What do you look for when you are buying a camera?

Question

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Answer 1

The first thing I do is research the web. Then I look at what gets consistantly high marks by both pro reviwes, and the people who own them. I pay no attention whatsoever to manufacturer hype.

In "point and shoots" I look for no more than 5 to 7 megapixels. Why? Because the sensors that captures the images on point and shoots are small compared to the SLR's. Higher megapixels on point and shoots WILL NOT give you better pictures. More megapixels only gives you the ability to print gigantic pictures, which most of us don't do.

Also, higher megapixels on point and shoots can actually degrade picture quality. Why? Too many megapixels being crammed onto to small a sensor actually  creates noise (grainy pictures). Sure, there are noise reductions on some of them but, it still doesn't help much. What did you achieve? You spent more money than you had to for so so pictures.

You  do not "need" real high megapixels on point and shoot cameras, just to take nice pictures. Do not believe anyone who tells you differently. You are wasting you money, and they don't know what they are talking about.

Other features I look for: Image stabilization. This is an enormous help in keeping pictures clear & sharp when you zoom out, and for taking pictures at night.

The ability to switch the camera to "auto high" for really neat night time pictures. I want a camera that has ISO settings of 100, 200, 400 & 800. I'm not to thrilled with 1600 iso point and shoot ablities yet. I also want some zoom power. Not a lot, but just enough. Too long a zoom can work against you too.

I want a menu selection that is simple to understand and easily accessed. The same goes for the function set. I want a camera that does not suffer from unreasonable shutter lag. (that loooong wait between flash pictures) But this wish is hard to make come true on point & shoots. Some are good, but some seem to take forever to be ready for that next picture.

I also look for a camera that has "scene" modes. This helps me take better pictures under more challenging lighting siuations. The "auto" mode is nice, but not perfect. There are lighting situations that require your camera to perform better. The "scene" mode helps me with those types of situations. It too is not a perfect solution but, it's better than not getting the picture you wanted.

This "answer" is a bit long winded but, my intention was to sincerely help you. Hope this helps out.

Jim

Answer 2

megapixels

shutter speeds

different modes

of course trying the cameras out to test quality

how far the lens goes, without blurring the picture.

stuff like that.