With the freedom of expression and the plethora of alternatives it offers, photography is one of the most popular and widespread of all art forms. Whether it’s a dear memory you wish to preserve or an intricate work of art you find your expression in, photography has many takers, each of whom assimilate the art in their own unmistakable style. From bulky cameras trailing yards of film to state of the art pieces which capture images even faster than you blink, cameras have come a long way since their inception. Digital cameras, the latest to join the bandwagon, have opened up new vistas in the flexibility they offer as well as the crystal clear images which they produce, thus making them a hands-down favorite with casual and commercial photographers the world over. But when it comes to selecting your own digital camera, how do you know which one’s the best for you?

The multitude of models and makes that swarm the marketplace definitely don’t make your choice any easier so how do you decide which camera is the best for you? To start with, you first need to understand that every make of digital cameras is developed to cater to a certain set of needs. Hence, in order to determine which camera you need to buy, you first need to establish the purpose you’re going to use it for. A high speed camera which is developed in keeping with the interests of sports photographers will certainly not be a viable option for you, if all you’re going to use it for is the odd vacation photograph. Also, if you’re looking for more minute detailing in your photographs as well as a higher resolution, then the sleeker options that you find may not completely cater to your needs. This is because a majority of these models have been developed to ensure portability, and many include little more than the basic features.

You then need to move on the understanding the finer nuances of the technology that goes into a digital camera. It may serve you well to know that the LCD which is the screen attached to most cameras, is a great addition to the viewfinder, but is by no means a replacement. This is because, when you use a camera which has a traditional viewfinder, you hold it to your face, which also gives you more stability. However, if you do choose to go for only the LCD as a substitute for the viewfinder, you will have to hold the camera at an arm’s length when you capture the image, which will result in lesser clarity and distorted images.

You must also learn to distinguish between an optical zoom and a digital zoom. An optical zoom functions like traditional cameras, magnifying the image you are shooting. A digital zoom enlarges the final image by doubling the size of the pixels, which may also lead to fuzzier images. Digital images are comprised of mega pixels which in turn determine the quality of the image. The higher the number of mega pixels, the clearer the image. You may also want to check if your camera comes along with a stand which is invaluable in ensuring a steady and clear picture.

Once you gather this basic information, you can then start looking around for models which catch your eye. Start making a shortlist, comparing and contrasting the different makes and strike those off that do not meet your budget or requirements or both! At this stage, you can also start referring to photography journals and magazines for expert reviews and advice, which will also enable you to learn about first hand experiences with some of the relatively unknown models, you may come across.

If you are too used to the conventional manner of photography, clunky camera, film et al, but would still like the clarity and precision that digital photography has to offer, you can also scan your photographs into the digital format after which they can be worked on with editing software. You can also hire online photo services to take over this task for you and even have them rework your photographs to eliminate blemishes like red eye and partial overexposure.

Digital photography offers you plenty of alternatives to hone your skills, be it through the tons of practice you can avail of at virtually no cost, and also the chance to re-master your images with innovative editing tools. You can also directly upload your photographs onto your computer and email them to family, or print them out on one-of-a-kind personalized t shirts. The opportunities are endless, and a lot of fun to try!