Choosing The Best Point Shoot Digital Camera

Digital has changed the course of photography over the past several years. But finding the best point shoot digital camera has now become a very complicated process, that is if it you want to get it right the first time without having the dreaded "buyer's remorse."

Why Buy Digital?

Remember the days of film? It's true, some of us are still using film, and doing it very well. However, there was a day when there was not a choice to go with digital or film. The results of many would-be photographers were pretty dismal and disappointing (yours truly was certainly a victim of disappointing camera experiences).

To get a good picture, the average Joe had to shoot a whole roll of film, take it to the camera lab, wait several days or weeks to get the film processed, then pay for the joy of seeing... what? Sometimes you had a good shot or two, but many of the pictures were simply horrible.

Now, with digital things are totally different. Oh, you can still have plenty of disappointing shots, but there is a MAJOR difference or two. First, you don't have to wait to see how poor the picture is, and second, it costs you nothing to get that preview.

Digital is amazing!

But there is still a dilemma, and it is getting bigger every day. Now that so many people are going digital, there are so many more camera choices. Since most start with basic equipment, the question is, "How do I pick the top digital camera for my needs?" After all, during the days of shooting film pictures, you could just pick up a throw away picture maker from the corner store, but now, you have to pay quite a bit for the privilege of taking those photos.

Discover Your Best Match

Since there is a big investment, you should do some research before buying your point and shoot camera. But that, too, could be a daunting task. Where do you start? Should you trust the 18 year-old clerk at the electronics counter of your favorite super-store? Should you trust the Sunday ads in the local newspaper?

The answer to these two questions would be NO.

So here is a process you can use to assure a pretty good choice right out of the box.

1. Go to your search engine of choice and type in "top digital camera"
2. Read as many reviews as you can
3. Pick out a brand and model that sounds like it might fit your needs
4. Go to one of the stores in your area and try out the model you chose
5. Buy the camera

But wait. What if the model is not available? After all, there are so many new models to choose from, not store can possibly carry them all (actually, there are a couple of stores that do, but if you don't live in the largest city in the US, you will be out of luck).

Formula For Success

Fortunately, there is still hope for you to find the best point and shoot digital camera for your needs.

This method has worked for tons of folks. It involves going to some of the most popular online sales sites and searching for the "best sellers" in the category of electronics.

Then look for the models you have already decided would be good for you. Now, here is the most important part. Check the customer ratings. Especially read the ones that give very low ratings. These reviews should give you a good idea if the model you want to buy is a good choice.

You now can do one of two things. Either run down to your favorite store and see if they have it, or click the "buy now" button.