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Digital camera buying guide

Find the right digital camera for you.
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Introduction


This guide will walk you through everything you should know before choosing your next digital camera. Explore what type of photographer you are and what type of camera is best for you.


Digital camera FAQ

» Digital camera anatomy 101
» Digital photography glossary
» Guide to digital camera file formats

Basic camera features

» Which shooting modes are important?
» In-camera features
» Preventing five common photography mistakes

Printing and editing

Help me choose a camera:
» Photo printer features explained
» Choosing photo-editing software

Which photographer are you?


Newcomer



Photo habits

  • Special occasions
  • Kids and other family
  • Vacations
  • Primarily 4"x6" and 5"x7" prints

Camera recommendation

  • Simple and intuitive
  • No manual settings
  • Fewer megapixels than a more expensive model (but enough to give you great snapshots and photo prints)
  • Plastic body (instead of metal)

Printing partner

The easy-to-use HP Photosmart A636 compact photo printer is perfect for professional-quality prints anywhere without a PC.

Hobbyist

Photo habits

  • Any and all occasions
  • Family and friends
  • Night shots
  • Remove red eye
  • Crop
  • Enlarge
  • Other minor edits
  • Share photos online
  • All sizes of photo prints

Camera
recommendation

  • More megapixels (<6MP)
  • Some manual options
  • Basic shooting modes, (a few extras too)
  • Image stabilization
  • In-camera red-eye removal
  • Large, telescoping lens (one that extends out from the camera body) for better image clarity and zoom capabilities
  • Metal body

Printing partner

For great photos and so much more, there's the HP Photosmart C5280 All-in-One.

Aspiring pro



Photo habits

  • Slow exposures
  • Black and white
  • Action shots
  • Regularly fill memory card
  • Sharing photos online
  • Familiar with advanced photographic techniques and equipment

Camera recommendation

  • Auto and full manual controls
  • A large lens with an impressive zoom
  • Most available megapixels (up to 10-12MP)
  • Creative photo effects
  • Excellent low-light sensitivity (low ISO speed)
  • Very short shutter lag
  • Solid construction (possibly waterproof and shock resistant)

Printing partner

For professional-quality photos that you can print wirelessly from anywhere in the house, use the HP Photosmart D7460.


Learn more


Now that you have all the information you need for your next digital camera purchase, explore the HP photo printer buying guide and HP photo scanner buying guide to complete your photography toolkit.

And once you're ready to start practicing with your new camera, get simple tips for better photos.
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