A camera is an important device which records and stores images. These recorded images may be still photographs or moving images such as videos or movies. The word camera comes from the camera obscure (Latin for “dark chamber”), an early mechanism for projecting image pictures. Modern digital cameras have numerous designs and usages. Such cameras generally provide extremely fine-grained manual control for the camera operator, often to the exclusion of automated operation Many cameras are generally used for security, surveillance, and/or monitoring purposes. These cameras are designed to be small and easily hidden, and able to operate unattended, They are often used in industrial or scientific settings and are in environments which are normally inaccessible or uncomfortable for humans.

But choosing the best digital camera is a seemingly difficult task. Once you identify your priorities and the typical usage for the camera (i.e. professional photos versus an easy camera for travel and special occasions), finding the right camera is relatively easy. Given the advancements in digital camera technology, almost any camera from name-brand manufacturers will be sufficient and take quality photos.

1. When choosing a digital camera, you will be hammered with megapixels. Every year video cameras get higher and higher megapixels. Anything over 6 megapixels will produce a quality image.

2. Zoom is important in a camera. Be sure to check only the optical zoom of your new digital video camera. Once you go into digital zoom, it is simply digitally cropping the optical zoom and quality will deteriorate.  Serious cameras require that you purchase a separate lens for this option.

3. Now select your format for your digital camera. There is the hard drive option. This is great for the computer dependent crowd. The next option and more preferred is using flash memory. This can be any form of removable “card.” In the past this was very expensive, but now the prices have dropped considerably. For a video camera, tape is still the cheapest media and you will find that the camera is also cheaper. You can record directly to mini DVD’s which is great for someone that has no computer literacy and just wants a quick playback.  In saying this, many now have hard drive options, which are proving extremely popular.

4. If you are serious about having great videos and photos, you are better off having one camera for still and one for video as you often lose quality if your digital video camera takes still shots.

5. The next thing is to consider is your power options. Most cameras have a rechargeable battery. This is ideal. Sony has the best battery I have ever seen. They last for years and hold a very long charge.

6. The next thing to do is try it out. Many stores have a 30 day refund policy on electronics. Try it out and make sure you have what you need. Be sure to check web sites like CNET that compare products and give full unbiased reviews. While nothing is ever a 5-star, you will learn so much from reading these sites.