BruceBufford.com

Find something you like to hold and within your price range.

That’s it. You’re done, congrats on your new camera.

If this is your absolute FIRST time into the digital camera world, you are probably a casual photographer. As a first timer, more than likely you have no idea what advanced features are available — and chances are, you probably won’t use them! Camera salesmen are like car salesmen — they’ll create a need for something, then try to upsell you.

Don’t worry about megapixels or resolution or anything like that. It won’t matter. Why? Nearly every single digital camera in stores today can take images that are the equivalent to an 8×10 or bigger. That is more than enough for the advanced hobbyist, let alone the casual consumer.

Seriously, buying a camera that has the kitchen sink of features… it interferes with TAKING GOOD PICTURES. You’ll be too worried about something silly than about composing a good shot.

Touch it! Hold it! You won’t use the camera if you don’t like how it FEELS.
When you hold it, ask yourself — Do I like how this feels? Is it too big? Too small? Buttons OK to press? Demo it in the store — take a few shots. Where can you try out cameras? Walmart, Target, BestBuy are all good places to start. Their prices aren’t always the best — once you know what model you want, go online to www.dell.com, www.newegg.com, and www.bhphoto.com to compare.

Advice that is given to amateurs and professionals alike…
Once you buy a camera, read the manual cover to cover. Then read the manual again. Take notes. Then take pictures. Lots of pictures. LOTS. Find out what you like, and what you don’t like. Ask questions. Do research. Once you understand the basics, you’ll better know what you want and don’t want in your next camera!

So, what do you need?

• Camera – if you’re REALLY worried about quality, don’t. Entry-level consumer point & shoot digital cameras are all made about the same. Canon is usually the most popular brand — but find something that feels good. And don’t let anyone else put your choice down if you LIKE it. They’re just arrogant with an ego the size of a Goodyear blimp!
• Camera Case (to protect it while traveling, in storage, etc) — this is a personal choice. Find one that YOU LIKE.
• Memory card — 2gb is fine. Newegg.com sells Kingston brand for rather cheap. Most cameras come with 32mb cards — these can’t even take 5 pictures since they’re so small! Make sure you get the right kind of memory card — there are several types available! There is virtually no difference between them — one kind is generally not better than another! They’re just made to work with different cameras, that’s all.
• Software – avoid most software that comes with the camera. Usually, it’s junk. Almost every single camera available can be connected to a Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OSX machine without the use of additional software to copy your photos to your computer. However, you will need software to EDIT your images. Go to http://picasa.google.com and download Picasa — Google’s image editor and photo viewer. It’s really top notch, easy to use, and did I mention…it’s FREE!!!