While most cell phones incorporate the ability to snap photos, a dedicated digital camera offers more features and improved resolution. Digital cameras range from compact point-and-shoot units to serious SLR (single lens reflex)-style cameras with interchangeable lenses and professional-level controls. Most digital cameras also offer the ability to record video clips, although for serious video recording see How Much Do Camcorders Cost. Selecting the ideal digital camera depends a lot on the type of photography it will be used for.
Typical costs:
An entry-level digital camera costs from about $30 to $100. Expect a compact, easy to use device with built-in flash, minimal manual controls and with a resolution limited to about 5 megapixels (pixels are the smallest "picture elements" that make up a digital image). A low-budget camera will likely feature a digital zoom that enlarges the pixels to mimic the effect of a longer focal length lens. An example of this type of introductory digital camera is the Vivitar ViviCam 5018, which offers 5.1MP resolution and an 8x digital zoom (the focal length varies by eight times). The street price is about $50-$80.
A midrange digital camera designed for point-and-shoot simplicity but offering higher quality optics will cost from $100 to $300. Expect a resolution of 8 to 12 megapixels and an optical zoom. The Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS[1] , for example, retails for about $170-$200 and offers a resolution of 10MP (megapixels), a 3x optical zoom and an optical stabilizer to reduce the effects of camera shake. This camera also offers the ability to snap 16:9 widescreen format images (those that match the dimensions of a widescreen TV).
Polaroid, pioneers of the instant film camera, now manufacture a digital camera with an integrated printer capable of delivering 2x3-inch color images in under a minute. The Polaroid PoGo[2] is the first portable instant digital camera and costs about $200. The camera offers a 5MP resolution and includes 10 sheets of Polaroid photo paper.
Advanced amateur photographers or business users will require a digital camera that offers more exposure controls and a more powerful zoom. A business use digital camera costs from $300 to $600 or more and should offer a minimum of 10MP resolution and a fixed zoom lens that doesn't retract into the camera's body. An example of this type of digital camera is the Canon PowerShot G10[3] that retails for about $470-$500. The G10 offers manual overrides for greater creative control and a hot shoe to accommodate an external flash unit. It also boasts 14.7MP resolution and a 5x optical zoom.
DSLR or Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras are aimed at serious photographers and the camera bodies and interchangeable lenses are often sold separately. Those who already own 35mm SLR lenses may want to look for a compatible DSLR body. To ensure that the lenses behave the same as they did with a 35mm SLR, look for digital SLR with a full-frame sensor. A semi-pro DSLR camera costs from about $500 to $3,000 or more, including a single lens. For more information about the cost of lenses see How Much Do Camera Lenses Cost. A DSLR offers all the features and creative control of a traditional 35mm SLR but the ease and convenience of the digital format. Expect a DSLR to offer a selection of lenses with different focal lengths, from wide angle to telephoto, as well as features such as multiple frames per second shooting, ideal for capturing fast moving subjects. A good example of a DSLR is the Nikon D60, a 10.2MP camera that, equipped with an AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm lens, costs about $600-$650.
Digital cameras come with some internal memory, up to 60 MB or more.
Cameras should come with at least one battery and a charger.
Many cameras also come with some basic photo album software for retrieving, viewing and archiving photographs, as well as possibly cropping and compressing them.
Additional costs:
A camera bag or pouch will protect a camera; these cost from about $10 to $500.
Tripods cost from less than $10 to several hundred dollars for professional grade equipment.
Extra memory may be required, depending on the number of pictures users plan to take. Additional memory cards can cost $30 to $100 depending on the format and capacity. A high-end card will store hundreds or even thousands of photographs. Be sure to purchase the right kind of memory card (SD, MemoryPro, etc.).
While most cameras come with basic software, advanced photo editing software ranges from about $75 to over $900.
Prints from digital stills can be made from a suitably equipped home printer (see: How Much Does an Inkjet Printer Cost) or by ordering from a photo center at a local drugstore such as Walgreens[4] . Prints start at about 10 to 20 cents each.
Discounts:
Online retailers such as Amazon[5] sell brand-name digital SLR cameras in discounted outfits that include the camera body, a lens and accessories such as a tripod, camera bag and/or cleaning equipment. The price of these kits represent a discount over buying the items separately but make sure every piece in the outfit is required.
B&H Photo Video[6] offers discounts for Federal, educator and student buyers.
Shopping for a digital camera:
CNet [7] offers a buying guide for digital cameras.
Find competitive prices online at sites such as B&H Photo Video[8] then look for comparable or discounted prices at local electronics retailers such as Ritz Camera[9] .
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
I saved $100 when I found this seller through Amazon.com and they proved the be very reliable. I got the camera 2 days sooner than expected. This is a great camera for the money and it was rated very highly by Consumer Reports. It takes beautiful HD movies as well as high quality photos. It will handle up to a 32gb SDHC card.
I have gotten my previous digital camera and miniDV camcorder through ButterflyPhoto. They usually have one of the lowest, if not, the lowest price when I plug in my information on PriceGrabber.com
I'm generally happy with them, but I just got a message on my phone from one of the customer service agents -- I imagine it's someone who wants to sell me extra memory cards or battery packs, which did happen the last time, when I bought my camcorder.
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]