The Three Main Types of Digital Cameras

If you've been shopping for a digital camera you have probably noticed that there are a lot of cameras on the market and it can get overwhelming when trying decide what type of camera you need. Digital cameras fall into 3 basic categories - point and shoot digital cameras, semi-professional digital cameras and digital SLR cameras. Each of these categories of cameras caters to a specific skill level of photographer. Once you know which group your photography skills and needs fall into, it should help you to narrow your search and find the perfect digital camera.

Point and Shoot Digital Camera

Just like the name implies, point and shoot digital cameras simply require that the person taking the picture point the camera at what they want to photograph and snap the photo. Point and shoot digital cameras usually have resolutions between 2 and 4 megapixels. The main functions of the camera are all automated, although some of the newer point and shoot cameras do allow the user to change and adjust settings and play around with a few limited special effects.

Point and shoot digital cameras are a great choice for the average level user who just wants to take pictures for online use, personal use or to get 4x6 photos printed. If you are looking for an entry level camera that is affordably priced and don't need a lot of fancy gizmos, a point and shoot camera might be the right option for you.

Semi-Professional Digital Cameras

Semi-professional digital cameras are quite similar in looks and style to point and shoot cameras, but have some extra features that make them more appropriate for someone who is more serious about their photography. Typically, semi-professional digital cameras have resolutions between 5 and 6 megapixels. They also offer greater control for the photographer to adjust settings and have more creative control over the final picture.

Prints made from a semi-professional digital camera are much better quality than those made from a point and shoot camera and they are usually crisp and clear up to about an 8x10" size.

If you are interested in taking higher quality photos, having more creative control over your photos, or want to take your photography to a slightly higher level, a semi-professional camera may be the right option for you.

Digital SLR Cameras

The final basic category of digital cameras is the Digital SLR. SLR is short for Single Lens Reflex, and these cameras are designed with the professional photographer in mind. Digital SLR cameras provide the greatest amount of creative control and allow you to take high quality, artistic photographs. The resolutions of SLR cameras are over 6 megapixels and can produce prints as large as poster sized without showing obvious pixels.

Many companies have started designing their digital SLR cameras to be compatible with the lenses from the older 35mm SLR cameras, which is a really nice feature that allows photographs to choose a camera that is compatible with the lenses they may already own.

Digital SLR cameras have great functionality, but they are very expensive. Unless you are a professional photographer or need to take very high resolution photos, you can probably make due with a semi-professional model instead and save a lot of money.