When I think back when I bought my very first digital camera eight years ago, I remember being amazed at the technology it possessed. Never mind that it was the size of a small microwave and could only hold 15 or so pictures before I had to download and clear the memory card. I think it was only 2 megapixels and I still paid close to $400 for it! Since then, I’ve had about five or six different digital cameras, so I’ve become a lot more educated and adept at finding the best deals and maximizing my dollar. I know what I want out of a camera, and I’ve learned not to be suckered in with features I don’t need. Here are a few things to remember when shopping for a new digital camera:



Do Your Homework



As with all electronics purchases, do your homework to find out what features you need, versus what you don’t. If you’re not a professional photographer, there’s really no need to buy anything above 8 megapixels, as it would just be a waste of money. The average digital camera user only needs 5 to 8 megapixels to print great quality photos up to 8×10 print size. (Plus, high megapixel cameras take pictures with huge file sizes. This means you can’t fit as many pictures on your memory card.) In addition, newer features such as waterproofing or touch screen capabilities, while really cool, are not really necessary for the average user and could end up costing you hundreds more.



Don’t Get Caught Up In The Latest Technology



Digital camera technology is a lot like cell phone technology, you can buy the “latest and greatest” today, and by next week there will be something new on the market. To save yourself money now, wait until a new model of your preferred brand is released and chances are the older models will then be on clearance. You can save yourself anywhere from $50 – $250 depending on the sophistication of the camera your buying just by buying an older model.



Consider Open Box Models



Don’t be afraid of open box buys! I would take an open box purchase over a brand new purchase any day of the week. An open box buy occurs when a retailer resells a product that has been opened at a heavy discount, either because it was used as a store display model or because it had recently been purchased and returned. The benefits of the open box buy are great: both the store warranty as well as the manufacturer warranty is the same as if the product was purchased brand new, but the price is significantly cheaper. I purchased my last camera as an open box buy and saved myself a whopping $150 off the cost of a normally $400 camera. Most of the cameras are in pristine condition, but if it was a display there may be a few minor smudges and/or scratches. That doesn’t deter me in the least, as I’m bound to get more scratches with use. Best Buy has excellent open box buys. Check out ShopGala‘s current Best Buy coupons and promotional codes to save even more.



Think About Used Cameras



Lastly, if you’re not afraid of buying used, eBay is an excellent resource for digital cameras. This is a good route for someone who is toeing the line between basic “point and shoot” cameras and more professional type SLR cameras, as you can buy expensive equipment at a heavy discount through their bidding process. As with any eBay purchase, do your homework on the seller first and make sure they are reputable with high ratings. Here’s an eBay free shipping coupon to increase your digital camera purchase savings.

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