What Digital Cameras Can You Choose From?

Digital cameras and film based cameras are not as distinct as many people assume. Both cameras use a nearly identical ocular system.

Digital cameras also must have a light source to shine onto an imager via a diaphragm in order to produce image. Shutter and diaphragm both have a role in determining the amount of light that arrives at the image pick-up device.

The main difference is the type of imager: chemical in one and electronic in the other.

This detail, however, makes all the difference because it gives the digital camera its' additional functionality.

The functions that are unique to a digital camera include:

* LCD display
* big memory to store photos
* cancel pictures
* simple picture editing
* provide geo-tagging for images
* take movies incl. sound.


purchasing a new digital camera you have basically three options available:

1. Compact digital cameras
2. Bridge cameras
3. DSLR cameras.


Compact digital cameras

The name says it all. Compact cameras are compact. are usually small in size with a retractable lens and a mechanized lens cap. compactness makes them convenient to bring with you in your pocket or hand bag.

They are perfect for snap shot photography and are therefore often referred to as "point and shoot" cameras.

They are less expensive than more advanced cameras and much less complicated to use.

However, the compactness and simplicity come at the expense of advanced features and picture quality.

To discover more read our insider Nikon P7000 review.


Bridge cameras

Bridge cameras are bridging the gap that existed between compact cameras on one side and DSLRs on the other.

Bridge cameras look like DSLR cameras and they also have some of the functions. In terms of fixed lens and sensor size, however, they are similar to compact cameras.
Bridge cameras also offer the user the choice of manual and automatic focus. External lens equipment could also in most cases be attached to them.

In situations with enough light a good bridge camera can produce pictures of a similar quality to a DSLR.

The resolution of a high-end bridge camera can easily be compared to that of a low to mid-range DSLR camera.

{To find out more read our indepth report on the Nikon P7000 digital camera}.


DSLR cameras

{DSLR is the abbreviation for Digital Single Lens Reflex}. DSLR cameras are the digital version of their predecessors - the film-based SLR cameras.

The most important feature that provides the DSLR camera its' magnificant power is a much larger sensor (18-36mm). This gives the DSLR a superior performance especially in low light situations.

In addition, the user can affix different lenses to a DSLR camera. This can have a great\noticeable effect on the final outcome.