I would like to know what points I should consider when buying a
digital camera and the accessories such as tripods, flashguns etc.  I
am not necessarily interested in specific product reviews but rather
in the process that I need to follow to ensure I buy the right
equipment for my needs (I am a beginner with limited experience,
however I am looking to develop my skills and I do not just want a
camera with fully automatic functions).

I would also like to be made aware of any potential pitfalls and
mistakes that people commonly make when buying photo equipment. 
Information about how to avoid these mistakes would be very helpful.

I also wish to identify companies that offer online discounts and
affiliate programs for photographic products.

Hello Reesm,
 

How to Buy a Digital Camera
===========================

   ?Megapixels still matter a lot to digital camera shoppers, in part
because manufacturers and retailers hype that specification above all
others. If you're having a hard time figuring out which camera to buy,
you may be tempted to make a decision based solely on megapixel count;
that's why nearly all manufacturers print the number on the front of
their cameras.?
This page has the key features you should know when selecting a camera:
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/bguide/0,guid,12,page,2,00.asp#

and

http://www.pcworld.com/howto/bguide/0,guid,12,page,4,00.asp


Guide to Digital Cameras
http://www.photographyreview.com/digitalcamerabuyerguidecrx.aspx


   ?A digital camera's megapixel count is an important spec--but it is
by no means the only one. Start with pixels, but make sure to check a
few other important numbers when considering a purchase.
A camera's megapixel rating is another way of expressing its
resolution. The higher the megapixel number, the higher the
resolution. In general, higher-resolution cameras let you produce
larger, higher-quality prints. Even a 3-megapixel camera (which is
rare these days) can produce images of about 2048 by 1536 pixels,
allowing for crisp 8-by-10 prints. The trade-off is that
higher-resolution images take up more space on your camera's memory
card, so you may be able to take only a small number of shots before
you have to download them to your computer. The solution, of course,
is to purchase a larger-capacity memory card.?
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/bguide/0,guid,12,page,3,00.asp




Digicam Help:
?Set a realistic budget then look at cameras within that price range.
Budget for extra batteries and memory cards. Visit our resource page
for sites providing professional and amateur camera and equipment
reviews. Cameras in our Digicam Shop have received high marks by
professional reviewers and users.

Take time to educate yourself before you begin to shop. It's better to
be a proud owner of a digital camera that suits your needs than one
pushed by a salesperson who may have incentives to promote one brand
over another.?
Check the links on this page for further information:
http://www.digicamhelp.com/buying-digital-camera/index.htm


   Nice guide for making a digital camera purchase. Be sure to follow
the arrow links. The site also has a nice printable format as well.
?Selecting a digital camera is a lot like ordering pizza. In a pizza
there are a few basic elements like the crust, sauce and cheese which
you can't do without. The tough part is choosing from a huge list of
toppings. Likewise, with a digital camera certain features such as
resolution, picture storage and viewfinder are essential
considerations. But depending on your tastes you might want options
like a zoom, flash and self-timer, just to name a few.?
http://www.viewz.com/shoppingguide/digicam.shtml



Questions to ask before purchasing a digital camera:
?Okay, you've made it this far... you are definitely interested in
buying a digital camera. The next step is to figure out which digital
camera will best meet your needs. The following questions will help
you get a better idea of which digital camera will be best for you:
?	What are you looking to accomplish? What are your goals? Do you want
to simply document the life and times of your family, for example, or
do you fancy yourself become a digital artist?
?	Do you want to print your images? In large sizes? (Look for high resolution) 
?	If you are going to print, what kind of output device (i.e. printer)
will you be using and what are its resolution requirements? (Again,
look for resolution)?
http://www.betterphoto.com/digital/buying-best-digital-cameras/01-intro.asp


Digital Camera Buyer?s Guide
Starting with beginner lever up to professional level:
http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/digital-camera-buyers-guide.cfm


   Steve?s Digicams: Buying Guide feature search. This site is chock
full of very well written and illustrated camera reviews, when you are
ready. As far as I?m concerned, it?s the best digital camera source
online.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp


Buying your First digital Camera
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/hqguides/firsttime-buyer.html


Short Course on Digital Camera Buying
http://www.shortcourses.com/choosing/contents.htm


   Not the best worded site, but you can glean some simple tips from it:
?When choosing a digital camera you have to think about the resolution
of the pictures, size and memory. It can all be very confusing but
I've tried to explain everything on this web site. As with everything
you must take into consideration what you'll need your camera for.
Whatever you might need your camera for you'll find the best buy for
it on this web site.?
http://www.digital-camera-buying-guide.com/


Which camera is right for you?
http://www.photo.net/equipment/what-camera-should-I-buy.adp



What camera should I buy?
http://www.photo.net/equipment/what-camera


What CNET looks for in digital cameras
http://reviews.cnet.com/Labs/4520-6603_7-1014358-1.html



Epinions offers a brief guide:
http://www.epinions.com/buyers_guide/Digital_Cameras_buyers_guide_p1.html





Pitfalls to Avoid
=================

   ?Digital cameras are everywhere! You can find them advertised on
TV, in newspapers, and online, and you can buy them practically
anywhere. While this presents great opportunities for savvy buyers, it
also creates danger for shoppers who don't do their homework. Buy from
the wrong retailer, and you may regret it.

