Today’s cameras offer a wide array of features that can be both confusing and overwhelming when trying to shop for the right camera. Features such as wide zoom range, face detect, megapixel count, image stabilization and high ISO can sound like a foreign language. If this sounds familiar, read on for some quick helpful tips to get your money’s worth.

The Image Stabilization Feature

This feature also called the ‘anti camera shake feature by canon, also referred to as ‘IS’ works by having an element inside the camera that detects small movements such as hands shaking slightly and adjust the camera to compensate for the movement. Other manufacturers offer this feature under names such as Mega OIS, Vibration Reduction and Super Steady Shot among others.

So, why is this feature so fantastic? The reason is simple; it allows photos to be taken in dimmer light without the use of flash or a high ISO setting. In most cases, the best pictures are taken in dimmer light, so do no not even consider buying a camera that does not offer this feature.

The Wide Zoom Range Feature

For the wide zoom range feature, a wider range can be achieved when taking a photo. For example, today’s every day point and shoot camera will come with a 35mm to 140mm feature. This is a decent range, however, the 140mm at the telephoto end will allow for frame filling when shooting at long distances while the 35mm will not allow everything being shot to be included in the photo. To gain everything you are looking for; try a 28mm on the wide end.

The Megapixel Count

Pixels are tiny dots that make up a photo, similar to that of how newsprint is made. If you take a magnifying glass to your newspaper, you will see the dots. Megapixel refers to a million dots. The listed megapixel count for a camera refers to the maximum amount of dots that will make up a photo once the finished quality photo has been selected.

In general, a range of six to eight megapixels is plenty for the average, casual photographer. Purchasing a high megapixel count is worth the money, however six megapixels is kind of overkill. Anything higher than six will only be truly worthwhile if you plan on making large prints out of your photos. In addition, higher megapixel count also allows for more latitude for cropping your photos without losing quality. This makes a higher range beneficial.