Choosing a digital camera will be a lot easier when you look at each of the three types of digital cameras: the digital SLR, compact (automatic) cameras and Bridge cameras. This article discusses the main advantages and disadvantages of each type so that you can narrow down the best type of camera for you.
Digital Single Lens Reflexes (DSLRs)
Digital SLRs, also called "DSLRs" are expensive, and until recently were used almost only by professional photographers. Prices have come down considerably over the years for an entry level DSLR like the popular Canon Rebel. However, just remember that when you get a DSLR you also have to buy lenses to use.
Some DSLRs do come with a basic starter lens so you'll be able to start taking pictures right away. If you want to take telephoto pictures, you can't just push a button to zoom, you need a telephoto lens. These come in all kinds of sizes to fit the many different needs of photographers. Many photographers also buy quality used equipment to keep costs down.
On the plus side, you can find telephoto lenses that will let you take a close up of a bird way at the top of a tree or a football player in the end zone when you're in the bleachers at the 50-yard line. And they are lightning fast! So you'll never have the problem of missing an action shot because your camera took too long to record the picture.
DSLRs also work with advanced accessories such as an external flash. DSLRs are great for taking action pictures in low light situations where a flash isn't allowed or won't reach.
And due to their larger sensors, you can increase ISO to get shots in places without adequate lighting but where you need high shutter speed to capture action. Other camera's smaller sensors mean that when you increase ISO sufficiently to get these shots, you end up with digital noise, a colorful, unsightly graininess. This can sometimes be removed with software but the DSLR allows you to avoid the whole mess.
These days, the main disadvantage of a DSLR is the higher price tag when you compare it to other types of cameras.
If you are serious about photography and want to advance your skills, then a DSLR is the camera for you. Many get started with a camera body and kit lens, and then add bigger lenses over time.
Point & Shoot Digital Cameras (also called compact or automatic cameras)
Digital compact cameras (or point and shoots) are the most popular type of camera for good reason. Compact cameras can take such good quality pictures these days that many professional photographers will also use compact cameras for when they don't want to carry around their DSLR gear. (Pocket size compacts are often called subcompacts).
As mentioned above, one of the biggest benefits to compacts is their small and easy to carry size. Unlike DSLRs which usually require a small bag of camera gear (if you have a couple of lenses) these cameras can go virtually anywhere.
Although you can just point and shoot these cameras, many have lots of different modes to choose from and even offer some manual controls like Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority. And if your camera has an optical zoom, you can also get some great telephoto pictures too!
Bridge Cameras
These digital cameras are designed to bridge the gap between DSLRs and compact (or point and shoot) cameras. Bridge cameras are also called prosumer cameras because they are often used by both professionals and consumers.
Bridge cameras almost always have higher price tags than compact cameras but are less than most DSLRs (as you don't have to buy extra lenses with bridge cameras).
Bridge cameras have larger sensors and offer more mega pixels than most compacts. Because of the larger sensor, you can increase ISO more than on a compact but not nearly as high as with an DSLR. If you don't need to get action shots in places without good lighting, this may never be an issue.
Many bridge cameras have hot shoes to work with external flash, meaning you can get better indoors pictures. Bridge cameras also have movie mode and allow you to compose shots on the LCD. Many are super zooms. Super zooms are cameras with optical zoom ranges of 10x to 20x. Plus bridge cameras often have as many manual controls as DSLR cameras.
Once you decide if you want a DSLR, bridge or compact, choosing a digital camera from an online or local venue, will be much less confusing. So no matter what type of digital camera you get, take time to learn how to use your camera and you'll be sure to start taking some great pictures.
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Your Picture Frames offers a huge selection of quality metal and wood picture frames in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors. Go online and shop 24x7 among our beautiful selection of frames that make perfect wedding gifts and anniversary keepsakes.
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