NFIB

How to Buy a Digital Camera
08/ 01/ 2004

But with so many options how do you know which one fits your needs? Decide how you’ll use it and name your price:

On a Budget
"I just want a camera that will take good pictures without costing a fortune."

1. Nikon Coolpix 2500
Users love its stylish design, and its ultrathin, lightweight body makes it easy to use on the go. But for this price, you don’t get an optical viewfinder. (2 megapixels)
Cost: $200
Buying Info: www.nikoncoolpix.com

2. Canon PowerShot A310
Perfect for first-time digital camera users; users rave that you get a lot for a little money. (3.2 megapixels)
Cost: $200
Buying Info: www.usa.canon.com


Middle of the Road
"I am comfortable with digital cameras."

Fuji FinePix A310
Good for the shooter who takes lots of outdoor pictures, this camera with an all-plastic body is almost flat when the lens is retracted, making it easy to slip in and out of pockets. Some are disappointed by shots taken in incandescent light, which is found in most homes. (3.1 megapixels)
Cost: $300
Buying Info: www.fujifilm.com

Canon PowerShot SD110
One of the newest members of Canon’s popular ELPH models comes with special, built-in features to make it easier to print photos directly from the camera. The movie-mode also captures sound. (3.2 megapixels)
Cost: $300
Buying Info: www.usa.canon.com

Olympus Stylus 300
If you spend a lot of time in the elements, this camera’s “all-weather” body design protects it from water splashes and rain better than most. Though packed with features, it’s also the perfect point-and-click camera. (3.2 megapixels)
Cost: $500
Buying Info: www.olympusamerica.com

Canon PowerShot S500
The 5-megapixel ELPH is applauded for capturing rich color and excellent clarity. The LCD display shows 100 percent of the scene, and unlike lots of other LCDs, it’s easy to use outdoors. (5 megapixels)
Cost: $500
Buying Info:www.usa.canon.com


Money is no Object
"I only want the best."

Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom
Designed for advanced amateurs, this camera can produce quality images as large as 16 x 20 inches. The super-wide angle lens and a tilting LCD monitor offers more angles for shots. (5.1 megapixels)
Cost: $800
Buying Info: www.olympusamerica.com

Nikon Coolpix 5400
A camera for serious shooters, this 5.1 megapixels model weighs in at more than 13 ounces, much heavier than standard point-and-clicks, but packed with a lot more features. Plan on buying a new memory card immediately because of its large-image capability. Users say the rotating LCD monitor makes it easy to shoot at odd angles. (5.1 megapixels)
Cost: $800
Buying Info: www.nikoncoolpix.com

Canon EOS 10D
Ready to run with the big dogs? This SLR (single lens reflex) digital camera is a good choice. If you need photos that are at least 6 megapixels, this camera noted for its high color quality delivers. With almost 50 adaptable lenses on the market, you can easily expand its capabilities. (6 megapixels)
Cost: $1,500
Buying Info: www.usa.canon.com


* All prices based on MSRP.


Pixel Envy

How many do you need?
The more pixels your camera captures, the sharper and clearer the photo will be. But you don’t have to buy a battleship if you really just need a tugboat. Here’s how to determine the best size for you:

2 or more megapixels
You take photos to e-mail, post online or print at no greater than 8 x 10 inches.

3 or more megapixels
You take photos for publicity or print ads. You want the look of a professional photographer without hiring one.

5 or more megapixels
You shoot video for the Web and you need to print photos that are 8 x 10 inches or larger.

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