Size and Weight.
The feel of the camera in your hands is important. How easy is it to change camera settings? Can it be carried conveniently in your pocket or handbag?
PictBridge compatibility.
PictBridge technology will allow you to print directly from your camera without using a PC or image-editing software
Picture Quality.
Factors include optical quality of the lens and image-capture chip, compression algorithms, and the resolution of the CCD (charge coupled device). The higher the resolution, the greater the detail that can be captured.
Image Compression.
The translation of data (video, audio, digital) to reduce the amount of data required to accurately represent the content. Most digital cameras compress and save the images in the industry-standard JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group.) Many cameras have different settings, so the user can choose between resolution quality and image capacity.
Color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Panel.
A view screen allows the user to review pictures, and to adjust the full range of camera settings. The LCD panel is invaluable for previewing and arranging photos without connecting to a PC.
Zoom Capability.
Motorized zoom lenses offer a focal length range equivalent to anything from a moderate wide angle to a moderate telephoto lens on a 35mm film camera. In addition to optical zoom, some digital cameras also provide a digital zoom feature, but this reduces the resolution and quality of the image. Although it reduces battery life, many people consider optical zoom to be a must-have feature.
Macro Function.
This is for close-up work, and allows photos to be taken at a distance as close as 3cm. An optional macro lens is available for many cameras.
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Cost.
Digital cameras currently cost anywhere from $200 to $1,200 with corresponding variation in image quality and features.
Image Exposure Options.
Functions like burst mode (take many pictures with a single press of the shutter), time-lapse, manual exposure, and flash sync.
Panoramic Mode.
Options include a letterbox aspect that simply trims off the top and the bottom edges of a standard image, and pseudo-panoramic which captures a series of images and combines them into a panoramic landscape.
Self-Timer.
Provides a 10-second delay between the time the shutter is activated and when the picture is taken.
Automatic Flash.
The best cameras provide different modes such as auto lowlight and backlight flash, fill flash, force-off (for indoor), mood photography, and red-eye reduction.
Watermark Ability.
Mark your picture with date, time, text, or sound (with built-in microphone).
Memory Cards.
Digital cameras do not use traditional film. Instead, they use removable storage. The two types that are commonly used are CompactFlash and SmartMedia. Memory cards in these two formats are widely available in a variety of capacities. You may want to buy a larger capacity card to supplement the small card that comes with your camera. Lexmark's new range of photo printers can print pictures directly from these cards without a computer.
Batteries.
Colour displays and zoom motors can quickly drain batteries on a digital camera. For best results, use metal hydride rechargeable batteries.
Resolution (i.e. megapixels)
The more Megapixels there are, the higher the resolution will be, resulting in a higher quality photograph.
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