When you are in the market for a brand new camera it is not simply a case of choosing the first camera you see.
Plenty of thought and consideration needs to go into your decision-making as you want to be sure of getting your money's worth.
You also have to make sure that you are not buying something which is too advanced for your abilities.
Following the below guide should help you in your quest.
Budget Set a budget for your cameras and compact cameras and make sure that you stick to it.
You can then visit your local store and advise the sales person how much you are willing to spend so that they can show you relevantly priced solutions.
Usage Will you only be using the camera to shoot casual photos of family or friends or are you looking to develop your photography skills further? Depending on your choice this may have a bearing on what you will be expected to pay.
Megapixels Don't be fooled by the inaccurate claim that the more megapixels you have, the better the camera.
This simply isn't true as a four megapixels will usually suffice if you want good, quality images.
You should only go above this if you are looking to print images off at a decent size.
Accessories The camera isn't solely the be all and end all.
Remember that you may need to purchase essential accessories such as a memory card, carrying case, spare battery, external flash, tripod, Lowepro bags etc.
The cost of these can mount up so always take them into consideration when setting your budget.
Reviews It is always good to get a second opinion.
Check out the specialist camera magazines and various review sites to check out if the camera you have set your eyes on is reliable.