Are you ready to buy digital camera? It’s about time. Doesn’t everyone you know already have one?

Buying a digital camera is a lot like buying a personal computer. Even if you buy a new one, it seems that by the time you get it home a better one has come out. The image resolution has been improved. The optical zoom is more powerful. The storage capacity is greater. The camera has become more compact.

What’s a buyer to do?

Just buy and enjoy! Yes, it is a bit of a challenge to figure out which digital camera best meets your needs. You must do a little research before you purchase a digital camera.

There are a couple of sources of information. Several retail electronics websites have customer feedback sections. The owners comment on the models they purchase.

You also can read reviews in Consumer Reports and the photography magazines and even the computer magazines. Technical websites like CNET also have good information.

Think about how you plan to use the camera before you buy a digital camera. That is the main thing to ponder before your purchase. You want to buy a digital camera that does just what you need it to do.

There is no need to waste money on features you never will use. You also have to have at least a rough idea of how much money you are willing and able to spend.

One of your key decisions is whether you want to buy a point and shoot camera or a single lens reflex (SLR) camera. A digital SLR camera is for the serious amateur or the professional photographer who wants to have complete control over each photo. When you use a digital SLR you have to focus each shot yourself. Nothing is automatic.

You need not think about focusing when using point and shoot digital cameras. Everything is done for you automatically. You will not have to bother with adjusting the lens opening or shutter speed. The camera will flash if needed. Point and shoot digital cameras easily connect to your computer, usually without requiring software.

Once you decide whether you want to buy a point and shoot or a digital SLR, you need to think about the resolution (megapixels), the storage capacity and the optical zoom capability. These are the choices that are going to determine the price you are going to pay to buy a digital camera.

The better the resolution and the greater the optical zoom, the better the picture quality will be. Also, the higher the price will be. As for storage capacity, if you buy flash memory cards you can take and save all the pictures you want.

Now that you know what you need to know, you can head to the store or go online and buy digital camera.