Camera Types

Point-and-Shoot Cameras

While the term “point-and-shoot” used to imply low quality, don’t be prejudiced against this type of camera anymore. Point-and-shoot digital cameras can have pro-quality lenses and yield excellent images.

Point-and-shoots often have excellent macro capabilities for extreme closeups. Thanks to their small lenses, it’s easy for vendors to build in macro facilities that would require an expensive, separate lens on an SLRcamera. They also have the option of digital and optical zoom (but be careful how you use digital zoom). Point-and-shoot cameras can also be very quiet, which is handy when shooting in locations where a loud shutter clack is not appropriate.

SLR Cameras

An SLR differs from a point-and-shoot camera in several important ways.

The viewfinder on an SLR looks through the same lens that the camera uses to expose the image sensor. This means that your viewfinder shows you a much more accurate representation of the final image.

SLRs also tend to have higher-end features such as more rugged bodies, faster burst rates, higher ISO settings, and in some situations, better image quality.

SLRs have the abulity to change lenses to fit your need for any given photograph. These lenses have only optical zoom.

SLRs tend to be higher priced and not as easy to transport.  They require more knowledge of light and depth of field than a point-and-shoot camera.

Are you in the market for a digital camera but don't know what to choose? Watch this video on how to buy a digital camera.