Prices range: From $50 to $2,500. Most of the digital cameras fall within $200 to $900 with an median price of $450.

Why is it important? The delay between shots ranges from approximately 1 - 20 seconds. To some, this may not be much of an issue. For others, having to wait a while before being able to take another shot may be frustrating.

Why is it important? The type(s) of flash available vary from camera to camera. The flashes built into most digital cameras have limited range and adjustibility (on average, these flashes do not work well beyond 10 feet), in comparison to external flash options which can provide a much more powerful and versatile flash. Keep in mind that a camera with a Shoe Flash Sync, will often come with the standard built-in flash as well.

Flash Options:

• Off/On/Auto - This refers to the basic flash functions, where the flash is always off, always on (for fill-ins, for example), or set to fire automatically when needed.
• Red-Eye Reduction- This refers to a mode of flash that helps prevent the appearance of people with red-eyes in the picture.
• Flash sync - allows one to use more powerful flashes, and/or place the flash strategically, by attaching an external flash unit to the camera. Typically, a camera with flash sync will also offer the more traditional forms of flash as well, such as auto flash.
• Hot Shoe - This is a structure found on some digital cameras, to which an external flash unit is attached. Some cameras offering hot shoe capability also offer the more traditional forms of flash, such as automatic.
  

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Why is it important? The higher the resolution - the better the picture. Resolution is expressed in pixels, and refers to the (i.e. non-interpolated) resolution of the camera.

Resolution Range:

• 640 x 480 Pixels = Minimum Computer Resolution
• 1280 x 960 Pixels = Film Resolution of 4"x6" print
• 1600 x 1200 Pixels = Film Resolution of 8"x10" print
• 1920 x 1600 Pixels = Very High Resolution

Rapid-Fire Shots Range: 0 - 64 shots.

What kinds are available?

• Via 3.5" Floppy - With this feature, the camera stores its images on the same floppy disks that you use in your PC or Macintosh. Taking the floppy out of the camera and putting it into your computer, and copying them onto the computer effectively transfers the images.
• Via Removable Memory - Many digital cameras store images on removable memory devices that can be swapped in and out of the camera like rolls of film. These can then be used with a variety of card readers (depending on the type of storage), which are typically purchased as an additional accessory (i.e., they are not provided by the manufacturer in the box). PCMCIA Type II or III cards are credit card size memory that do not require a card reader to download the images; you can insert the card directly into laptop computers.Removable Media does not include 3.5 in. floppy disks.
• Via Infrared - Infrared transmission uses invisible light to transfer pictures to your computer or printer. Also known as IrDA, this technology allows one to download images without using cables or wires, but is also extremely slow.
• Via Parallel Cable - This type of cable connection is quite common, and transfers images faster than a serial connection, as it is able to send multiple bits of information at the same time (i.e. in parallel).
• Via SCSI Cable - SCSI is a form of image transfer involving a high speed bus cable system, used only with Macintosh computers and high-end PCs.
• Via Serial Cable - The most standard type of serial cable is identified as an RS-232 connector. This method is relatively slow, in comparison to a USB cable connection, but still quite common.
• Via USB Cable - A USB (short for universal serial bus) cable transports images from your digital camera via a connection that is much faster than a serial or parallel cable. It is important to note however, that this type of connection can only be used with the newer Pentium computers, and won't work on PC's with slow/older processors. Note that many cameras that come with a USB cable will also offer a serial and/or parallel connection option.

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What should you consider? The greater the resolution, the more memory space is needed. Therefore, it is important to note the high resolution or maximum resolution setting on the camera before evaluating this figure. Also, as mentioned previously, you can add memory to many digital cameras by purchasing high volume storage cards.

Image Capacity Range: 1 - 3,000 images.

Size Options:

• Pocket Size - a camera is so small that you can put it in your shirt pocket. Typically, these are extremely light weight (maximum weight of less than .56 lb.) and have a width under 5 inches. They are also quite flat, with depth rarely exceeding 1.5 inches.
• Medium Size - These camera are slightly larger than Pocket Size cameras, especially in terms of depth and weight. A Medium Size camera weighs somewhere between 0.5 lb. - 1 lb., averaging 0.75 lb. Most digital cameras are Medium Size.
• SLR Size - digital cameras which look like a standard SLR (single-lens-reflex) camera. Larger than a Medium Size camera, these typically have a rectangular body with a substantial protruding lens and weigh more than one (1) pound.

What should you consider? Keep in mind that the degree of manual functionality can vary from one camera to another. For example, some cameras with Manual Focus have a traditional manual focus ring; whereas others offer multiple pre-set options from which to choose. Please refer to the glossary for more detailed information about the following features.

Options: Manual Focus, Manual Aperture, Manual Shutter, Manual White Balance, Manual Exposure Compensation .

What kinds are available?

• Add-On Lens - a lens that attaches to the lens built into the digital camera. While an add-on lens is not as versatile as an actual interchangeable lens, it does provide the user with an alternative means of composing a shot, by providing a telephoto or wide-angle option or add-on filters to name a few. To date, most digital cameras do not offer this feature.
• Audio Recording - allows you to record a short sound bite with each image, allowing you to makes notes for future reference.
• DPOF - DPOF stands for Digital Print Order Format - a feature found on the camera that allows the user to send images directly to the printer and control the quantity and order of the images being printed.
• Interchangeable Lens - allows you to physically change the type of lens being used. Interchangeable lens capability is rarely found on digital cameras and when it is, you can expect a hefty price tag along with it.
• Macro - a lens feature which allows you to take "close-up" shots, usually within one foot or less; good for taking pictures of small objects such as a stamp or insect, for example.
• Mini Movie - allows user to create a short movie, for those times when still images simply don't do the trick.
• Remote Control - with this feature, you can take a picture without holding the camera - an alternative to using a self-timer.
• Rotatable Lens - a rotatable lens allows you to adjust the angle of the lens (not the focusing ability of the camera). Some rotate 180 degrees while others can rotate a full 360 degrees, allowing you to compose a self-portrait while viewing yourself on the LCD panel.