If you have only owned a regular 35mm camera and you thought that it was about time that you hopped on the digital camera bandwagon with the rest of the world this will be your guide on how to choose your first digital camera.

Become a informed consumer before you go out and make that all important purchase. First decide what features you are looking for in a digital camera. After you have narrowed it down to at least two or three features that you consider to be the most important to your digital camera. Then you must first learn what they can do and what features would serve you best for your first digital camera.

To get you familiar with some of the questions associated with digital cameras I will list a few here.

1. What is a megapixel?

   A digital photo is composed of pixels and a megapixel is equal to one million pixels. The more mega pixels that a camera has the better the detail and sharpness of the photo.

2. What is the best digital camera to buy?

   Well,that all depends on which camera will meet your needs and what you plan to accomplish with it. Do you plan to document your life or do you plan to use it as a professional photographer? Do you think that you may use it for concerts,sporting events? These are some the questions to consider and when you can answer those you will be one step closer to choosing the right digital camera.
    

3.  What is your budget?

   By setting a budget will help keep you in the price range of digital cameras that you can easily afford,which in the long run will save you time when making that all important decision.

4.  What kind of memory card format is the best?

   If already have other devices that have Secure Digital memory card such as a camcorder,PDA or a printer this may be a deciding factor when you choose a digital camera. 

5.  Will you be taking a lot of close-ups or distance shots?

    If you answered yes will want to get a camera with a powerful optical zoom.

Once you can narrow it down to at least two or three features that you consider to be the most important to you will then be able to quickly pick which models fit your needs.

After have picked the models you should do some research online to do some side by side comparisons. Learn about specs and details of the camera you are considering so if decide to buy it from a retail store that you are not pressured into making purchase from a sales clerk before you are ready to buy.

After you have the camera models down to about two or three it would be a good idea to visit a retail store to get a hands on experience and a feel for the camera even if you decide to make your initial purchase online.

After have narrowed it down to one model it would be a good idea to shop around for the best price. Be on the look out for sales or cameras that may carry rebates. Decide if you want to purchase a optional warranty on your digital camera before you buy it.

Keep the box and receipt and all papers on the camera just case you may have to return it and be sure register it with the manufacturer in case you have to make a warranty claim.

Once you have your new camera go out and have fun with it and learn how to use it many features.