One of the first things to consider when purchasing a digital camera is to decide what you are going to use the camera for. For example, if you plan to send the majority of your pictures through e-mail or post them online, a camera with a lower resolution will do just fine.  However, if you plan to print your pictures especially if you plan to print photographs larger than 4" x 6", that it would be wise to invest in a digital camera with as many megapixels as you can afford. By having a camera with a large amount of megapixels, you have a much wider range of printing sizes available to you while still maintaining a quality image. 

Another important consideration when choosing your digital camera is to decide whether you are going to choose a point and shoot type camera which is much easier to use or if you prefer more options and greater creativity, then perhaps a digital SLR which stands for single lens reflex camera might be better suited to your needs. The digital SLR camera works in much the same way as a regular 35 mm film camera.  It gives you the option of changing the lens and provides many more features as far as exposure and shutter speed.