A few major considerations must be noted when you are choosing the best compact digital camera. Models differ in size, features, function, and memory storage, so you will need to do a bit of research to find the compact digital camera that will work well for you. Think about whether you will use the unit in inclement weather, or if it is possible that the camera will be exposed to moisture. If this is likely, you may want to consider purchasing a waterproof unit that can be safely submerged in water without damaging the electronics.
Consider purchasing a compact digital camera that is small enough to fit in a pocket, but large enough to be handled easily. All the buttons should be easy to press, and menus should be easy to navigate. Many modern models feature large LCD monitors on the back of the camera to make viewing pictures easy. Choose a large display on the compact digital camera so you can quickly view photos you just took to ensure they are composed properly and are not blurry, overexposed, or underexposed. Many models will feature automatic exposure metering as well as automatic focusing, but these features do not always work flawlessly; a larger display will help you spot mistakes before you go home and export the photos onto a computer.
The type of memory storage can vary from model to model as well. The two most common types of memory storage are compact flash (CF) cards, and secure digital (SD) cards. SD cards tend to be much smaller than CF cards, making them lighter and easier to store. They are, however, more fragile, so more care will need to be taken to prevent damage. They can also be lost more easily. CF cards are generally reserved for larger cameras, such as DSLRs, though some compact digital camera models may feature CF cards for more storage space and higher write speeds. SD cards will allow the entire unit to be smaller, though they are not likely to have as high a storage capacity.
Take note of how many megapixels the model you are considering features. This number will have an impact on the resolution and sharpness of the photos you take. It is wise to choose a camera with at least three megapixels so the pictures you take are sharp even when printed out on photo paper. Generally speaking, the higher the megapixel number, the larger the prints you will be able to create. The sharpness of the photos may also increase with the megapixel rating.
