There are so many different makes and models of digital cameras available today. If you're new to the digital camera world, it can be incredibly confusing trying to figure out which camera will best suit your photography needs. You want to first familiarize yourself with the basics...digital camera terminology and basic camera features to begin with.

When you decide you're going to purchase a digital camera, evaluate what you're going to use the camera for. What kind of photography will you be doing? What features do you need or want in your camera for your type of photography? Look for a camera that has the features you want, but don't invest in more camera than you need. Set a price range and try to stay as close to that range as possible. You'll want to add a quality camera bag to protect your investment.

Learn as much as you can about the different cameras that are available in the price range that you've set for yourself. You can get a wealth of information on the Internet, which is also where you can learn digital terminology. Take the time to research which cameras have what features. Compare costs. Is your best buy going to be in a local store or on the Internet? And if it's going to be a gift, make sure the recipient is going to be able to afford to use the camera.

Once you've narrowed your list of camera choices, go into one of your local stores and handle them. See which ones "feel" the best. Talk to friends and family who already have digital cameras. Get the opinion of people who are already using the camera that appeals to you. Ask to see some of the pictures they've taken with their camera. Ask if they regret not having gotten a feature or accessory when they purchased their first digital camera. Read the reviews on the cameras you like.

The digital zoom enlarges the pixels in the shot which makes the picture look bigger, but noisier. A better choice is the optical zoom. The optical zoom lens is a little weightier, but it will produce a better quality image.

Before making your final decision, think ahead to accessories. Memory cards, batteries, lenses, camera case are necessary items and will be an added expense to the cost of your camera. Refer back to your budget. Have you stayed within the price range you set, or do you need to make some adjustments? Perhaps you could live without a feature or two on the camera you've selected, if the total camera package has gone too high over your original plan. Just make sure the camera, accessories and camera case you choose start you on a the photography road you had in mind when you started the journey.