The most essential tool for your stop motion project is your camera. Without a proper camera, hard work and details can be lost in a blur, or just turn out poor in quality. Here are my guidelines for purchasing a camera for stop motion animation. Below are the 4 main cameras you can choose from, how to use them, and what advantages and disadvantages are.

Webcam-BASIC:
Although these cameras are labeled basic, they are perfect for beginners and for stop motion testing. PROS: Camera offers great price, usually around 40 - 100 bucks for a new one. Now day web cams that have around 1.3 and better digital still, will be more than perfect for all your stop motion needs. These cameras are the most user friendly and cheapest.
CONS: Quality is really the only con about web cams, they just aren’t as clear as DVs and Digital Stills.
RECOMEND: I recommend Logitech or Creative web cams. Both these companies see to copy each other and have very similar products. I would go with the Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 or the Creative LIVE! Cam Voice.

DV Camcorder-INTERMEDIATE
These cameras offer great functionality along with quality. Usually the best choice for beginners enjoy their web cams but would like better quality. Usually great for the price as well, compared to digital stills.
PROS: These cameras offer a live high resolution feedback that will be the same quality as the pictures taken.
CONS: These cameras are often large, have to be constantly charged, or plugged in. They also require extra cards if you want a live feed on your computer.
RECOMEND: Any of the Panasonic 3CCD chip DV cameras are great.

Digital Still- PROFESSIONAL
While these cameras are not recommended by beginners, but they are my favorite and easy to use.
PROS: Offer the best quality (including SLR's)
CONS: Most Expensive, have a life expectancy issue.
Any of the Canon Powershots are great

Things to keep in mind…

4-7 mega pixles is great, you really don’t need any more, I use 6.1 and it works great.
What programs would you like your camera to work with? If you using something like Stop Motion Pro (that’s what I use), then your going to need to buy a specific camera. However, most programs will work with any camera if you import the pictures after they’ve been taken. LIVE FEED IS IMPORTANT!

Although there are more cameras like Analogue video camera and such, the top three are the main from which you should probably choose from.

Sorry this guide looks so sloppy, when I get more time I’ll work on it. I plan to make some more stop motion guides, because they’re just not enough here… if any at all.

Website coming soon!