Finding the perfect digital camera is not hard.

If you're looking for your first camera, or replacing your current one, determine how you will use it, then look for the features you need in your price range.

Before delving into the different types of cameras, let's take a quick look at megapixels. Most standalone digital cameras have at least 3 megapixels of resolution; that's good for printing a clear 8-by-10-inch picture.

However, if you want to crop a picture and then print an 8-by-10, or if you need super-size prints, you'll want 4 megapixels or more.

COMPACT CHOICES

Do you just want to turn on your camera, point it at your subject and click the button? Take a look at the compact camera category.

You will have some control over how the camera takes the picture. Most have flash options (off, on, fill, red-eye reduction). They also have pre-programmed exposure modes. The modes will automatically change the camera's exposure to accommodate different conditions, such as bright or low-lit areas or action shots.

Compact cameras will set you back $150 to $300. Some camera companies have suggested retail pricing and others don't. All prices listed here are the lowest found on the Internet.

Some well-reviewed compact cameras are the Canon PowerShot A510 (consumer.usa.canon.com; $150; 3 megapixels), Kodak EasyShare CX7430 (www.kodak.com; $180; 4 megapixels) and the Hewlett-Packard Photosmart R717 (www.hp.com; $220; 6 megapixels).

Smaller versions that fit into your pocket are sleeker, thinner, lighter and often snazzier. But that style usually equals a larger price tag.

MORE OPTIONS

Need more controls? Many models allow you to manually focus the camera and adjust shutter and aperture settings.

The Fujifilm FinePix E550 (www.fujifilm.com; $250; 6 megapixels), the Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom (www.olympusamerica.com; $450; 7 megapixels) and the Canon PowerShot S60 ($235; 5 megapixels) have received good reviews.

Most cameras have optical and digital zooms. Don't worry about digital zoom; it isn't very useful because it isn't a true zoom. All it does is digitally crop and enlarge a portion of the image, losing image quality in the process.

Optical zoom is a true zoom because it involves using the lens to bring subjects closer. The longer the telephoto zoom lens, the more distant the objects it can bring closer.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER

After deciding which kind of camera you need, narrow your choices by comparing some small but important features.

An LCD view screen is great, but make sure the camera has an optical viewfinder, too. LCDs do not always work well in bright settings.

Check the camera's delays. Many cameras have a delay of two or three seconds between shots and some have wait times of seven seconds or more. That could be the difference between capturing a precious moment and missing it.

Cameras use either fairly expensive rechargeable proprietary batteries or regular alkaline batteries. If possible, go with regular batteries. If you exhaust your batteries, you can get more at any drugstore.