If you are looking for a digital camera there is loads of information and advice on the internet to get you started - minus the hard sell.

You can quickly and easily compare prices to find the right deal - all from the comfort of your own home.

Jessops, one of the UK's leading photographic retailers with around 200 stores nationwide, has a well-designed site oozing experience and expertise which virtually takes you by the hand through the shopping process.

Click on Digital Still and decide whether you want to browse by brand, price or particular feature. You can even select how you want the results ordered, with either the cheapest or most expensive first.

Relevant cameras are displayed as a basic list, but there is plenty of detail and a photo available with a simple click. There is also a very clever feature which allows you to select four different models and display them together on the same screen with their features listed side-by-side for easy comparison.

You will even find top ten lists for every product category and a useful glossary, in case the jargon gets too much. Delivery time is about two to three days for items in stock and there is no extra charge on orders over £50.

The Digital Camera Company's site is unlikely to win any design awards but incredibly straightforward to use. If you know what you want, go straight to Latest Prices for a basic list, arranged by brand. If you are still open-minded, browse through the On-line Catalogue, selecting Digital Cameras and then the appropriate price band.

This will give you a brief description and photo of all suitable models which can be scrolled down and clicked on for detailed specifications.

If you buy, your camera will be despatched immediately by insured courier. But there is a hefty carriage charge of £11.75 to add to the bill.

Electrical retailer Comet, has a good selection of digital cameras from £49.95 upwards. Although the range is not as broad as on specialist sites, most of the key models are included. You can run your own product comparisons and the prices seem pretty competitive (you will need to add £3.25 for delivery, however).

Finally, the Checkaprice site is really easy to use, with the facility to search by product or by price. Not only will it give you price comparisons on a wide selection of models and across a good spread of retailers, it also provides an editor's choice and hot links to manufacturer's own sites.

I was surprised at just how much prices vary from site to site. So it really does pay to do your homework.

www.jessops.com
www.digital-cameras.com
www.comet.co.uk
www.checkaprice.co.uk
Report by Susan Rice. Evolution@argus-btn.co.uk