Digital camera technology moves forward so quickly these days that it often alienates its potential customers. After spending sizable amount of time at the mall and online research you finally figured out which is the best digital camera for you. Once the search is over it is time to gather up your savings for the camera of your dreams; that brand new 10 mega-pixel, 10 times optical zoom camera with a two and a half inch screen. Can you imagine your surprise when you find that the camera you have researched so diligently and have set your heart on has been usurped from its position of best model with a newer more expensive version.

We sigh because the manufacturer of this amazing gadget claims that this is the best digital camera yet out in the market. We should have known but because we must have the best digital camera then we will just have to swallow the extra cost. Before you rush off and buy your digital camera, there are a few tips I can pass on about buying one. One of the most important features of an ordinary model to make it into the best category is its mega pixel property.

Although it is not always the case, a good rule of thumb is the more pixels you have the better the image will be when it is printed. Color depth and the ability to enlarge the image sometimes up to and beyond poster size are the two main reasons for higher megapixel cameras. Good quality models are now using large LCD screens around the 2.5 inches area which is great for viewing them afterwards and for framing the shots perfectly. Making adjustments to the photo you have just taken is just one of the many functions now incorporated into good digital cameras helped by having a big LCD screen.

A quick tip on this subject involves the batteries which have a tendency to run out quicker if a large LCD screen is fitted and is used constantly; some sound advice is carry spares! More and more digital cameras are coming equipped with an optical zoom and this is the sort to try for even if it is only a three times power. However, the lower price range cameras rarely come with an optical zoom and where fitted, optical zooms range between 3x to 12x power. Images on these cameras are stored on small storage cards that can have a huge memory capacity but be sure to buy the right type.

There are different types of memory card: like the xD, SD, Compact Flash, Memory Stick being the main ones. As the large megapixel cameras use a large amount of memory then purchase the largest capacity card your camera can use within your budget. Whereas a few years ago a large storage card would be somewhere in the region of 128mb to 256mb, it is not uncommon to use cards with 4 gigabytes or more of storage now. After all is said and done, the best digital camera you choose should match your lifestyle as much as it should your pocket. If you enjoy taking shots with your new toy and use it regularly then that is all you can ask from a camera isn’t it?