A Digital Camera

BEGINNER

THE QUESTION How much does this camera cost?

WHY YOU ASKED IT Prices range from less than $100 to more than $1,000. Aim for the sweet spot: between $250 and $400.

WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR We've got a high-end camera that's a steal at $500, but you will get decent images with this $200 no-frills model.

[THE QUESTION] What's the camera's resolution?

[WHY YOU ASKED IT] The higher the resolution--measured in millions of pixels, or megapixels--the sharper the image.

[WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR] Lower-priced, 2-megapixel models produce fine prints, but if you like to crop or enlarge photos, go for 3 megapixels.

[THE QUESTION] How many images can this camera store at one time?

[WHY YOU ASKED IT] Digicams store images on removable media cards. CompactFlash and SmartMedia are two popular formats.

[WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR] Most models come with an 8-MB card (stores about 16 medium-res shots), but we will throw in a free 32-MB card.

[THE QUESTION] Does this camera let you adjust compression?

[WHY YOU ASKED IT] Cameras store images as compressed files. Higher compression reduces resolution but uses less storage space.

[WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR] This camera gives you three settings: "normal" (standard quality), "fine" and "superfine" (superhigh quality).

ADVANCED

[THE QUESTION] How long do the batteries last on this camera?

[WHY YOU ASKED IT] Digital cameras are battery hogs, particularly when the LCD screen is switched on.

[WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR] This camera takes both disposable and rechargeable batteries, and we can recommend a good recharger.

[THE QUESTION] How do I transfer images from my camera to a computer?

[WHY YOU ASKED IT] Most cameras come with a cable and software that let you download, view and even edit images on your PC.

[WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR] This camera connects to a PC via its USB port; for easier transfers, we've got card readers and docking stations.

[THE QUESTION] Does this camera have optical or digital zoom?

[WHY YOU ASKED IT] With optical zoom, the lens does the work; digital zoom just stretches and crops images, often with fuzzy results.

[WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR] This camera gives you at least 3X optical zoom, and 9X digital zoom on top of that.

[THE QUESTION] Does this camera offer voice or video recording?

[WHY YOU ASKED IT] Higher-end cameras can record short audio tags or crude video clips (really stills captured in quick succession).

[WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR] If you would like to e-mail brief, low-res video clips to far-flung friends and relatives, this will do the job.