Types of Digital Cameras

If you are in the market to purchase a digital camera, you have surely seen several different types of cameras. It isnt exactly clear what the differences between the types are, and it can be confusing trying to choose the digital camera thats right for you. In this article, we wil discuss the different types of cameras so that you can better understand what to look for in purchasing a digital camera.

Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

Most consumer cameras on the market today fall into the category of Point and Shoot digital cameras. These cameras usually provide resolutions of between 2 and 4 megapixels (million pixels). These cameras are the digital version of your typical 35mm consumer camera.

A point and shoot digital camera is designed to do just that - take snapshots. They provide limited flexability with options, although many newer models have some limited options for special effects. The image quality from a point and shoot digital camera is generally good enough for common uses, such as auction photos, and even 4 X 6 prints.

If you just want a standard, entry level digital camera for family snapshots and auction photos, then a point and shoot digital camera is a budget conscious choice.

Semi Professional Digital Cameras

A semi professional digital camera is a more advanced version of a point and shoot digital camera. Typicaly, these cameras provide resolutions between 5 and 6 megapixels (million pixels). They also often offer the user additional settings and greater control over the camera. The image quality of these cameras is good enough to produce clear prints up to about 8 x 10.

A semi professional digital camera may be the best option for you if you seek greater creative control than you can get with a point and shoot model. The increased flexability does come with a price. Most semi professional models are priced much higher than point and shoot models.

Digital SLR Cameras

If you are a serious or professional photographer, no less than a Digital SLR model will do. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. Digital SLR cameras are very similar in operation to their 35 mm SLR countereparts. Also, many camera companies (such as Cannon and Nikon) have built their digital SLR models to be compatible with 35 mm SLR lenses. This is a great benefit to professional photographers who can select a model that is compatible with their existing lenses.

Digital SLR cameras provide an amazing ammount of creative control over the camera and the resuting images. Also, these cameras provide resolutions over 6 Megapixels and can produce prints of poster size without noticable pixelazation.

A Digital SLR camera (without lenses) is a pricey investment indeed. Currently, you can expect to spend $1500 or more on the camera alone. Accessories and lenses cost extra.

For more articles, information, and product reviews on Digital Cameras and Digital Photography, visit: Digital Cameras and Digital Camera Guides

In The News:


A photographer's personal Golden Gate
Washington Post (blog)
By May-Ying Lam When photographer Richard Misrach and his wife trimmed back the vegetation that pressed up against their new home perched atop a steep Berkeley hill, a stunning view met them. Across the way, the Golden Gate Bridge in miniature rested, ...

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New Exposure $50000 fashion photography contest
Los Angeles Times
Bottega Veneta and Red Digital Cinema are looking for undiscovered fashion photographers to participate in their New Exposure photography contest. The winner will receive a $50000 prize package that includes a RED Epic-X camera package, ...

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Ailor Photography in downtown Lafayette going out of business
Journal and Courier
After 15 years in downtown Lafayette and 20 years in the picture-taking business, Ailor Photography is going out of business. Next Thursday, May 31, will be the last day for the portrait studio at 1010 Main St. “I'm going back to school for nursing.


UD researcher uses know-how to photograph local eagles
Dayton Daily News
Chris Stewart/Staff Photographer Larrell Walters has combined his passion for the science of photography, the outdoors and the Dayton region into a book of photographs of bald eagles taken in Dayton. By Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer Updated 7:29 PM Friday, ...


Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation funds photography space in the new Scottish ...
Art Daily
The National Galleries of Scotland announced that The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation has made a major donation to the new Photography Gallery in the recently refurbished Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh. The Foundation is giving a total ...


Painterly Photographs on Exhibit at a Gallery in Washington
Litchfield County Times
Those are the words of gallerist and photographer dealer Kathy McCarver Root, whose latest show of fine art photography in her Washington Depot space is devoted to works by Ms. Gall. The exhibition at KMR Arts, “Sally Gall: Selections From 25 Years of ...


General restricts war-zone photography
Marine Corps Times
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Marine commanders in Afghanistan have cracked down on war-zone photography in the wake of two international scandals this year in which US troops were depicted posing with dead Taliban ...

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Photographer to showcase collection of miniature pictures
Amarillo.com
By Chip Chandler Photographer Jim Jordan's “Just a Minute: Instant Photography Premiere Exhibition” opens Friday at Bois d'Arc Press, Studio 65 inside The Galleries at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd. Jordan's show features 32 miniature photos, ...


Stellar shots in 'History of Space Photography' show
CNET
"The History of Space Photography" features 150 images, selected by guest curator Jay Belloli and several consultants at JPL. Most are from the last 50 years or so, but some date back as far as the 19th century. The exhibition wrapped up its inaugural ...

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TIME

Google Shows Off Project Glass Photography
PCWorld (blog)
By Jared Newman, PCWorld May 24, 2012 8:31 AM Google is pitching its Project Glass eyewear as the next step for mobile photography, and has shown off a bunch of new photos to prove it. Max Braun, a tech lead on Project Glass, took the stage at the ...
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