Vacation Camera Shopping

Buying the perfect camera for your summer vacation can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming.

"I'm just out looking for a camera for our vacation coming up and my wife likes things simple. So, I'm trying to find one that's easy to operate," said shopper, Tye Ward.

With all of the options available, it's important to decide what you need and what you want before you go to the store.

"Essentially there are three types of cameras. There are cameras that are designed for young children, which are going to be weather resistant and have more durability. There are cameras designed for older people, designed to fit into a purse or a pocket. Third there are cameras designed for high resolution like family photos. It's a larger type of camera and those are typically the most expensive," said Best Buy Consultant, Bryan Lowry.

"It is a bit overwhelming, trying to figure out the difference between eight and ten megapixels. Some people say you don't notice it, while others say you can. Sometimes you can get the same price for a ten so I'm not sure why they would do that," said Ward.

So how many megapixels do you really need?

"It really depends on the kinds of photos you are going to be taking and the quality of photos that you want to take. Typically people get seven to ten megapixels in a fairly economical price range. SLR cameras, you're getting in to ten to 12 megapixels, mostly professional photographers use," said Lowry.

The number two feature that consumers want is decent zoom. So what are the options?

"There are two types of zoom. Optical zoom and digital zoom. Optical zoom is actually the zoom that you can zoom in on the camera. Digital zoom is where you can go in with editing software and actually alter the photo that way. So, you tend to lose resolution with a digital zoom," said Lowry.

Don't forget when you're looking to buy a digital camera, you have to add in the extra cost of a memory card.

"Typically you do have to purchase an additional memory stick. SD is the most popular because it goes on sale the most often. Those range from one GB to 8 GB. They range from $12 to $100 dollars," said Lowry.

When it comes to the bells and whistles, some choose to keep it simple.

"Something that's portable that can fit in your pocket and something that's easy to use you can just point and shoot. Not too many buttons and not too hard to program," said Ward.

"If someone's using a camera that is technology challenged, I would go with the Kodak Easy Share because the computer base interface that comes with the camera is really easy to use," said Lowry.

There are some amazing advances being made in digital camera technology that the technology savvy consumer will love.

So what about the pricing? $129- to $179 unless you're looking for a whole bunch of bells and whistles.

Now you're ready to get shopping!