The New Nation - Internet Edition

Here's a quick list of things to remember while buying a Digicam:

1. Forget the megapixel count that the salesman is throwing at you. Really, after a 5-megapixel (MP) camera, a home user is not going to be able to tell the difference. If you want to pick up a digicam to click a few photos around the house or carry it for get-togethers, then buying a camera with a 5- or a 6-MP lens is quite sufficient. Still, if you're a little picky and want to hook up your device to your 32-inch HDTV, then a 7- or 8-MP digicam is what you should go for. But again, your megapixel count is not going to make a discernable difference, so if given a choice between a 7-MP camera with few features and a 6-MP one packed with other features, go for the latter.

2. Make sure the device uses a lithium-ion battery, and not AAA or AA cells. A digicam will drain pencil cells very fast - sometimes in the middle of a photo session - and you would need to carry an extra set or two around. Plus, this means a cost of buying new batteries all the time. So save yourself all the hassles and ensure it has a lithium-ion battery, which will last way longer. Also, if you pick up a camera with an external charger, do buy a second battery. It's really useful when you're going to be clicking away for a long time, such as on a vacation.

3. Before you pick up any camera, make sure you're comfortable with the size of the LCD screen. A quick and easy way to check this is to use the 'elbow test'. Stretch one of your arms outwards, and hold the digicam at your elbow with the other hand and have a look at the screen. Elbow-length is generally the maximum distance you'll hold a camera away from your body, so if you're satisfied with the picture, then that's all that matters in choosing the screen.

4. There are two features that most new digicams should have - image stabilisation and face detection. Image stabilisation is a must for a camera with a poor focus, because the technology will ensure you get much sharper images, even with a bit of a shaky hand. Face detection takes care of the auto-focus, which is the Achilles' heel of most digicams.

5. A quick list of other things to keep in mind - An optical zoom of 5x, although 3x is acceptable for most average users; Digital zoom doesn't matter as much, because it will give you grainy images anyway; Preset modes such as landscape, portrait, night, etc; And finally, if possible, get a gadget with in-camera image editing.

As long as you stick to these points, your camera buying should go smoothly.