| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | Point & Shoot Digital Cameras (also called |
| Choosing a digital camera will be a lot easier when | | | | compact or automatic cameras) |
| you look at each of the three types of digital | | | | Digital compact cameras (or point and shoots) are |
| cameras: the digital SLR, compact (automatic) | | | | the most popular type of camera for good |
| cameras and Bridge cameras. This article | | | | reason. Compact cameras can take such good |
| introduces you to the advantages and | | | | quality pictures these days that many professional |
| disadvantages of each, so that you can narrow | | | | photographers will also use compact cameras for |
| your choices down to the type of camera you | | | | when they don't want to carry around their DSLR |
| want. | | | | gear. (Small compacts are also called |
| Digital Single Lens Reflexes (DSLRs) | | | | subcompacts). |
| Digital SLRs, also called "DSLRs" are expensive, | | | | As mentioned above, compacts biggest benefits |
| and until recently were used almost only by | | | | is their small and compact size. Unlike DSLRs |
| professional photographers. Prices have come | | | | which usually require a small bag of camera gear |
| down considerably over the years for an entry | | | | (if you have a couple of lenses) these cameras |
| level DSLR like the popular Canon Rebel. Just | | | | can go virtually anywhere. |
| remember that when you buy a DSLR you will | | | | And while you can just point and shoot with these |
| also have to buy lenses to use. Some DSLRs do | | | | cameras, many have all sorts of modes from |
| include a basic starter lens so you can start taking | | | | which to choose, and plus some also give you |
| photos right away after buying your camera. If | | | | some manual controls, such as Aperture Priority |
| you want to take some pictures of something far | | | | and Shutter Speed Priority. If it has optical zoom, |
| away, you can't just push a button to zoom but | | | | you can also get some great telephoto shots too! |
| will need to get a telephoto lens. These cameras | | | | Bridge Cameras |
| are available in all kinds of sizes to fit different | | | | These digital cameras bridge a gap between |
| photographer's needs. You can also buy quality | | | | compact cameras and DSLRs. They are also |
| used equipment if you need to keep your costs | | | | called prosumer cameras (a blend of professional |
| low. | | | | and consumer). |
| One of the big benefits of using a DSLR is the | | | | Most bridge cameras are more expensive than |
| ability to use telephoto lenses that will shoot a | | | | compacts but are less expensive than most Digital |
| close up from a far away distance. And they are | | | | SLRs as you won't have to buy extra lenses like |
| lightning fast! That means you won't miss actions | | | | with a DSLR. |
| shots because the camera took too long to | | | | Bridge cameras offer more mega pixels than |
| record the picture after you pressed the shutter | | | | most compacts and have larger sensors. Because |
| release button. | | | | of the larger sensor, you can increase ISO more |
| DSLRs also can be used with extra accessories | | | | than on a compact but not nearly as high as with |
| like external flashes and filters to give you more | | | | an DSLR. If you never need to take action |
| options when taking pictures. DSLRs are great for | | | | photos in low or poor light then this may never |
| taking action pictures in low light situations where | | | | be a problem. |
| a flash isn't allowed or won't reach. | | | | Many bridge cameras have hot shoes to work |
| Because of their large sensors, you can increase | | | | with external flash, meaning you can get better |
| ISO to get pictures in low light while still having a | | | | indoors pictures. Bridge cameras also have movie |
| high shutter speed to capture action. Other | | | | mode and let you compose pictures on the LCD |
| camera's smaller sensors mean that when you | | | | screen. Many also have super zooms. This means |
| increase ISO sufficiently to get these shots, you | | | | they have optical zoom ranges of 10x to 20x. |
| end up with digital noise, a colorful, unsightly | | | | Bridge cameras have almost as many manual |
| graininess. This can sometimes be removed with | | | | controls as DSLRS so you have a lot of |
| software but the DSLR allows you to avoid the | | | | functionality available to use. |
| whole mess. | | | | Once you decide what type of camera you want |
| The biggest disadvantage with a DSLR is the high | | | | (DSLR, bridge or compact), selecting a camera will |
| price tag compared to other types of cameras. | | | | be a lot less confusing. When you get your new |
| It's a nice camera to upgrade to if you want to | | | | camera, make sure to take time to learn how to |
| advance and take your photography to the next | | | | use your camera properly so you'll be able to |
| level. Many get started with a camera body and | | | | start taking some great pictures right away. |
| kit lens, and then add bigger lenses over time. | | | | |