Many models of digital cameras exist that offer various features, but broadly can be put into four categories. The cheap basic digital camera with a fixed zoom, camera phones, the lifestyle compact with zoom and digital SLRs.
Basic Digital Cameras for Budget
These cameras are designed for the beginner or the most leisurely photographer for compactness and everyday use. These cameras are very slimline and possess a fixed lens. Essentially all you need to do is point and shoot. This camera is ideal for parties or when on the move.
Cheap and Cheerful Cameraphones
The Features of the Digital SLR
I like to think of the digital SLR as the digital version of the manual SLR that I grew up with. This type of camera is the most costly, the most versatile and therefore the most bulky of digital cameras on offer. The digital single lens reflex enables the photographer to manipulate all the settings, including aperture, shutter speed and lens type on the most advanced level. Accessories, including the lenses and filters are detachable. This camera can also shoot under the most challenging lighting conditions, offering an array of ISO settings. Movie clips also possess high resolution and low image noise. As can be seen, the digital SLR (or DSLR) would suit the serious or professional photographer who gets tired of shooting on automatic.
Choosing the Best Digital Camera for a Lifestyle
A first inspection could confuse the photographer for the vast array of digital cameras available, but in simple terms can be put into four basic categories from the entry level photographer to the more advanced. The basic slimline digital camera has a fixed zoom, so images will always appear in the same format (usually around 50mm). The idea of such designs is to point and shoot. The camerphone is somewhat similar, but new models offer more advanced features. The digital zoom is perhaps the most popular as it is easy to use yet offers more flexibility. Various modes may be selected to make the camera work in different ways. But the serious professional or developing photographer might prefer the digital SLR, offering the ultimate in camera control.
The camera phone as its name suggest is simply a camera built into an Iphone. Quality and features vary wildly, but like the basic digital camera, often possess a fixed lens and simple features. Both the camera phone and the basic digital might be suitable for the beginner in photography who wishes not to think too much about settings or exposures. Both cameras may have a small resolution but times are changing and are new designs are always coming onto the market.
Digital Cameras with Zoom
Digital cameras for the semi-enthusiast comprise an array of designs, features, shapes and sizes for different lifestyles. Some cameras can be as small as a credit card, others almost like the digital SLR. These types of cameras have a zoom lens, enabling the photographer to zoom in or out on a scene. A dial on top offers a choice of modes, including landscape, action, macro, portrait and (in most cases) a video camera. Advanced exposure controls enable the user to manipulate the settings and view the result on the LCD viewing screen. Automatic functions such as flash and shutter speed can be overridden. Some models can offer very high resolution making this type of camera suitable for a semi professional or one who likes to get creative with photography now and again.