Shopping for a camera can be daunting. The variety of selections can be pared down by asking a few basic questions. The following questions are FAQ's in the camera shop, not specifically in order, nonetheless, they should be answered before choosing the camera you want to capture the beauty you see all about you.
Will you be traveling with the camera and where will you be traveling? The answer(s) to these questions will reveal how much (optical) ZOOM and DURABILITY (waterproof, shockproof) you want.
How intuitive are the controls? The basic controls should be simple enough to find the flash control, Sensor sensitivity or ISO (International Standardization Organization) setting, image preview or shutter speed control. The latest models are equipped an auto mode labeled (iA) of which is quite adequate for much of your photography you want.
Is the lens a BRIGHT LENS (low f stop i.e. f:3.0 down to f:1.8 for some models)? This is important for indoor, low light or Macro photography.
What price range is comfortable? Price will dictate quality, features and your specific use. Many manufacturers offer rebate incentives.
One of the most common asked question is, "What camera takes the best pictures?" My answer is always, "The one you learn to use!" There are many instructional videos available for the camera you purchase.
Many guests seek a camera like the one that just retired. "It took great pictures" is a common expression of a camera that served well for years. The truth is, it is all about the operator of the camera understanding the limits of the machine's photographic capabilities that achieve great results.