There is a huge range of digital cameras on the market and walking into a camera shop with no idea what you want can lead to you walking out with the wrong one. To narrow down your search, start by asking yourself some basic questions:

How much are you prepared to spend? Set a budget and don't even look at cameras out of your price range - a salesman will always be able to find something that costs "just a little more".

What do you want the camera for? If you want to capture fun memories and know you'll only take pictures if you have an easy-to-use camera in your pocket - you'll be after a small, fully automated compact. If you're fascinated by photography, keen to learn more and won't be put off by carrying a larger, heavier camera, you may want an SLR (single-lens reflex, see box below).

What size photo prints do you want? Cameras are classified by their pixel count (the more pixels, the more detail captured, and the bigger the file size). If you don't want prints any bigger than 10x15cm, most cameras will do the job. If, however, you'd like to see your photos starring in Way2go or enlarge your favourites to hang on the wall, you might need something larger. Bear in mind that a 10 megapixel (MP) compact will not give the same quality as a 10MP SLR because SLRs have larger photo sensors and therefore capture more information.

What size camera are you happy to carry? There's no point in buying the latest you-beaut model if it's going to sit at home because it's too big to fit in your pocket or handbag.

How much control do you want? Beginners or anyone who simply wants to point and shoot will want automatic settings that will handle everything from focus to flash. If you want a bit more control, look for a compact with manual overrides for shutter speed, aperture and flash. If you want full control, including the option to change lenses, opt for an SLR.

Once you've answered these questions and decided which aspects are most important, write a wish list and do some research on the internet to see how many (if any) cameras fit the bill. Compare their features and make a shortlist. Then visit the camera store. Even if you want to buy online, it's important to try the camera out. See how it feels to use, check the size and weight, make sure a compact camera has a good LCD screen which displays clearly even in bright daylight.

Some other things to consider

Extra memory: Most compact cameras use Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, from about $20 for 2 gigabytes (GB) that holds about 500 high-resolution images on an 8mp camera, to $52 for 8GB that will hold four times the number of images.

Sony cameras use Memory Stick Pro, from $35 for 2GB to $110 for 8GB.

Most SLRs use Compact Flash (CF) cards, from $44 for 2GB to $528 for 32GB.

Batteries: Some cameras take AA batteries; others have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Consider whether you will have a power source to recharge a battery when you travel.

Movies: Most compacts - and now some SLRs - have a video/movie function, and some record in High Definition (HD).

Waterproof and shockproof options: Handy if you travel rough or want to shoot in the water. However you may compromise on image quality due to the adjustments made for underwater use.

Zoom: For most purposes, 3X optical zoom on a compact camera is enough - any higher and you start to lose quality (higher zoom lenses are harder to make). And don't get excited about the digital zoom capacity - it simply means the camera is enlarging the image, and you could do the same thing later on your home computer.

Viewfinder: A viewfinder is only accurate on an SLR. For compacts you can only see exactly what you'll get by using the LCD.

Shutter speed range: The greater the range, the better. A fast shutter speed catches action, while a slow speed (and a stable surface or tripod) is needed for long exposure shots and night shooting.

Image stabilisation: Reduces blur caused by camera shake or subject movement.

Exposure Compensation: Allows you to manually compensate for over-bright conditions like in the snow or at the beach, or dark situations that confuse a camera's metering system.

Focus system/range: The more focus points, the better, as it allows great scope for focusing on a subject that may not be the closest, or the most central object in the frame.

Exposure metering/control: Options like centre-weighted or spot metering are moving into semi-professional levels. Less competent shooters should look for a good range of scene pre-sets or options - eg portrait, landscape, night scene, sports, foliage, snow, beach, sunset, fireworks etc.

Warranty: Check what the warranty covers and ask about extended warranty options.