Photography is a beautiful art... simple in all its complexities and breathtaking in the results it produces. From preserving those priceless moments with your loved ones to creating exquisite works of art, the applications of photography are many. Once confined to bulky, expensive cameras and yards of film, photography has seen a new dawn with the advent of digital cameras. Swifter, a lot easier to use, and growing ever more compact with every passing day, digital cameras have indeed opened several avenues to the casual photographer as well as the seasoned expert. And now that you've decided to take the plunge with the digital brigade, your very first concern is choosing the best camera to suit your needs.

The multitude of models and makes that swarm the marketplace definitely don't make your choice any easier so how do you decide which camera is the best for you? To start with, you first need to understand that every make of digital cameras is developed to cater to a certain set of needs. Hence, in order to determine which camera you need to buy, you first need to establish the purpose you're going to use it for. A high speed camera which is developed in keeping with the interests of sports photographers will certainly not be a viable option for you, if all you're going to use it for is the odd vacation photograph. Also, if you're looking for more minute detailing in your photographs as well as a higher resolution, then the sleeker options that you find may not completely cater to your needs. This is because a majority of these models have been developed to ensure portability, and many include little more than the basic features.

You then need to move on the understanding the finer nuances of the technology that goes into a digital camera. It may serve you well to know that the LCD which is the screen attached to most cameras, is a great addition to the viewfinder, but is by no means a replacement. This is because, when you use a camera which has a traditional viewfinder, you hold it to your face, which also gives you more stability. However, if you do choose to go for only the LCD as a substitute for the viewfinder, you will have to hold the camera at an arm's length when you capture the image, which will result in lesser clarity and distorted images.

You must also learn to distinguish between an optical zoom and a digital zoom. An optical zoom functions like traditional cameras, magnifying the image you are shooting. A digital zoom enlarges the final image by doubling the size of the pixels, which may also lead to fuzzier images. Digital images are comprised of mega pixels which in turn determine the quality of the image. The higher the number of mega pixels, the clearer the image. You may also want to check if your camera comes along with a stand which is invaluable in ensuring a steady and clear picture.

You can then move on to looking around at all the options that are available to you. Make a shortlist from where you can disregard those models that do not meet your budget or requirements. Once you have narrowed down your list, you can also refer to photography journals and magazines to learn what the established experts have to say about your selection. This will also update your list with the latest technology available, which can further open up several alternatives for you.

If you are too used to the conventional manner of photography, clunky camera, film et al, but would still like the clarity and precision that digital photography has to offer, you can also scan your photographs into the digital format after which they can be worked on with editing software. You can also hire online photo services to take over this task for you and even have them rework your photographs to eliminate blemishes like red eye and partial overexposure.

The best of all the advantages that digital photography grants you is to be able to practice your skills to your heart's content without having to think about the enormous film bills you are raking in. instead of printing them out, you can directly transfer them onto your computer from where you can print them out, email them or even design a unique photo-card. The opportunities are endless and awaiting at your doorstep. So take that first step to choosing your ideal digital camera today and explore your creativity to its ultimate!