Digital Camera Testing Tips During Holiday Season

As I’ve visited various electronics and camera stores this holiday season, I’ve noticed many people trying out digital cameras as they shop. This is a great idea for finding exactly the digital camera that fits your needs.

However, as you take test photos of your friends and family, go a little beyond just snapping random photos to make sure you have the right camera.

• Try out the digital camera’s menu system. If the camera has a complex, confusing menu system, it’s best to find out before you buy it.
• Looking through the menus and the photos you’ve taken also allows you to test the unit’s LCD. Is it bright and sharp enough? Is it big enough?
• Can you reach the buttons easily? Can you use the camera one-handed? Some cameras will fit your hands and grip better than others.
• Can you hold the camera without blocking the flash, pressing random buttons, or smudging the LCD? Some cameras are designed better than others.
• Test some cameras that have a viewfinder and some that don’t. Figure out which method of framing a photo works better for you.
• Finally, if the camera saved your test photos of your family in internal memory, be sure to delete them. After all, anyone could use that camera next. Just play it safe and delete them.