A guide to choosing a budget digital camera

As technology improves the price of digital cameras are falling at a dramatic rate. However we must remember a large LCD screen and all the Mega Pixels in the word will not make up for a lack of other features. These include most importantly a lack of a good quality large lens that otherwise would have resulted in dark photos and soft corners. Lack of AF-assist lamp for much better focusing in low light indoor photographs. Lack of image stabilisation resulting in foggy pictures due to hand shaking. And auto-white balancing essential for indoor night time shots.

There is only so much Photoshop one can do so it is important to get it right and you don’t just dive in for the Mega Pixels count. In my opinion 4-5 Mega Pixels will be sufficient for excellent photographs even blown up. Professional Photographers will of cause capture more Mega Pixels for glossy magazine covers, but remember they also use a tripod and altogether better Digital SLR cameras that make use of the extra pixels.

Because of the rate of change over the years it would be hopeless for me to recommend you the best deals however traditionally Canon, Fuji and Panasonic have always got my attention as offering good all round budget digital cameras. Panasonic for exceptional image stabilisation has become my favourite but both Canon and Fuji for consistent image quality must be applauded.

The final word when choosing a budget digital camera is to look at the price and then read the reviews on these excellent websites:

www.steves-digicams.com
www.imaging-resource.com
www.google.com

As for Christmas 2006 I can recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC LS2 B from Comet for half price of only £75 and can not be beaten today. I even got one for my parents.