Visit any camera or electronics store and you'll marvel at the choices you have choosing a digital camera. At the same time you'll be confused with all the choices you have choosing a digital camera.

The number of manufacturers and digital camera models available can make your buying decision more complicated than it needs to be. Because there are many digital camera models for every feature imaginable, your first decision is to decide what you want your digital camera to do for you.

After many years of buying consumer electronics, I've learned through experience to always buy more camera than I wanted to begin with.

First, electronic technology changes quickly. What is new today becomes obsolete or improved with next year's models. More importantly, you'll never be able to sell your camera for anything near what you paid for it. Most likely you will store it in your closet or you'll give your camera away to a family member or friend.

Unless you're a professional photographer, price is going to decide which digital camera you buy. Because we're trying to save as much money as possible, we most often buy a camera that doesn't have all the features we wanted. We convince ourselves what we bought is OK but later wish we went ahead and spent the few extra dollars.

Therefore the last decision you need to agree to when buying a digital camera is to spend a few dollars more than you want to. You'll have a better camera that will satisfy your picture taking needs for many years. In the long run you'll be much happier with the purchase you made.

Knowing what type of photographer you are will simplify which digital camera you'll buy.

I think there are three types of photographers: casual, amateur, and professional.

The casual photographer doesn't want to prepare the shot before taking a picture. They just want to point and shoot. It's the camera's job to zoom, focus, flash, and do everything else it needs to.

The amateur photographer wants versatility. Although they too will take pictures like the casual photographer, they do want the ability to adjust their picture setup just like the professional.

The professional photographer wants their digital photograph to look 'alive'. If you touched the photo subject, it'd appear you were touching the real thing and not a photograph. Therefore they want the ability to manually control all features of the camera.

Typically the lower priced digital cameras are for the casual photographer. As the price increases, cameras with more features and better photo quality are available for the amateur and professional photographer.

I believe it's important for you to understand the type of photographer you think you are or want to be. It will directly reflect how much money you'll need to spend to get the results you want.

If you know little about digital cameras and digital photography, it's best to learn about the subjects before making a purchase. Even though the easiest point and shoot camera can be used by a 10-year old, superior results can be achieved if you understand digital photography principles and abilities of a digital camera.

The first place to start is the Internet. Search for digital photography and digital cameras and you'll find information for beginners to professionals. Your local library or bookstore will have books, audios, and videos on the subject.

When you're ready to buy your digital camera, consult Consumer Reports and other magazines for the camera models that suite your needs. Even consult with your local camera store about your photography needs. I find going to stores that specialize only in photography more helpful than stores that do not. And when it comes time to buy, find the retailer who offers the best overall price, service, and value.