How to Buy a Digital Camera

There are so many options in the world of digital cameras, it's easy to get confused. Here's how to pick the camera that fits you perfectly.
Gone are the "megapixel wars" of recent years; it's hard to find a new camera with anything less than a 10-megapixel sensor. Instead, we're seeing a different kind of battle nowadays: manufacturers are building specialized cameras for different types of shooters.

Between feature-loaded cameras under $200, ruggedized point-and-shoots, high-zoom pocket cameras, hybrid still-and-video cameras, interchangeable-lens compact cameras, and full-fledged DSLRs, your options are growing--and getting a lot more confusing.

We're here to help. This Digital Camera Buying Guide will help you make a purchasing decision based on the specs you'll need to examine closely (and the specs you can basically ignore) before you fork over your hard-earned cash.

Choosing the Right Digital Camera
From pocket megazooms to basic point-and-shoots, we'll walk you through the different kinds of digital cameras.
The Specs Explained
Buying a digital camera isn't all about megapixels. We'll translate the jargon and tell you just how important each specification is to your purchase.
Digital Camera Shopping Tips
Before you head to the store, check out our advice for making a smart digital camera choice.