Parts of A Digital Camera
The Body

The Body:  The body is usually made of plastic, some models use lightweight metals in their construction.  Some cameras automatically retract the lens and "clamshell" themselves into a small, tight package.  Sizes vary, many of the newer cameras are getting very small, this can be great for storage (tuck into your pocket) but if you have large hands or shake a little bit, it can be more difficult to use.

If at all possible, go to a department store that has the various types of cameras on display.  See how the camera body feels when you hold it, use the menu system/controls and see if you like them.  I know I was surprised when I had read about the new series of cameras out this year and looked at the pictures of them.  I really expected larger bodies, when I went into COSTCO and saw them in person, they were actually tiny.  If you like to have a small camera that would slip into your shirt pocket, don't forget to try it out before you purchase it - i.e. can you see the flash mode symbols on the tiny screen?  When you zoom and pan your pictures, are they easy to make out?  Also - remember that when you buy the tiny cameras you will usually have more blurring and less quality due to the difficulty of holding it still.  Recently (2007), small point and shoot cameras are now frequently made with handles to grip, versus a tiny, smooth case.  Panasonic makes a good image stabilizer to reduce shake.

Shop and try the various models before you purchase, consider mail order with trusted companies, two of my favorite online companies are www.bhphoto.com and www.costco.com

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