best digital camera

The Best Digital Camera Guide

“What is the best digital camera?” is a question asked by many newcomers to digital photography.

With the huge selection of dslr cameras and other compact digital cameras around, not to mention new digital cameras coming onto the market all the time, it's not surprising many people get confused. One look at the variety of cameras on the Top 100 Digital Camera Best-Sellers List and you can see why, what with all the variety and technical jargon, people have a hard time deciding what camera is right for them.

No matter you are looking to buy your first digital camera, or wishing to upgrade from a compact digital camera to your first dslr, or even go from a consumer level dslr to a high-end professional digital slr, the question actually isn't 'what is the best digital camera', the question actually should be:

'what do I need it for, and what functions do I require?'.

Special Requirements or Common Usage?

Different people have different requirements, and if all you're looking for is a digital camera that can take some nice pictures of your family and friends and some special events, then all you probably need is a good compact digital camera, with some added features that also has some zoom functionality.

you certainly don't need a top of the range dslr (or even a mid-range one, for that matter) with 1/6000 shutter speed capability!

If, on the other hand, you are looking to be more creative in your digital photography and/or looking to invest a modest amount of money into a fulfilling hobby or pass-time, with maybe the possibility of one day making some money from it, then the new digital cameras that will be best for you will almost certainly be dslr cameras, for there versatility and creative control.

The above pictured d7000 is an example of a mid-range dslr that is a great up-grade from an entry level dslr, or even as a starting dslr for the more ambitious of digital photographers.

Therefore...

...Ask not what is the best digital camera, but ask what is the best digital camera for me

What Everyone Should Ask Themselves Before Buying the Best Digital Camera

Unless you are willing to spend around $7-8,000 dollars it's somewhat pointless to ask 'what is the best digital camera'; however the following questions should help you narrow down what kind of camera you are looking for, which is a more important question:

Do you want a camera that allows you to shoot easily and conveniently in most conditions with the touch of a button?

Do want a camera that has a zoom function so you can take pictures of objects that are are a fair, but not great distance away, but don't want to be bothered carrying lenses and lens kits around with you?

Will you be carrying this camera around often and/or to events such as weddings, birthday parties and so on?

Yes to one or all of the above and I would strongly suggest all you need is a compact digital camera.

Best Digital Camera Guide- Entry Level DSLR: The Nikon D3100 Review

No, to all, or some of the above questions and you should ask yourself the following questions:

Do you want/need to shoot in low level light?

Do you need a camera that can shoot fast moving objects?

Do you wish to develop your digital photography as an art form, or perhaps a career in the future?

Do you want to be able to shoot small objects very close, objects far away or take really impressive portrait shots, or all of the aforementioned?

Do you want this camera to at least have around a five-year validity for usage? i.e. it won't be out-of-date in that time period, and will still have a wide range of accessories available for use.

Yes to any, or all of the above, and you're more than ready to invest in a decent entry level dslr camera.

Are 'Just Released' New Digital Cameras the Best Choice?

In short, no, not necessarily. Unless you really have some specific requirements, such as needing to shoot in extreme weather conditions, or take shots of an F-16 fighter plane flying at full speed an inch away from your nose, you really don't need the newest digital cameras.

Functions are added to new digital cameras all the time to make them more attractive to consumers, from faster shutter speeds, to more sensitive CCD'S (the image sensor in a camera); but no matter what, the principles of photography always stay the same.

Most entry level dslr's have a wide enough range of functions for the average person.

These include, but are not restricted to, flexibility in being able to use:

inter-changable lenses

red-eye reduction

automatic settings for prioritizing (important for learning how to use the camera creatively)

settings for taking portraits

high-speed shots

experimenting with depth of field (aperture override).

Not to mention being able to make it fully manual, in order to enhance maximum creative control for the photographer. In fact, twenty years ago there was only manual.

Things are so much easier these days, it's a great time to take advantage of this technology. To find the best digital camera for yourself check out some of the links below:

The newly released Nikon D3200 internet integrated DSLR review

The Sony Cyber-Shot W530 Compact Digital Camera Review, the most competitive digital compact?

What is Digital Photography, and how a digital camera really works

See Digital Photography Tips Tutorials Home Page Here