The Discount Digital Camera...
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Many consumers start by first falling in love with a digital camera and then become pleased or disappointed with its capabilities (usually after they buy it).
I'm proposing something outlandishly radical... go through the process the opposite way. First, ask yourself some basic questions:
- What do I plan to do with the digital camera (and don't say "take pictures")? What are you most interested in - the occasional family snapshot, landscapes, macro work, heavy flash use, all of the above?
- How much use will it get? (Twice a year, or once a week?)
- What is most important to me: picture quality, camera size, camera weight, durability, telephotos/wide angle lens, etc.?
Based on your responses to these questions, a discount digital camera can be your best choice or a complete waste of money. To get into more of the details and features of what digital cameras offer, review camera features. We explain the features as well as why you might want them.
The other important point when considering a discount digital camera (or, really, any digital camera) is a term that is typically applied to purchasing cars and boats...
Total Cost of Ownership
When you purchase a digital camera (discount or otherwise), you will most likely also need to purchase photographic accessories. Here are the most likely candidates:- Digital media (to store photos)
- Extra batteries (rechargeable?)
- Camera bag
- A protective UV Filter and lens cap, to protect your lens
- Tripod
If you're leaning away from a discount digital camera, and more toward a Canon or Nikon prosumer or digital SLR, there will be more accessory items you'll want to add to your list.
Summary
A "no-name" discount digital camera can be a logical choice, based on what your photographic goals are.
But don't think a $49.95 Brand X camera is going to cost you $49.95! You also have to add in the cost for at least some of the above accessories.
If you decide not to go the discount digital camera route, and establish a budget for your Nikon prosumer, you may want to consider the cost of all the accessories in your budget.
After all, it doesn't make much sense to buy a $400 digital camera and not be able to afford the critical accessories to actually take photographs.
Finally, once you start to "get into" the fun of digital photography, check out the
really fun things
you can do with your photos.
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