What’s Gotta Stay

There are so many things good to write about, but the easiest for me is to mention some sites that I consider a “must have” in your browser bookmarks. One of the top on my list is dpreview.com.

First off I must say this is a unsolicited endorsement of what I think is a great resource for anyone in the market for a digital camera. There are literally thousands of camera review sites out there, but DPReview has been out for a long time, and they have everything you need on cameras to know exactly what you are getting before you make your purchase.

Let me tell you what this site is not - it is not a site that will say “this” is the camera you should buy this year. Bummer, isn’t it? The “problem” with today’s camera market is there are just too many good options out there to make a definitive statement of what you should purchase. They are not going to make the decision for you, but they will give you every tool at your disposal to make an extremely informed decision.

What DPReview offers is very in-depth analysis, details and examples of every camera they review. This includes listing of every feature, photos of the camera from every conceivable angle and close up, and what I consider one of the best resources, sample photos taken with the camera. They are the most unbiased site I have found when it comes to brands and models, so you know you are getting the real skinny when it comes to the pros and cons of any given model.

Even further than just their review, each model has a “forum” available for current owners of every model they list on the site to share their personal experience with the camera. Unlike some sites that artificially boost comments in their favor, DPR is once again unbiased and lets the good and the bad be listed, in fact they encourage it. Seeing a bunch of “WOW!” comments from current users can give you a much needed boost in consumer confidence when you are considering a particular camera.

So what is the best way to choose a camera? Here is how I suggest doing it. First, figure out your price range. More often than not, budget will be a big determination on what you can even start to consider to purchase. Second, go to your local Circuit City, Best Buy, CompUSA or the like and check out the different cameras they have on hand. When a sales rep wants to come by and “help” you make your purchase, just politely wave them off unless you really want to hear their more than likely uninformed suggestions. See what “feels” like something you would have with you and enjoy using. Decide if a particular shape, size or set of features are more important to you. Write down the brands (Canon, Casio, Kodak, Sony, etc.) and models (DC630) you like. Then head home. Visit DPReview.com and start your research. You will find the good and the bad so you can decide what you really like.

Once you have narrowed in on your selection, either do your shopping online or head back to the store ready to make an informed purchase.