If you buy a digital camera from the wrong retailer, either online or
off, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars too much,
sacrificing your right to return a faulty product, or end up with an
item not backed up by a manufacturer's warranty.

Know what you're buying! Avoid these eight common digital camera
shopping mistakes and you'll be able to shop and buy with complete
confidence.?
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/hqguides/buying-pitfalls.html


Mistakes to Avoid:
http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001469,39171428-1,00.htm

More Mistakes to avoid:
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=academy&article=newbies






Further Tips
============
http://reviews.cnet.com/Digital_cameras/4520-7603_7-5023995-7.html


How Many Pixels do you Need?
http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/digital-cameras-overview.cfm



Miscellaneous FAQs
http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/digital-cameras.cfm


Finding the Best Buy
?Many retailers advertise their best buy digital camera as one with a
plastic lens. It is better to buy a digital camera with a 100% glass
lens for the best pictures. You should also look for the best buy
digital camera packages with the most RAM that you can afford. The
more RAM the camera has means that it can store more pictures and does
not require downloading or erasing them as often.?
http://www.advancingwomen.com/%20digital_media/digital-camera/index.html



Accessories:
=============


   ?Though the list of potential accessories for most cameras can be
quite long, including tripods, cases, filters, flashes and other
gadgets, there are only two accessories that you absolutely must have:
memory and batteries (if your camera ships with standard AA's). For a
complete explanation of each, please read Digital Camera HQ's Memory
and Battery Primers, but the most important thing to know is that
practically all digital cameras are shipped with inadequate memory,
and some models come with batteries that will not provide sufficient
power.
Digital Camera HQ has provided a recommended package description for
each of our cameras, noting the capacity of the standard memory and
what our editors recommend as the minimum useful memory size for the
average photographer. If a camera uses AA batteries, and it ships with
regular disposable alkalines, we also include rechargeable NiMH
batteries and a charger in the package.?
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/hqguides/firsttime-buyer.html


?Digital Camera Accessory Help and Tips 
Purchasing and using digital camera memory, card readers, digial
camera bags, and more to help you get the most out of your digital
photography.?
http://malektips.com/digital_camera_accessory_help_and_tips.html



Memory Cards
============
http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/memory-cards.cfm

Digital Memory Cards
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/hqguides/memory.html


   ?When someone buys a new digital camera for recreational purposes,
they rarely look at the type of storage media the camera supports. How
important is the storage media, exactly? Well, it's where your
pictures are stored, so it must be pretty important! Someone doesn't
want to be in a another country before they figure out the camera
blinks "Memory Low" in red. A new digital camera usually comes with a
means of storage, but the storage media is, most of the time, not
sufficient enough to hold the slighest amount of pictures. The average
stock digital camera may come with 16MB, 32MB, and maybe even 64MB
worth of memory media. A memory card with at least 512MB-1GB storage
is highly recommended to replace the stock memory card the camera
packaging includes. The most common types of digital camera storage
media are CompactFlash, Secure Digital, xD Picture, Memory Stick,
MicroDrive, and SmartMedia.?
http://www.advancingwomen.com/%20digital_media/digital-camera/digital-camera-storage-media.html



?Digital camera memory is an essential and often overlooked piece of
digital photography equipment. There are many types of memory and it's
a good idea to consider what type of memory a camera uses before you
buy your first digital camera. It's also important to make sure you
have enough memory before you take pictures of an important event or
leave for vacation. Although memory cards are reusable, they don't
have a limitless capacity and it's always good to have more than you
actually need.?
http://www.pcphotoreview.com/memoryguidecrx.aspx



Tripods
=======

   Selecting the perfect tripod
?First and last, you need your three-legged friend to do the job for
you. You need it to be stable and I would always consider this over
cost, weight, etc. The funny thing is that the heavier the tripod is
(within reason), the stronger of a bond you will develop with it. A
strange connection and a bizarre gratitude will develop deep within,
as soon as you see the improved results start pouring in from the
lab.?
http://www.betterphoto.com/buyers/tripodChoosing.asp


Tripod Selection
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/sterlingtek/quicguidtotr.html



   ?The purpose of using a tripod for digital photos is to reduce the
chances of blurring the pictures. Even if for most parts, the image is
clear, because of the slightest camera movement, the entire picture
could be ruined. That?s why you will always see a tripod or monopod in
a professional photographer?s camera bag! A camera tripod is extremely
useful when taking pictures in dim light. When there isn?t enough
light, the shutters are slower, therefore, increasing the chances of
the digital image blurring out. A tripod can easily solve this
problem. A tripod is also useful when you are planning to make large
digital prints of the photos ? a good support from a digital camera
tripod will make a world of difference.?
http://www.advancingwomen.com/%20digital_media/digital-camera/using-a-tripod-with-your-digital-camera.html



