Would a camera still be just as sweet with fewer megapixels or memory? It's possible, depending on what you want in one. Don't know? Let us help with some tips on what you should know and you can decide what's right for you. Even though bigger seems better, it's not always true when it comes to shopping for the perfect camera.

If you're not sure what you're looking for, the tabs above can help you decide what your needs are regarding resolution, features, accessories and more. If you're already current on most of this information, you may prefer to start shopping now:

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Would a camera still be just as sweet with fewer megapixels? It's possible, depending on what you want in one. Even though bigger seems better, it's not always true when it comes to shopping for the perfect camera.

In laymen's terms, a megapixel is a way to measure the detail level of your images. On your computer, if you want to make an image smaller or larger, that image will become more or less clear depending on the number of pixels (short for picture elements). One megapixel = 1000 pixels wide x 1000 pixels tall. Think of a pixel as the number of dots in your image.

So how do you decide how many megapixels you need? It turns out, it doesn't actually matter that much. Most cameras on the market nowadays have sufficient megapixels for most people. The exception to this rule is: if you know you will be making extremely large prints of your photos, consider a camera with 12 or more megapixels. But if not, focus more on other features that affect image quality.

Zoom
Optical Zoom: This is when the lens physically changes shape to change the point of focus. Press "W" or "T" on your camera and the lens will move in for a wide view or out for a close view. A zoom of 26x is great while 3x is pretty low. Some cameras do not offer optical zoom at all, especially ones that are pocket sized.

Digital Zoom: This zoom picks up where the optical zoom left off. It crops your picture by stretching the pixels to make that section larger.

DSLRs
So what is a digital SLR? A single-lens reflex camera offers more advanced shooters the ability to take great photos in any type of light. And with interchangeable lenses, the possibilities are endless. Digital SLRs deliver the best quality optics, but are not for everyone. They won't fit in your pocket, but they might take a load out of your pocketbook; you will need to budget several hundred dollars more for an SLR than you would for a simple point-and-shoot. Consider carefully whether you're ready to make the commitment.

So, if all of your photos are perfection, Meijer.com can help you find a digital SLR camera that helps you get just that. You want to experiment with different effects and be able to manipulate your images with professional-level control. Check out cameras that zoom with the widest focal range possible. Make sure it has a slot for SD cards for the best memory. Plus, get better control with multiple exposure and focus controls.

If you have a computer or memory stick, you know that more bytes equal more storage space. The same goes for cameras. However, with a higher resolution (measured by MP) the amount of space one image takes up is greater than with a lower resolution. For example, with an 14MP camera and a 4GB memory card, you can probably fit a little over 800 images. However, with an 8MP camera and that same 4GB memory card, you can store over 1400 images.

Battery Power. An extra memory card is a great thing to have in your camera bag, even if just as a backup. With the high capacity of today's storage devices however, you will probably run out of battery power before you run out of storage space. Consider an extra battery with your digital camera purchase.

Most cameras now come with a large variety of special settings like red-eye elimination mode, sunset mode, indoor mode, and more. But here are a few some cool trends that not your every-day camera will have:

Video and Sound
Do you want the capability to record video clips? How about sound? Do you want to use your camera as a webcam so you can chat face-to-face over the computer?

Most cameras have the ability to record short video clips. More advanced features like conferencing or recording prolonged videos with sound, require a bit more searching while shopping. If you want to record a lot of videos, consider a camcorder instead.

Music playback
Some cameras can double as digital music players for your MP3s and more.

In-Camera Editing
If you do not plan to use a personal computer as your main editing and storage site for photos, consider a camera that allows advanced in-camera editing. You can still make cool modifications to your photos, from the comfort of your own camera.

Camera lingo can be confusing sometimes. Here are a few tips on what those techies are talking about.

LCD Viewfinder: On digital cameras, you'll most often find an LCD viewfinder. This is the display on the camera that shows you the image.

Aperture: The opening through which light enters a camera's lens. A larger aperture means greater photosensitivity. A smaller one means greater depth of field.

Depth of Field: How much scene will be in focus. A narrow depth of field means the camera concentrates its focus within a small range, based on the subject's distance. The background will appear blurry.

Shutter Speed: How long a camera allows light to fall on the image sensor.