When the decision to buy a digital camera has been made, then the next question that arises is, "Which camera to buy?" There are many brands with numerous features. A proper study of all the brands would result in giving the best buy and therefore a comparison is in order. Both qualitative and quantitative methods may be employed to undertake a comparative analysis. Parameters, on which comparison should be based, to be worth the effort, should include performance, quality, price, features, availability of spare parts, and prompt post-sales service. What cannot be rightly ascertained at the time of purchase are performance, quality, and post-sales service. These can be known after the product is bought.

However, digital camera reviews, digital SLR camera reviews, and other similar digital camera consumer reports can surely state the advantages and the disadvantages of each digital camera model that is sold in the digital camera store. Thus, the reading of reviews is critical before a decision is arrived at. What can definitely be ascertained at the time of purchase are the features and the price. A comparative analysis should be arrived by plotting each feature under a common head. For example, under the common head of lens, all the features of the camera's lenses, as described by the company, should be written. Likewise, all the heads should be filled in, compared and a well-informed decision should be arrived at.

Parameters for comparison of digital cameras
The different heads utilized for comparison should be as follows:

• Basics
1. Model name and number:
2. Sensor:
3. Lens (35mm equiv), zoom, aperture:
4. Memory Card:
5. Battery:
6. Size:
7. Weight (incl. of battery):

• Price:

• Features
1. Resolution:
2. Price:
3. Lens type:
4. Storage media:
5. Photo file format:
6. Interfaces:
7. Exposure controls:
8. Focus controls:
9. Flash modes:
10. Software:
11. Multimedia:
12. Most desired features:

Note:

* These heads should be filled up with respect to different companies such as Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Kodak, Leica, etc., to arrive at a conclusion.
* The models compared should be in the same price range. For example, a point-and-shoot camera of Canon should be compared with another point-and-shoot camera of say, Sony. DSLRs should be compared with other DSLRs only.

Analysis of compared data of digital cameras

After you have collected all the data, it has to be analyzed to make sense out of it and arrive at an informed conclusion. The analysis has to be based on certain criteria like your spending power, your expertise level, and your fulfillment of needs. If you cannot possibly afford a DSLR then, there is no point in collecting and analyzing data pertaining to it. If you cannot understand what are exposure levels, what is optimal focusing, what is RAW format and how to use such a file, then there is no use of your collecting and analyzing data pertaining to high-end digital cameras. Similarly, if by buying a point-and -shoot camera your needs are not fulfilled, then it is useless collecting and analyzing data pertaining to it. Hence, before your actual collection and analysis of data begins, you should be very clear about your budget and what exactly you need. Then you should try to find out whether your needs can be fulfilled within that budget or not. If not, then either reduce your needs or increase your budget. Then collect the data, make a comparative analysis, come to a decision, and buy your chosen digital camera to start taking great digital camera photos.