Digital Cameras: What's Right for Me?

There are many different types of digital cameras – here is a comprehensive list of those cameras which should help the photographer make a decision on what digital camera will work for them.

Subcompacts & Compacts: In the large family of digital cameras the most impressive category is subcompacts. These digital cameras are small and will fit in a pocket or purse easily and weigh just a few ounces and can be taken everywhere. These small digital cameras usually do not have manual controls or viewfinders though many include a variety of useful features such as touch-screen LCDs, on-camera editing as well as longer zoom range. For the most part mainstream compacts are much too big for pockets but are usually small enough for handbags, messenger bags and the like. Subcompacts and compacts are relatively user-proof in that they have a simplicity of function and function best for everyday events. There are some compact digital cameras that do not have manual controls for functions such as exposure and composition which limit the photographer to the cameras suite of preset scene modes.

Professional Super-Zoom & Digital SLR: For the most part, super-zoom cameras are usually characterized by the long zoom range they have that is normally 10x or greater. Digital super-zoom cameras are good for sports, nature shooting, and travelling. Because of the extended range this means that these cameras are going to be bulkier and heavier than other compact digital cameras. However there are a few new models that are designed to be both smaller and lighter.

SLR stands for Single-Lens Reflex, which is more of a professional camera or for the professional amateur. These cameras have the ability to capture high-speed action and create photographic art despite the most conditions. SLRs are the largest and heaviest type of digital cameras yet offer the most versatility and power which includes a suite of interchangeable lenses. SLR digital cameras boast instant startup and minimal shutter lag for fast, continuous shooting, as well as a large image sensor, RAW images which can be edited on the camera itself and extended battery life. While more amateurs move up to using SLRs they will find some rather convenient features that are being adopted from their lighter-weight cousins. For example: onscreen help guides are now a basic function in many SLR cameras, real-time or live-view” framing on the LCD is available rather than only through the viewfinder. Thankfully basic SLR digital cameras are simple to use thought the more advanced SLR digital cameras are more complex to operate and can be confusing with the myriad of features.