Using a Tripod
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/


Choosing a Tripod
http://www.digicamhelp.com/tripods/


This is so cute	!
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/botcaptripfo.html







Choosing a Lens
===============

Zooms explained
Optical is MUCH better than digital zoom (digital becomes too pixilated)
http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/digital-camera-zoom.cfm


Smart Zoom
http://www.cameras.co.uk/html/smart-zoom.cfm

http://www.betterphoto.com/buyers/lensesChoosing.asp







Accessories for digital cameras
http://www.betterphoto.com/buyers/equipChoosing.asp


Choosing a scanner
http://www.betterphoto.com/buyers/scannerChoosing.asp



Photo Papers:
http://www.betterphoto.com/buyers/inkjetpapers.asp



Camera Bags
http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-bags/index.htm



Choosing a camera bag
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/magazine/tips/2001_03/



Rechargeable Batteries
=======================


   I could not agree more with this: ?The first thing a new digicam
owner quickly realizes is that those AA alkaline batteries included
with their camera are next to worthless. I've gotten many emails from
folks who wondered if their cameras were defective because they only
got 20 or so shots before the batteries crapped out.

Today's digital cameras are extremely high-drain devices. The
batteries must power a color LCD, a motorized zoom lens, an autofocus
system, the multi-megapixel imager and the associated processing
hardware.
The answer is simple ... use high power NiMH rechargeable batteries.?
http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html



? Batteries for Digital Cameras
Batteries are arguably the most important digital camera accessory.
Unlike traditional cameras, which can often go months without needing
a battery replacement, some digital cameras can consume power at an
alarming rate, providing no more than a few hours of continuous
shooting time before the battery is drained. Other cameras are
renowned for their batteries' longevity, allowing users to snap away
with barely a thought to power consumption. Knowing how you intend to
use your camera and what type of battery it needs is key to making an
informed purchase.?
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/hqguides/batteries.html



   ?When it comes to power, the ability to use a variety of battery
types can be more important than any single type a camera may use. For
instance, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries generally last the
longest, but if you're out in the woods, you have no way to recharge
them, and you'd probably rather have a backpack full of disposables.
Your best bet is a camera that interchangeably supports rechargeables
and long-life disposables.?
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Digital_cameras/4520-7603_16-5023995-5.html




Lens
http://www.dpcorner.com/

and

http://www.betterphoto.com/digital/buying-best-digital-cameras/04-lens.asp

and

http://reviews.cnet.com/Digital_cameras/4520-7603_7-5023995-3.html?tag=tnav

and

http://www.digicamhelp.com/digital-camera-features/digital-camera-lenses.htm




Lighting
==========
http://www.digicamhelp.com/taking-pictures/photography-lighting-techniques.htm


Lighting and Digital Photography
http://www.digital-photography.org/HMI_tungsten_lighting_lamps/Digital_lighting_HMI_tungs_videcensse.html


Lighting
http://www.photography-lighting.com/photo-studio-quartz.html

And
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Lighting/Lighting_the_background_01.htm

and

http://sell-it-on-the-net.com/photo_guide/ph_guide_index.htm

and

http://www.lowel.com/

Lighting Equipment
http://sell-it-on-the-net.com/photo_guide/studio_equipment.htm


Lighting forum
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00DEIY&tag=





Resources:
http://www.samys.com/cat_cameraEquipment_accessories.php

http://www.dcresource.com/links/



?Ever wonder how photographers shoot photos of items with a solid
white background??
http://www.creatingonline.com/

ImageMaker Light Tent Kit
http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/301780987.htm



Loads of digital photography tips and articles:
http://dpfwiw.com/



Companies with Affiliates:
==========================

Tri-State Cameras
http://www.tristatecamera.com/home.php


Adorama is a well known camera equipment merchant, with affiliate programs.
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=getconnected


Snapfish
http://www.snapfish.com/affiliate/t_=0


Photobox
http://www.photobox.co.uk/static/affiliates_info.html


Acclaim Images
http://www.acclaimimages.com/affiliates.html


Art.com
http://affiliates.art.com/


Photo.net
http://www.photo.net/about-us



BigStockPhoto
http://www.bigstockphoto.com/affiliates.html



Scroll down near the bottom right of this page to find several affiliate links
http://www.bestfoto.com/



About.com
http://cameras.about.com/gi/pages/uagree.htm



Some links on this page will take you to affiliates
http://www.dynalite.com/flink.html#



Photo affiliates outside the US
http://www.photoresearchers.com/about_us/affiliates.html


   I hope this has helped you out! Please request an Answer
Clarification, and allow me to respond, if anything needs further
clarification. I will be happy to assist you , further, before you
rate.



Sincerely, Crabcakes

Search Terms
============
Digital camera equipment
Digital photography + affiliates
guide + buying + digital camera
tripods + digital cameras
rechargeable battery reviews + digital cameras

Crabcakes,

you are a star.  That is a really helpful answer, full of great information.
Thanks.

Thank you for the 5 stars and nice tip! Both are appreciated. SIncerely, Crabcakes