A cheap digital camera is what everyone is looking for, but you need to know what you really need before your buy. Imagine spending $150 and feeling great about the deal you got, but the camera is not good enough for your needs! Here are some of the things you need to know about in order to choose the right cheap digital camera.

Manufacturers all talk about the megapixel (MP) as a rating of the quality of the picture, and how good a camera is, but the mega pixel is actually somewhat irrelevant to the quality of the camera.

The megapixel tells you only how many megapixels the camera has. The reality is that the lens quality and the light sensors make a more significant impact than the megapixels. The thing is, it's hard for a consumer to make sense of. That's why they all push the mega pixel. With technology improvements, the mega pixels keep getting higher, but that may not be what you really need.

For many of you, you will never print a picture larger than 8x10. The 3.1 mega pixel prints a perfect 8x10, but the new standard is 7-8 mega pixels. Unless you are a pro photographer, then anything over 3.1 is great. So you can find some great deals on cameras in the 5-6 megapixel range.

Pick the right physical configuration of the camera. You may be spending more than you need if you buy more camera than you can handle. The pro models are very cool, but be realistic about what you are going to do with the camera!

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) typically has a larger body and a detachable lens. The DSLR is usually a higher end camera, and has more features and better components. Pro's typically buy a DSLR.

Pros-The DSLR will take better pictures, but you will have to learn more. They are not point and click.

Compact cameras ("Point-and-shoot" cameras) are smaller, the lens is usually attached, and the lens actually retracts back into the camera base. This camera is directly marketed to the consumer market. The cameras are make less better than a DSLR, but are much more affordable. Many of the cameras you see advertised and in electronic stores in the few hundred dollar range are compact cameras.

Pros-The prices are much better, and affordable. Cons-the camera may not be repairable and goes out of date quickly.

Prosumer is a camera that occupies the middleground. They have the benefits of both styles. They come with the better prices, but have marginally better components than the point and shoot cameras. Basically it is a pro camera for the mass market consumer.

Take a few minutes and think about what your needs are before you buy your cheap digital camera. If you are taking quick pictures for a photo album, then anything on the market from a mega pixel standpoint is fine. If you are taking quick pictures, then a point and shoot should work for you. Knowing that the mega pixel range these days is more than the average person needs, you can find gread prices and cheap digital camera deals with lower mega pixel cameras.