You've set a rough budget for your purchases, you have a pretty good idea of your comfort level with technology, and you have a clear idea of what you want to shoot. Now it's time to research specific camera manufacturers and models to determine which ones offer the features and price point you want.

FIGURE 5-1 The Internet is a wonderful resource for comparison shoppers who want to find the best deal on new equipment.

Be prepared for some sensory overload here! There are hundreds of cameras to choose from, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed with so many choices. With digital cameras, a careful comparison of features, megapixels, and shooting modes is needed. Fortunately, it is possible to find sites online that let you do a side-by-side comparison of features.

Once again, photography magazines and websites are great places to start. Check manufacturers' sites and independent sites that review equipment — you'll find many good ones in Appendix B, which lists resources. As you go through them, take notes on the different models. You might find it easier to keep track of which camera has which features by charting the information on a simple table, organized by the model and listing all the features and functions it has that you are interested in. Keeping notes on the prices and accessory options is another must.

Customize your table to reflect the features and functions you're most interested in, and leave enough room to write in all the information you find.

SAMPLE BLANK CAMERA FEATURE CHART

While you're doing your comparison shopping, you may see some camera equipment described as “gray market.” This term refers to items that are sold overseas at low prices, then purchased and resold at a higher price in other countries, usually at a lower price than the going retail rate.

This equipment often has no warranty coverage or is covered by a foreign warranty, which means you would have to send it back to the country of manufacture for any repair work. Not only does sending equipment overseas for repair mean waiting months to get it back, but there's no guarantee you'll ever see it again. The shipping rates will also be higher, and many warranties require the consumer to foot at least half the bill.

The companies offering the lowest prices are often selling gray market goods. While there's nothing particularly wrong with this, there is a definite risk involved in buying this equipment. Sticking to gear that's made for use in your home country is a far better way to go.

Now it's time to see what your dream camera looks and feels like. The best place to do this is in a good local camera store. Sales staff in the good stores go through hours of product training, and they're also trained to help shoppers identify the right camera for their needs. If you're not quite sure what you're looking for, they know the questions to ask. Many are photographers themselves, and they are often more than willing to get you started out on the right foot and pass along advice based on their own experience.

If there are no camera stores in your area, big chain office supply stores such as Office Depot, Staples, or Office Max or big box retailers such as Sam's Club, BJ's Wholesale, or Wal-Mart also carry digital cameras. These stores sometimes have a surprisingly comprehensive inventory and good prices and specials, such as cameras bundled with photo printers. Don't expect the sales staff at these stores to be able to discuss the features, advantages, or disadvantages of their products in great detail. They are not specialists and may not be able to answer even the simplest questions about the cameras they carry. It's a very good idea to jot down models you're interested in and go home to do some research before making a purchase.

Learn all you can about the cameras, particularly the basics — where the batteries go, how to open and close the lens, how to turn them on and off, and all the other basic features that impact how comfortable you will be using the equipment. Even check to see how to change the date and time if that feature is available.

FIGURE 5-2 The SLR (left) and point-and-shoot (right) can be very different not only in size and weight, but in how they feel in your hands.

Just as hands don't come in one size, neither do cameras. Spend some time just holding the ones you're considering. Cameras vary somewhat in weight and design; some will feel better to you than others. You want to find a camera that feels the most comfortable in your hands, whatever size they are. Insist, even in the big-box or office supply stores, on being able to hold the camera and take a few test shots. You need to be able to play with the camera and explore the various features, and that means having the batteries installed and the camera activated. This allows you to check on such important features as shutter lag time, zoom control, and general responsiveness. You probably wouldn't dream of buying a car without driving it, so take your prospective camera for a test spin, too.