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Digital Cameras Selection Wizard

To use the Selection Wizard, read the questions below and check the options you're looking for. Then, click the "See Matching Cameras" button at the bottom of the page. If you'd like more information about digital cameras, read our Digital Cameras Buyer's Guide.

	Question 1 of 5: Megapixels


	What level of image quality best suits your needs?


			Cameras with more megapixels produce more detailed (higher-resolution) images. Images with greater resolution look better when enlarged and also produce higher-quality prints. All digital cameras capture images with enough detail for e-mail and online sharing.


			< 0.9 Megapixels		Good for photos to share via e-mail or use on a Web site.

			1.0 to 1.9 Megapixels		Can make low-quality prints smaller than 4" x 6".

			2.0 - 2.9 Megapixels		Good for prints up to 4" x 6".

			3.0 - 3.9 Megapixels		Good for prints up to 5" x 7".

			4.0 - 5.9 Megapixels		Good for prints up to 8" x 10".

			6.0+ Megapixels		Good for prints larger than 8" x 10".

			Any resolution

	Question 2 of 5: Price


	How much do you want to spend?


			The most popular digital cameras cost between $250 and $500. This price range includes the majority of 2-2.9 and 3-3.9 megapixel cameras and many popular compact cameras. Most professional-quality digital cameras cost between $600 and $4,000.


			Under $100

			$100 to $199

			$200 to $299

			$300 to $399

			$400 to $499

			$500 to $699

			Over $700

			Any price

	Question 3 of 5: Size


	What size camera do you want?


			Compact cameras are lighter and more portable than standard-sized cameras, but they are also generally more expensive than standard-sized cameras with similar features.


			Compact		Designed to fit in a shirt pocket or small purse (approx. 6 ounces).

			Standard		Designed to fit in a purse or small bag (approx. 11 ounces).

			Professional		Designed to fit in a camera bag (approx. 38 ounces).

			Any size

	Question 4 of 5: Optical Zoom


	What strength optical zoom do you want?


			Optical zoom allows you to take close-up photos. Cameras with more powerful optical zoom lenses tend to be more expensive.


			At least 2x		Good for taking close-ups from eight feet away.

			At least 4x		Good for taking close-ups from 15 feet away.

			At least 6x		Good for taking close-ups from 25 feet away.

			At least 8x		Good for taking close-ups from 35 feet away.

			Any optical zoom		Includes models with no optical zoom capability

	Question 5 of 5 (optional)


	What computer interface do you require?

			Most digital cameras offer some type of interface to transfer pictures to your computer. Check your computer's capabilities to determine which interfaces it supports. Another option, for cameras that support removable memory cards, is to buy a separate memory card reader for your computer.


			USB		USB is supported by most recent PCs with Windows 98 or higher, and most recent Macintosh models.

			PCMCIA		PCMCIA offers faster image transfer than USB, but it is not as widely available. Some notebook computers support PCMCIA cards, but most desktop computers do not.

			FireWire / IEEE 1394		FireWire offers faster image transfer than USB, but is not as widely available on PCs. Most recent Macintosh models and some recent PC models support FireWire.

			Serial		Serial port transfer is supported by most PCs, but it is slower than USB and may require more configuration to set up.

			Infrared		Infrared is supported by some notebook computers. It is slower than most other methods but does not require a cable.

	Finished

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