2. Gear Up

View ratings and reviews before you buy.

When selecting a camera, there's no substitute for actually trying out the model you have in mind—but camera review websites come close. Start at Steve's Digicams, where photo buff Steve Sanders has been reviewing digital cameras since 1997. Reviews are indexed by brand and resolution. If you're looking to pick up an old two-megapixel camera on eBay, read the review here first—and view sample photos taken with the camera.

Another site that reviews pro models as well as entry-level cameras is CNET. "I like it because it not only has equipment reviews—often appearing just days after the product is released—but it also has user ratings and opinions," says photographer Kris LeBoutillier. "This gives me points to discuss with the salesman when I go to the camera store. You can also compare prices here."

Several professional photographers we interviewed recommended Digital Photography Review, founded in 1998. "It's very good for keeping you updated on new software as well as camera equipment," says photographer Palani Mohan. The site, written simply enough for novices and reviewing cameras at all price levels, claims to receive 18 million visitors a month.

Two companion sites that get the nod from some of the pros are Imaging Resource, for cameras, and SLR Gear for accessories, particularly lenses. "Both sites have no problem pointing out flaws and drawbacks in equipment," says photographer Raymond Gehman. "I found the honesty extremely helpful, especially when buying zoom lenses, which usually have great range, from good to bad, in quality."

At the high end of the technical scale is a site aimed squarely at professionals: Rob Galbraith, run by photojournalists. "This is the best site for pros who want to keep up with the latest hardware and software updates to the digital imaging and archiving tools we all use," says photographer Cotton Coulson. Of course, serious amateurs are welcome.