kind of photographer who simply likes to press a button and take a photo, or do you prefer to spend more time composing the perfect picture? Do you prefer simplicity, or are features such as Bluetooth important to you? These are all points to consider when buying a camera, but as a minimum go for a point and shoot with an optical zoom lens and a screen that’s at least 2.5 inches for reviewing and composing pictures.
Try before you buy: If you’re unsure about what camera is best for you, then you can learn more by perusing photography magazines and reading reviews online. However, there’s no substitute for one-to-one advice, and if you head to a store such as Currys then experienced staff will be able to offer advice on how to find the best compact camera for your needs. You should also compare camera brands and models using a site such as Which? to understand the benefits offered by the latest models.
