Snap up a clever camera with our essential guide

New digital camera features make it easier than ever to get professional-looking photos

Digital cameras used to be tricky to use with complicated menus and hard-to-fathom tools but there are now a variety of easy-to-use models, making taking good pictures a breeze.

Whether you want professional results or something robust for the kids, it is just a question of understanding what the camera can do.

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What you need to know:

What does the Optical Zoom do?
Lets you take close-up shots. The higher the number, the closer you can zoom in. For sharp photos, go for a camera with at least three or four times optical zoom (3x or 4x) as this will bring you closer to your subject.

I've hear people talk about Megapixels. What do they do?
Pixels are the tiny squares that make up a digital picture. A megapixel is a million pixels, and is used to express the number of sensor elements in a digital camera. The more megapixels a camera has, the sharper the images will be.

What is a LCD touchscreen?
The LCD screen displays your pictures and allows you to change the camera settings.

Do I need a digital zoom?
The digital zoom allows you to zoom in on your photos and to the image in detail. Most cameras have this function.

What weight and size camera should I get?
Choose a light, small camera if you want to carry it in your pocket.

How much do they cost?
Depending on quality and what functions it has, a compact digital camera can cost from around £30 to £300.

Is there a way to save money?
Why not swap your old camera for cash at the London Camera Exchange or call Jacobs Digital on 020 7436 5544 to buy or sell cameras and accessories.

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