Digital cameras have come on in leaps and bounds over the course of the last few years, and the average user will be hard pushed to see the difference between digital cameras and their film counterparts. That said, the majority of professional photographers still prefer SLR cameras, though the quality gap between high-end models is narrowing rapidly. For the more casual user, digital cameras offer excellent value for money and you can now pick up a very reasonable model for around $250.

When buying a digital camera, you need to consider what you will be using it for. If you intend to use it once or twice a year on holiday or family days out, then you will be served perfectly well by a budget model. However, if you plan on using it regularly for web or print work, then you should be looking to spend more in the region of $350 plus.

When choosing a camera, the major points to look for are resolution and optical zoom. Even models at the lower end of the scale offer 6-megapixel resolutions and 3x optical zoom, ensuring superb image quality that will exceed the majority of budget 35mm cameras. Most cameras also have a digital zoom on top of the optical zoom, though this can introduce noise and produce grainy images, hence this option is generally best avoided if possible.

It is also a good idea to try the camera out before purchasing. How does it feel? Is the menu easy to navigate? Is the build quality good? If your camera will be used regularly, avoid anything that feels flimsy and preferably opt for a model with a metal case.

The memory supplied with the camera may also have a bearing on your choice, and whilst most models come with at least 16MB, you will probably need an additional memory card if you intend to take more than around 20 reasonable quality photographs. The cost of memory cards is as low as it has ever been, though you should be aware of this additional expense and factor it in when budgeting.

Other features to look for are preset options, such as portrait and nighttime modes. These set up your camera for certain environments, and will help you get the best possible photographs. All cameras have some additional settings for contrast, brightness and colour balance, though preset settings will inevitably be far more convenient. You will also want to consider battery type and life. Most cameras take standard AA batteries, though these drain fairly quickly. Lithium batteries are preferred and last far longer, though these can be expensive.

The majority of models also offer video capture, though if you intend to use this feature you should do some research first. This feature is little more than a gimmick on lower-end models, so if this is important to you, look for reviews on cameras you are interested in first.

Canon and Sony are two of the most popular manufacturers for low-mid range cameras, whilst the likes of Nikon are preferred for those looking for something a little more professional. Whichever you choose though, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised by the improvement in image quality over models from just a year or two ago.

Digital cameras have come on in leaps and bounds over the course of the last few years, and the average user will be hard pushed to see the difference between digital cameras and their film counterparts. That said, the majority of professional photographers still prefer SLR cameras, though the quality gap between high-end models is narrowing rapidly. For the more casual user, digital cameras offer excellent value for money and you can now pick up a very reasonable model for around $250.

When buying a digital camera, you need to consider what you will be using it for. If you intend to use it once or twice a year on holiday or family days out, then you will be served perfectly well by a budget model. However, if you plan on using it regularly for web or print work, then you should be looking to spend more in the region of $350 plus.

When choosing a camera, the major points to look for are resolution and optical zoom. Even models at the lower end of the scale offer 6-megapixel resolutions and 3x optical zoom, ensuring superb image quality that will exceed the majority of budget 35mm cameras. Most cameras also have a digital zoom on top of the optical zoom, though this can introduce noise and produce grainy images, hence this option is generally best avoided if possible.

It is also a good idea to try the camera out before purchasing. How does it feel? Is the menu easy to navigate? Is the build quality good? If your camera will be used regularly, avoid anything that feels flimsy and preferably opt for a model with a metal case.

The memory supplied with the camera may also have a bearing on your choice, and whilst most models come with at least 16MB, you will probably need an additional memory card if you intend to take more than around 20 reasonable quality photographs. The cost of memory cards is as low as it has ever been, though you should be aware of this additional expense and factor it in when budgeting.

Other features to look for are preset options, such as portrait and nighttime modes. These set up your camera for certain environments, and will help you get the best possible photographs. All cameras have some additional settings for contrast, brightness and colour balance, though preset settings will inevitably be far more convenient. You will also want to consider battery type and life. Most cameras take standard AA batteries, though these drain fairly quickly. Lithium batteries are preferred and last far longer, though these can be expensive.

The majority of models also offer video capture, though if you intend to use this feature you should do some research first. This feature is little more than a gimmick on lower-end models, so if this is important to you, look for reviews on cameras you are interested in first.

Canon and Sony are two of the most popular manufacturers for low-mid range cameras, whilst the likes of Nikon are preferred for those looking for something a little more professional. Whichever you choose though, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised by the improvement in image quality over models from just a year or two ago.