Digital Point-and-Shoot Tips As summer approaches, Americans are relying more than ever on digital technology to capture special moments with friends and family. According to a 2003 Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) survey, consumers bought more digital cameras than traditional film cameras for the first time in 2003, and projections suggest that the trend will continue in 2004. Moreover, a new online survey recently conducted by Best Buy found that 66 percent of people are at least somewhat aware of all the options available from their digital technology, and many are taking advantage of its unparalleled benefits.

'Tis the Season

The beginning of summer is one of the most popular buying periods for digital imaging products. Best Buy, the nation's leading retailer for digital cameras and digital camcorders, reports that sales volumes for these products during May to June are the second highest for this category, trailing only the holiday season.

Summer offers non-stop photo opportunities, and Americans are using easy digital technology to record and share memories from Little League to Father's Day. According to the Best Buy survey, of those who have gone digital, two-thirds (67 percent) already have recorded a family vacation using digital technology, while one-third have taken digital images of a wedding (34 percent) or family reunion (34 percent).

Digital Cameras

Digital camera owners find that taking digital photos is easy, cost-effective and fun. Their favorite features include viewing a picture immediately on the camera's LCD screen (37 percent), choosing the images they want to print and share (25 percent) and sharing photos easily via the Internet/email (19 percent).

The ability to email pictures, burn photo CDs and create online scrapbooks makes it convenient to share digital images quickly and across long distances. The majority of online users (89 percent) have sent photos to family and friends via email, while more than half (62 percent) email pictures at least once a month, and 42 percent say sharing with friends and family via email is the primary use for their digital photos. An eye-opening 47 percent report they've enhanced or restored old photos via their computer software, and even 36 percent show their digital know-how by creating digital slide shows.

In addition to being easy, digital photography also helps save money, as photographers pay only for the pictures they want to print. The majority of digital camera owners (63 percent) print their photos directly from their computer, while 17 percent print them at retail locations.

Digital Camcorders

Digital technology also makes it easy to create professional-looking movies with only a camcorder, editing software and a PC. This ability to personalize home videos with special effects, including adding music and text, has created widespread interest in the digital camcorder category in recent years. The Best Buy survey indicates that 40 percent of digital camcorder owners have edited a home movie on their computer, while 22 percent of people have sent personal video clips to family and friends via email. The survey also showed that favorite activities captured by digital camcorder users include family vacations (65 percent), sporting events (34 percent), weddings and graduations (30 percent each).

Tips for Going Digital

To enjoy these great benefits, you first must find a camera or camcorder that is right for you. Consider the following tips:

Determine what digital camera features are most important to you. A dad who likes to print enlargements of his fishing trophies might want a high-resolution camera and photo-quality paper, while a couple heading on a vacation might value a pocket-sized camera with a high-capacity memory card for traveling. Respondents list high-resolution capability (77 percent), ease of use with their computer (57 percent) and small size (31 percent) as the most important factors in purchasing a digital camera.

Consider how you will use your pictures. A one- or two-megapixel model will work if you only plan to view pictures electronically, but a camera with three to five megapixels is best if you want to print 5-by-7-inch or 8-by-10-inch images.

Know all your options. While size and zoom are often the first features people seek in digital camcorders, also consider format, resolution and image stabilization. In addition, the size of the LCD screen and how the camcorder feels in your hand are important.

Conduct research. Web sites such as www.BestBuy.com/digitalphotography provide a wealth of information about digital cameras and camcorders, including explanations of terms and product comparisons.

Ask questions. Leading retailers offer sales associates trained in digital technology who can help you identify the best cameras and camcorders that fit your needs.

Don't forget the accessories. Rechargeable batteries, memory cards, CD-Rs, DVD-Rs, tripods, printers and editing software will enhance your digital experience.