Choosing your camera
 

The important aspects to consider when choosing your own digital camera are application, variety of accessories, cost and after sales support (servicing). The range of digital cameras available now in the market is wide, yet each type is very distinct in its uses.

You should examine and compare the different models and decide which might be the most suitable for your needs. Also, the more money you are prepared to spend, the more sophisticated the camera can be. Usually, the features offered for comparison are auto-exposure modes, built-in flash, zoom power, auto-focus modes and speed and the expansion capability.

Compact digital

These cameras are ideal for beginners and for those who require a small device that they could carry with them everywhere. Usually, they are simple all-in-one device with minimum accessories and adjustments. The simplest and cheapest will be 'point-and-shoot' models without zoom capability.

Canon A310	Canon Ixus 500	Nikon 2100	Nikon 5200

Compact models with zoom usually has protruding lens design. However, the extra bulk is worth the trouble when you need to add a little more creativity in framing your shots. A 2-megapixel (million) model is the bare minimum to produce good quality 4R sized printouts. However, compact digitals with 4 megapixels are fast becoming the standard.

Prosumer - 'SLR like'

Canon PS Pro 1	Fuji S20 Pro	Nikon 8700	Sony F828

Prosumer models are designed for buyers who want more features such as manual controls, better built-in lenses and most importantly lower in price as compared to the higher-end SLR brothers. Recent models are capable of delivering up to 8 megapixels images with lenses as fast F1.8 onwards and mostly equiped with motion video recording capabilities too.

However, they have limited expansion capability as they are built with non-interchangeable lenses. Their minute-sized sensors capture less impressive images when compared to most digital SLR models that have far bigger and sensitive sensors.

Digital SLR

The first conventional SLR camera was introduced about 50 plus years ago. The digital SLR today continues its legendary, and is fast becoming the camera of choice for more serious and advanced digital photographers. These cameras are portable (not very though) and extremely adaptable. The original design has now evolved into multiplicity of models by different manufacturer, the majority of which have formidable array of lenses and accessories. The viewfinder of SLR camera sees what the lens 'sees'. There's a mirror behind the lens that reflects the image up to a device called pentaprism

Nikon D1x	Nikon D70	Canon EOS 10D	Fuji S3 Pro

SLR models can be adapted by addition of all sorts accessories and equipments such as zoom or telephoto lenses, wide angle lenses, professional flash units and multi-function battery packs. It is the ideal 'system' camera as it can be adapted as quickly or as slowly and as your budget allows. Professional equipments can be very costly to own and maintain but they are capable of producing extremely good photos in the hands of experienced photographers.