The question we have to answer when asked by a newbie photographer, "What camera do I buy", is almost as complex as the answer to the question of life.
There are just so many factors that have to be considered, which is why it's important to look at a few keys to buying the right camera for you.
1.
Consider what you need This question can only be asked by you as only you know what you really need.
The advice of friends is great and input from a close relative helps, but, the bottom line is really what you need and how you feel about a potential purchase.
Don't ever be swayed but what someone else likes and thinks you should like.
Be decisive about your first purchase.
You will have to live with it for a while and not your friend.
2.
Decide what specifications you want The focus here is on what you want and not just what you need.
Don't always go for the bare minimum because that is what you need.
If you can afford something a little better for just a little extra money then go for it, within reason of course.
Now that you have an idea on specifications you can start looking around.
Don't forget to take any advice into consideration at this point as well.
3.
Check out camera sites See what is available within the specifications you have decided on.
What the price range is and what features there are over and above what you've decided upon.
These will be the cameras you'll focus on and come to a final decision on.
Don't forget that they are each trying to punt their own particular brand so be careful.
Don't be swayed at this point.
4.
Visit forums and discussion groups Once you have an idea on what you like and you've narrowed down your choice to a few models, visit forums and review sites and find out what others are saying about the different cameras and models.
This will give you an idea as to what should be excluded and which you have to make a decision on.
Join a few forums and ask questions about the particular models you are interested in and find out from users.
They have already bumped their heads and made mistakes you won't have to make.
5.
Download the manuals Most cameras will have a manufacturers website that allows the download of a pdf manual for the camera that you're interested in.
Read it and take a good look at all the features and specifications.
This will give you a precise understanding of what it can and can't do.
Once you have this information you are ready to make your decision and find the best store to purchase your camera.
6.
Visit online auction sites If you are brave enough to bid on a reputable auction site then go ahead and start looking.
There are often reputable dealers who offer 'buy now' prices that are slightly higher but still good, before the auction ends.
The key here is reputable.
Sometimes you'll pick up a fantastic deal if you are willing to take the risk.
7.
Visit reputable stores You'll probably find that the best deal you'll find will be online and the problem here is that you cannot tell by how the site looks if it is reputable.
So do some research first and find out if they really are.
Look at price comparison sites such as bizrate.
com and pricescan.
com.
They will often have a star rating for their service and value for money.
8.
Avoid grey market products Grey market products are usually items that have been purchased outside the normal distribution channels of a county.
This is usually from another country that has a cheaper price due to taxes and other factors.
These products don't carry the same range of serial numbers available in your country and will often not have warranties honoured locally.
9.
Avoid extended warranties This is where many manufacturers make a lot of money and you will often be pushed to take one.
Unless of course you are fearful of a camera breakdown outside the warranty, don't be pressured into taking one.
10.
Optional extras Watch out for a bunch of extras with a camera deal.
Someone is paying for these and the most likely person is you.
A bag, extra lens, cleaning kits and host of other little things all add up and somebody has to pay for it.
Look at just the camera and add items you feel are necessary.
You might even be able to buy a slightly better model without all the extras.
Be careful of sales talk.
So there you have it.
Follow these guidelines and you will stand a better chance of buying a digital camera without any regrets.
Happy shooting!