Digital cameras come packed with features, more than some casual photographers will ever use. Some features are more useful than others so, for general photo taking, get a digital camera with these features at the minimum:

Megapixels – enough to meet image quality and printing needs. Unless you make huge prints or crop a lot, six-eight megapixels are more than adequate. However, unless you buy a used camera, it’s difficult to buy a camera with less than 10 megapixels.

Automatic features – Auto focus, auto exposure, auto white balance; many digital cameras today have intelligent auto modes and face detection.

Optical zoom – digital cameras usually have both optical and digital zoom lens. Avoid cameras that have only a digital zoom.

Optical image stabilization – A standard feature on most digital cameras today, Image Stabilization helps prevent blurred images due to camera movement. For the best image quality, get optical rather than digital image stabilization. Some cameras have more than one type of IS.

LCD monitor – screen built into the back of a camera. Used to compose and view a scene, review photos on the memory card and to access camera menus. LCD displays have improved considerably but it still may be difficult to view the scene in bright light. The higher the resolution (dots-per-inch) of the LCD, the more detail shows on the screen.

Viewfinder – as the sizes of LCDs have increased, fewer and fewer compact digital cameras have viewfinders. But if you take a lot of photos in bright light consider getting getting a camera with a viewfinder…if you can find one.  By pressing a camera against the face while looking through a viewfinder, the camera is steadied and helps minimize camera shake, particularly when using longer focal lengths and taking photos in low light.

Compression – compression is a method of reducing the file size of a digital image. Purchase a camera that lets you change compression and quality settings.

Macro mode – for close-up photography of flowers, insects, coins, etc.

Automatic flash – Illuminates a subject when there is not enough available light. If you take a lot of flash photography consider getting a camera with a hot shoe and purchasing an external flash.

Focus assist lamp – visible or infrared lamp that helps a digital camera focus better when taking photos in low light.

Removable media – you should be able to remove memory cards from the camera so you can use additional cards if needed. If you plan to take a lot of images or shoot video, make sure you camera takes high capacity memory cards.