Post #246997 by Chip and Andy on Sat, Aug 5, 2006 9:03 AM

Working in a print shop and dealing with many different people with many different cameras, I can offer the following advice:

Get the best camera you are willing to pay for. Or, more specifically, set your budget then select a camera.

Which brand of camera, or SLR -vs- PointAndShoot, or anything else is going to be a matter of research on your part. I have seen some of the most amazing shots come out of little disposable cameras and some of the worst shots come out of $8,000 professional cameras. I can recommend the following options as comparison points:

The Zoom level. If most of your photography is going to be indoors, or close up subjects then you don't need to get a very high zoom level. If you are taking outdoor shots, or your typical shot is of a long distance you want the highest Optical Zoom you can find. Conversely, you are going to want a Macro or SuperMacro mode if you are going to be shooting extreme closeups.

Image Speed. This is the hardest feature to find on any camera. My little Cannon camera takes amazing shots, but the time between shots for the flash to recharge is about four seconds, more if the batteries are weak. That may not sound like much, but when trying to get pictures of a lovely hula maiden in action, it is an eternity!

Battery Life and or Battery Style. Custom batteries in a camera usually last a bit longer as they are designed specifically for the camera. But, there is a huge advantage to being able to plop in a standard AA battery when you have exhausted all of your other fully charged ones. No matter what kind of battery the camera uses, make sure it is removable and get two, three if you can afford it. The only thing worse than having a full memory card is having a dead battery.

Beyond that you are on your own. I do suggest going to your local Big-Box retailer and physically playing with the cameras. You can at least get a feel for the camera before you buy it.