Digital cameras cost more out of the box than regular cameras, but offer the convenience of immediate viewing, multiple image storage, computer connectivity - and there's no film to develop.

* STEP 1: Buy the camera with the highest resolution you can afford, at least 2 to 3 megapixels (2 million to 3 million pixels), if possible.

* STEP 2: Look for a 100 percent glass lens as opposed to a plastic one.

* STEP 3: Buy a camera with as much RAM as you can afford. More RAM means the camera can store more pictures, so you won't need to download or erase them as often.

* STEP 4: Expect zoom to be the feature you will use most. Compare optical, as opposed to digital, zoom capabilities.

* STEP 5: Compare flash modes, if any.

* STEP 6: Investigate viewfinders: Look for an optical (through-the-lens) viewfinder as well as an LCD display.

* STEP 7: Consider autofocus and macro features, shutter-release lag times, and bundled software.

* STEP 8: Compare additional features you might want: interchangeable lenses, steady-shot, burst mode, auto exposure, automatic white balance, voice memo, variable shutter speeds, manual focus and self-timer.

* STEP 9: Compare removable media of various types (if you need more storage space for your photos).

* STEP 10: Investigate batteries, chargers and battery-saving features.

Tips & Warnings

* If you will only output pictures to a computer monitor (for viewing, Web page use or e-mail), an inexpensive digital camera with a 640-by-480 pixel resolution will provide very satisfactory results.

* If you plan to print photographs on a good (at least 720 dots per inch) color printer, look for a high-resolution camera.

* Beware of high-resolution cameras with low prices. The specified resolution may only apply to software interpolation rather than true optical resolution.

* If you do buy a low-priced camera, make sure it has a charge-coupled device (CCD).

* To compensate for low profit margins and high return rates, some retailers and Internet vendors have restrictive return policies that may include "restocking" fees.

Check these out before you buy. Thanks.