Since the images that a digital camera captures are in electronic form, it is a language recognized by computers. Unlike film cameras where the image is captured on light sensitive film, digital cameras store the images as pixels that convert to computer bytes. Digital cameras still use lenses in much the same way that conventional cameras do. All the budding digital camera enthusiast needs to know is that despite the difference in how the image is captured, the ultimate effect is the same.

If you are using a more expensive digital camera, the system used there is a CCD sensor. The CMOS device is used in cheaper digital cameras and does the same work as a CCD but it is doubtful that this system will replace those devices in the quality digital cameras.

The price of a digital camera nowadays have been depreciating, one of the main reasons of this is because of the introduction of CMOS image sensors, this is because CMOS sensors are less expensive and are easier to manufacture than CCD sensors. The CCD and CMOS devices capture light like tiny solar collectors both achieving the same effect but just by differing methods.

There is no need to feel confused by the range and functions of digital cameras if you are armed with a few basic facts which I have tried to provide.

From the point of view on having good quality photos, look for a high megapixel camera as it will be worth it and you may find a model that is being superseded at a discount as well.

Where you have a choice, optical zooms are better than digital ones - always.

Don't waste your money on standard disposable batteries as rechargeable ones nowadays are very affordable and long lasting which could save you hundreds of dollars on standard ones.

Many people are just happy to point and shoot but if you want your camera to do a little more than try to buy one with more functions. Think 512MB as a bare minimum with today's high resolution cameras so if you're a photo junkie you can takes pictures of just about anything.

Digital cameras are now very tiny compared to a few years ago so you can actually carry around a high spec camera in your pocket and still be able to take fantastic pictures. So by doing this you won't feel as if you are a journalist or nature photographer wherever you go.

These are just the basic things you have to look for in a digital camera when you buy one. With their range of features and ease of use, digital cameras are the future of photography.