When shopping for a digital camera, it’s important to first understand that there are many different styles and features in each segment. Once you determine how you plan to use your camera and the types of activities you plan on photographing, the next step is to do some research and determine which type of camera works best for you.
The J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Digital Camera Satisfaction StudySM shows that the reasons for purchasing a digital camera vary depending on the each of our four segments.
Point and Shoot cameras used to be the entry compact camera category with limited features and basic styling. But today digital cameras in this category offer good quality and performance along with many features previously found only in premium cameras. While price is still the key consideration in this segment (all of these cameras sell for under $230), picture quality and brand reputation are also important to these shoppers. People are the major subject of these camera users, as are general vacation shots, with this segment averaging over 90 photos a month.
Premium Point and Shoot cameras are compact cameras that typically offer more features than compact cameras, including more advanced technologies such as optical image stabilization, face-detection, etc. Sizes range from compact models to the larger DSLR look-alikes, without removable lenses, of course. The majority of these cameras sell below $400, but some can go for upwards of $600 or more. Zoom capability is a key feature of this segment, as are camera features and functions, as well as comparable picture quality. Do a side-by-side comparison with less expensive cameras to see exactly what the additional price is giving you. People and general vacation photos are the most likely subjects in this segment, with outdoor shots almost as common here as among upscale, DSLR users. Users average 150 photos per month.
Ultra Slim cameras hit the market 5 years ago and redefined style in digital cameras. By easily fitting in your pocket, these thin cameras are ideal for using on vacations. Not surprisingly, camera size is very important to consumers who purchase this camera, but picture quality is actually the most important reason for the selection. New Ultra Slim models offer high mega-pixel counts and optical zooms that were only available on larger compact cameras in the past. Average selling prices can vary widely with the majority selling in the $100 to $400 price range. Users of Ultra Slim cameras generally use them for taking pictures of people or for general use while on vacation, snapping over 140 photos a month on average.
Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR), are generally much larger, bulkier cameras with interchangeable lenses. Price points are generally between $1000 and $2000, with the study revealing that the average price paid is just over $1,100. Consider purchasing additional lenses (if not pricing them) when you purchase a DSLR in order to make legitimate comparisons to other camera models or brands. External flashes, tripods and other accessories are generally camera agnostic, so you can take your time in these areas. Despite these higher prices, overall satisfaction among these photo files is the highest of any camera segment. Nature or outdoors photos are as common as people photos and vacation photos among DSLR users, who take pictures at nearly a 400 photo-per-month clip.
The study shows that consumers find that camera manufacturer, consumer publication and retailer web sites are excellent sources of comparative information, so you can prepare for your shopping experience in advance. Asking others about their experiences is very helpful, and at least one in three respondents say they do just that. Salespeople and other in-store information can be helpful as well, but nothing substitutes for being familiar with the type of camera that interests you in advance. Although available to all, the study finds that trade publication newsletters and web sites are most commonly used by DSLR camera buyers, as is the web overall. At these price points, it pays to be cautious, no pun intended.
In any event, the study shows that, increasingly, consumers are researching cameras on the web and then performing hands-on shopping in camera stores or other electronics outlets, returning to the web to purchase their cameras at sometimes, significant savings. One caveat: consider your manufacturer’s warranty and where you can obtain repair or replacement service. Although relatively rare, if you use your camera a lot, you may want a convenient, if not nearby, location for warranty work. If you can survive without a camera for a period of time, then the internet will generally be your best source for lower prices.
2007 Highest Ranked Digital Cameras by Camera Segment based on Customer Satisfaction (Includes specific models included in our camera rankings)
Ultra Slim
Casio Exilim Zoom Series
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z50
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z500
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z75
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z1050
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z700
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z1000
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z600
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z850
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z70
- Casio EXILIM EX-Z60
Point and Shoot
Fujifilm FinePix F Series
- Fujifilm FINEPIX F20
- Fujifilm FINEPIX F410
- Fujifilm FINEPIX F650
- Fujifilm FINEPIX F700
Premier Point and Shoot
Canon Powershot SD Series
- Canon POWERSHOT SD700IS
- Canon POWERSHOT SD900
DSLR
Nikon D Series
- Nikon D100
- Nikon D200
- Nikon D40X
- Nikon D50
- Nikon D2HS
- Nikon D40
- Nikon D70
- Nikon D70S
- Nikon D80
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