Aug

What Type of Digital Camera – Compact Cameras

If you are looking for a digital camera, you have probably noticed that there are several different types of cameras. In this post, I will discuss the different types of digital cameras so that you can better understand what to look for.

Digital cameras can be divided into three types: Compact or Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras (beginner), Bridge or High-end Digital Cameras (advanced) and Digital SLR Cameras (professional).

1. Compact or Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras

Most consumer cameras on the market fall into the category of compact or point-and-shoot digital cameras. They are the digital version of your typical 35mm consumer camera. This is by far the most popular camera type and it represents the best value if you are an average user.

Compact digital cameras are designed to do just that – take snapshots. You can use these cameras without any special knowledge. They are attractive for you if you want to document events in your live and do not want go deep into technical aspects of taking pictures. Compact cameras are usually designed to be easy to use, sacrificing advanced features and image quality for compactness and simplicity. They have very basic user control or predefined scene modes, and often do not allow for much manual adjustments. Compacts usually have resolutions between 5 and 10 megapixels (million pixels).

Most compact digital cameras have a built-in flash usually of low power, but adequate enough for nearby subjects. Live preview is almost always used to frame the photo. Compacts often have macro capability, but if they have zoom capability the range is usually less than for bridge and digital SLR cameras. They have a greater depth of field, allowing objects far away from the camera to be in sharp focus. The picture quality from compact digital cameras is generally good enough for standard use, such as auction photos, and even 4 X 6 inch prints.

Ultra-compact digital cameras

The smallest compact cameras, which fit easily into your pocket, are called ultra-compact digital cameras. These cameras are a good choice if you always want to have your camera with you; they are small, lightweight, easy to use and convenient to carry. They can be simple-or sophisticated high-megapixel powerhouses. Either way, performance, features, and picture quality are generally less important than form factor and style. Ultra-compacts are for those who want the coolest toys and a camera always on hand.

Ultra-compact digital cameras are capable of taking quality pictures. However, some models have fewer features than compact cameras, such as a viewfinder and manual controls. Buttons and dials are small though usually work well.

If you just want a standard, entry level digital camera for family snapshots, then a compact digital camera is a budget conscious choice.

In the next post, I will discuss Bridge or High-end digital cameras.