Tips > How to Buy a Camera >

1 - General Advice

Wait

If you're going to buy a new camera, I suggest you wait until after the first class.

You can get advice from your classmates and this writer, and you can have a look at everyone's cameras.

Sorry

Unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly which camera to buy.

Why?

I don't work in a camera store.

I'm not familiar with every camera, especially the myriad of point-and-shoot cameras.

I offer general camera-buying advice here.

If you read what I've written, and click on a few of the links that I've provided, you'll be steered toward a good camera.

Caveat Emptor!

Go Caveat Emptor! (Buyer Beware!).

Check the Return Policy

Be sure to check the written return policy before you purchase a camera.

You want to buy a camera from an establishment that will accept a camera for a full refund, for a week or so after purchase, for any reason, as long as:

• The camera is in new condition.

• You have the box and all packing materials.

• The warranty cards are not filled out.

Again, don't fill out the warranty card until you're sure you're keeping the camera.

Imported (Gray Market) v. U.S.A.

A store may offer products that were not imported via their manufacturers.

For example, Nikon U.S.A. imports cameras into the United States, and these cameras have a warranty that's good in the United States.

A store can import Nikon cameras themselves, rather than obtaining the cameras from Nikon U.S.A.

These cameras are called gray-market cameras.

Gray-market products may be less expensive.

However, they don't have the manufacturer's warranty in the United States.

Instead, the store may offer their own warranty.

Compare Prices

Extended Warranties

Avoid purchasing an extended warranty.

They're usually not a good value.

Stores

Go to Stores.

Memory Cards

Your new camera will probably come with a memory card.

However, it will have a low storage capacity.

Plan on buying another card when you purchase the camera.

Go to Memory Cards & Card Readers.

Buy Regular Batteries, Too

When you unpack your new camera, you may not be able to use it immediately.

That's because you have to charge the battery initially for a long period of time.

So, make sure you buy conventional batteries that fit your camera.

Then, you'll be able to use it right away.

Be Sure to Set the Date

When you turn on your new camera, you'll probably be prompted to set the date and time.

By setting the correct date and time, your photographs will be sorted into the correct folders by the software that you use to organize your files.

To continue, use the orange How to Buy a Camera Menu above.

Or, go to the point-and-shoot camera or DSLR camera sections.