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>>This is part of the Cyberwalker FAQ: How to buy a digital camera
Form Factor - How does it feel?
Many cameras today can be very compact and fit easily into a jacket pocket. But in the wrong hands, those small cameras can be very difficult to handle.
Make sure you take a moment at the local camera store to take the camera out of the box and see how it fits in your hand. In big male hands, a tiny camera may not be designed for strong, thick fingers, and the buttons may be difficult to push. At the same time, a large camera may be too heavy to carry on long trips or not fit in a woman’s designer purse. Yes, size matters.
Chassis Construction
Also take a moment to read the side of the box before you buy a camera and understand the material it is made out of. Some camera bodies are made out rugged magnesium alloy, some out of aluminum and others out of plastic. Consider how careful you are with your other electronic devices and think about how you are going to use the camera.
If it will be taken out only at holidays and birthdays and used on a tripod, chances are construction will not be an issue. If you think it may be stuffed into a backpack and dragged halfway across the world, you may consider a stronger construction. Most professional cameras are made from heavy but rugged magnesium alloy. Although they are heavy, you can count on them to take a bit of a beating.
At the same time, if you like to wander the markets and back streets of exotic locales, you may not enjoy having a heavy load swinging from your neck day after day. The weight of a camera can really add up. With extra batteries and add-on lenses, a camera may be the single heaviest item in your luggage.
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