Digital cameras, as popular as they are, remain a mystery to many consumers. With myriad settings, levels, buttons, and options, it's no wonder that even experienced digital-camera owners get confused. We're here to dispel some of the camera confusion.

 

First, there's the issue of buying the camera itself. Your digital-photography experience and comfort level should dictate your choice; a more expensive camera won't necessarily produce better pictures, especially if you don't know how to use it correctly. If you want a device that lets you snap pictures quickly and easily, look for a model that offers more automatic functions and fewer manual controls. Don't waste your time and money on features you have no interest in using. On the other hand, if you want to dig down deep and tweak individual settings, look for a digicam that will give you the options to do so. 

 

Before you start shopping, take a look at the features and price points of a few different models. We've rounded up four recently reviewed digital cameras, each offering varying levels of control. The HP Photosmart R837, for example, priced at just $229, has a three-inch LCD and can display previews of what your photo will look like when you tweak the settings. The more advanced Olympus SP-550UZ, priced at $499, has an 18X zoom, 30 preset modes, and five flash settings.

 

Once you've made your purchase, take some time to learn a few tricks to make your new gadget produce the best photos it can. To help you take better pictures, we've asked an expert to offer some easy tips that will start you on your way, whether you're shooting in low light, capturing a fast-moving target, or taking a close-up. Don't miss this handy guide on taking better pictures.