With a device as mainstream and widely embraced as a digital camera (77 percent of all U.S. households own one), you can bet there are all different types and levels of users. But not all digital photographers are created equal, and the products, accessories and services suited for one group of users may not work for another. Faced with a plethora of product choices, store displays and advertisements, how do you know which digital imaging solutions will add to your experience rather than simply drain your wallet, or worse, add frustration?

In an attempt to differentiate the various users of digital imaging products and personalize the experienc for buyers like you, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) recently studied everyday people who have used a digital camera within the last year. The national study interviewed thousands of randomly selected digital camera users, asking them what kind of camera they used, how many and what types of pictures they take, what they like and dislike about capturing, storing, printing and sharing digital images, and other questions to get an in-depth understanding of their digital imaging experiences. Once data was collected and analyzed, researchers saw commonalitis among several subsets of users.

Being able to read about and relate to the experiences of other shutterbug like yourself will help spur ideas of what products, accessories or other solutions might make your digital photography experience easier, more enjoyable and more fruitful. Find out what type of photographer you are and read specific recommendations to get the most from your camera and the most out of your photographs.

Learn about Digital Mavericks and check back soon for more descriptions about types of digital photographers that might fit with your photographic style.

Digital Mavericks
Young, early adopters make up this group who are very engaged with new technology in general and are very enthusiastic about photography. This group uses multiple devices to take their pictures and is the most interested in future features such as touch-screen controls, wireless printing and voice commands. They know what they’re doing when it comes to printing, editing and storing and really enjoy sharing their pictures online.

Digital Curators
Serious about their work, these are the archivists and documentarians of digital photographers. They enjoy printing, organizing, displaying and sharing their digital photos, and would be very disappointed if they somehow lost all of their digital photo files. They take a lot more photos than most on higher priced, higher megapixel devices and are looking forward to new features such as facial recognition and geotagging.

One-Click Wonders
One-click wonders bought a camera because it seemed like the cool thing to do, but don’t do much with their photos after snapping the shot. They also own lower cost devices and take a lot fewer photos than most.

Picture Happy Socialites
Happy with current digital photo devices and capabilities, this group loves taking spur of the moment pictures and lots of them. They use newer devices with a lot of megapixels and are extremely likely to post their shots on blogs, social networking sites and online photo services.

Frustrated Photogs
These late adopters usually use lower cost, older devices and take fewer photos than most. Of all the groups, they are the most unsatisfied with options for sharing, storing, editing, printing, organizing and protecting digital photos. They want a digital camera that is easy to use without any extra bells and whistles, and are interested in being able to pay someone else to upload, print and post their photos.

Feature-Focused Photogs
This group loves to adjust the functions and features of their camera manually to help enhance their photos, which often feature friends, family and natural scenery. Using moderately priced, new point-and-shoots, this group is interested in the new features cameras of the future will have to offer and likes to share their photos as well.  

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Whatever photographer type you are, Retrevo can help you find the right point & shoot camera, SLR camera or just a simple small and light camera.