Digital Cameras Buying Guide

Don't be mystified by jargon or fooled by hype. Our comprehensive Buying Guides help you choose the right products.

What you need to know, from the kind of user you are to current technologies:

WHAT ELSE CAN MY DIGITAL CAMERA DO?

Most digital cameras can do more than just take pictures. Here are some of the extra features you might find in the model you have your eye on.

Video clip recording

To capture a video clip, select the video mode and press the shutter release button

Many digital cameras can capture video clips. While none of them will produce the quality of a dedicated video camera, some are substantially better than others. The best video-clip quality currently available from a digital still camera is 30fps VGA (640 x 480-pixel) resolution with sound. Some cameras allow you to record a continuous clip up to the capacity of your memory card, while others shoot only 30 seconds or so at a time. And not all cameras that shoot video capture sound, so pay attention to the specs if you want your clips to be talkies.

Voice recording

To record an audio clip with most cameras that offer this feature, you simply press the button with the microphone icon

Some cameras let you record brief voice annotations to accompany photos. A few double as voice recorders, allowing you to record hours of audio if your memory card is large enough. Look for a camera with a built-in speaker in addition to the microphone if you want to be able to play voice recordings back on the camera.

Video conferencing

Some cameras work as Webcams and come with USB cradles

Some cameras may be used as Webcams and come with the requisite video-conferencing software. If you'd like to use this feature, look for a camera with a built-in microphone so that you don't have to attach a separate one to your computer to video conference with sound. Some cameras come with a USB cradle or offer one as an optional accessory -- obviously, a more convenient option than propping your camera up with a book.

Music playback

A few cameras double as MP3 players and come with earphones

A few cameras can play MP3 and other audio files and come with earphones. These models are generally aimed at gadget lovers more than shutterbugs or audiophiles, so don't expect top-notch photo quality or extensive audio controls from them.

In-camera editing

Most digital cameras let you make a few basic changes to your images in-camera

Many cameras allow you to resize, copy or make other changes to your images before you download them to a computer. Some even let you edit video clips in-camera on a small timeline.

Special image modes

You'll need your 3D glasses for this one

Some cameras have special shooting modes to capture stop-motion animation, 3D pictures and other special types of images.

World time/alarm clock

Traveling to Tokyo with a Pentax digicam? You can leave your alarm clock at home

Some cameras borrow from the world of mobile phones and PDAs to provide features such as alarm clocks and displays of the time in world capitals. We don't recommend choosing a camera just to get these extras, but they can come in handy if the model you buy happens to have them.

Final thoughts

The purchase of a digital camera is not a simple process. You have many factors to consider, including all the features we've discussed. While we hope this guide gets you started on your purchase, you should not invest without reading our reviews. We've evaluated many digital cameras; don't miss our recommendations on specific models.