Whether you need a camera to take product shots for an ad, website, online catalog or company brochure, or just or to record company events, you’ll find plenty of digital cameras that will do the job and then some. Affordable cameras with functions such as in-camera editing and wireless image transfer, and that take high-quality images you can easily download to your computer are easier than ever to find.

As you prepare to locate and buy the perfect digital camera for your business needs, these are the key considerations to keep in mind:

1) Megapixels is a measurement for image quality in the digital camera world. The higher the number, the higher the quality and (usually, but not always) the higher the price.

2) Optical zoom. Is this a "must" for you? Or perhaps a "nice to have?" Low-cost cameras won't have it at all. Others have different zoom ranges. The most expensive models have the highest optical zoom capabilities.

3) Brand matters. Some shoppers want specific brands because they've had them before. Canon, Sony, Nikon and Olympus are just a few examples. You can narrow your search quickly if you shop by specific brand.

4) Price. Low-cost models are available for under $200, but you can keep going into the thousands for top-of-the-line professional cameras with high quality lenses, loaded with features.

Action Steps for Digital Cameras
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with the basics

Identify the cameras that deliver the basic capabilities you need. Then find out how they actually perform in the trenches.

I recommend: PC Magazine and Digital Photography Review provide product reviews along with specs and pricing for dozens of digital cameras.

Digital cameras with video

Most new digital cameras let you record video. You can’t expect the sharp images that you would get from a video camera, but their image quality is improving.

I recommend: If you want to shoot more than a 30-second snippet of high-quality video pick a camera such as Samsung’s DIGIMAX S800 whose video output is 640 x 480 resolution, 30 frames per second (fps).

Edit photos in your camera

When time is tight, you’ll be grateful for a camera that lets you change the size of your photos and perform other editing functions without having to download the images to your computer.

I recommend: Nikon’s D40, like many of today’s cameras, gives you a good selection of photo editing options. HP’s Photosmart R837’s editing tools are particularly handy if you photograph people. In addition to eliminating red-eye, you can quickly re-touch portrait shots and even make your models look thinner.

Wireless image transfer

Another feature to consider if you shoot photos on the go, is the ability to send photos to customers and colleagues directly from your camera to their computer or other device.

I recommend: Kodak pioneered the wireless consumer camera with its EasyShare-One. Canon’s PowerShot SD430 also gives you the freedom of wireless transfer, including the ability to wirelessly send the image files to certain Canon printers.

Shoot close-ups of tiny items

Do you need to photograph a cell phone keypad or go in tight on a beaded necklace? To take clear shots of the tiniest details, you need a camera with a macro function.

I recommend: With the Olympus SP-550 UZ, your camera can be less than 1/2 inch from the item you’re shooting. With Samsung’s DIGIMAX S800 you can get as close as 1½ inches.

Be still my digital camera

Some newer cameras incorporate an image stabilizing feature to help you keep the camera steady and eliminate blurry photos.

I recommend: Most experts say that optical image stabilization does a better job than digital image stabilization. Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ20K includes an optical image stabilization feature. It also lets you switch from auto to manual mode when you want more control over the camera’s settings.

Tips & Tactics for Digital Cameras

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don’t assume that cameras labeled compact, ultra compact or point-and-shoot are strictly for consumers who want to snap birthday party photos. Many are very sophisticated and can do the job for most small-business applications.
• •  Pick a higher megapixel camera if you plan to crop your photos or make large prints.
• •  To get the best shots, take a basic photography course so that you know how to frame and light the products and people you’re shooting.