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With Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to think about gift ideas. And what could be a better Christmas gift in this digital age than a digital camera?

Compact digital cameras are now so affordable and so packed with great features that you’re sure to find one that’s just right for your lucky friend or relative. Here are a few pointers to make sure you get the features that matter, without paying for features that don’t.

First thing is the number of Megapixels. All that this means is how much detail the camera can record. 5 or 6 Megapixels is plenty for even high quality photos. Bigger numbers sound good but they’re just not needed for the average compact – bigger photos will quickly fill your hard drive up too.

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Then there’s the zoom. It’s vital to consider only “optical zoom” which is when the lens brings things closer. Ignore “digital zoom” which doesn’t give you any more detail - it just does the same as zooming in on your computer, and it’s little more than a sales gimmick.

3x or 4x optical zoom is pretty standard nowadays, and is adequate for everyday use. Superzoom digital cameras are also becoming quite affordable, with 10x or more being found in an amazingly small camera. These are great, but cost a little more. Look out for image stabilisation features too because the bigger the zoom, the more stable you’ll need to hold the camera.

And the final point is batteries. Digital cameras eat batteries like my cat eats mice. So rechargeable batteries are a must, and if you choose a camera that takes rechargeable AA standard batteries, you can keep a spare set with the camera.

The rest is down to looks, weight and feel, and very much a personal thing. But if you follow these tips, you can be sure of choosing a fabulous Christmas gift.

Rob

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