Advice on buying a new digital camera
Are you thinking about getting yourself a new camera, but don’t know how much you should spend on a new digital camera? Here, some are of pros and cons on the different camera types, that can help you to form a view about which camera that best fits your needs.
1. Compact digital cameras
Price range up to 240 $
The cheapest and simplest compact cameras do not have so many sophisticated functions that one must learn, but the picture quality isn’t so great either, if you’re planning to frame you’re photographs, and maybe hang them up on the wall, then you shouldn’t buy the cheapest class of digital cameras. They can on the other hand be good enough to use as 10 x 15 cm big gift cards. The little costlier models have more functions and better performance. One can for example use the automatic functions, and you also have a little more creative control over the pictures. These cameras have a picture sensor with 4 megapixels and up, often 3x zoom and better optics.
Advantages
Cheap
Simple to use
Small and easy to have in the pocket
Disadvantages
Moderately good optics
Poor auto focus in semi darkness
2. More advanced compact cameras
Price range from above 750 $
For the more ambitious photographers, and those that expect more in their pictures. There are cameras that are suited for those that are more experience in photographing. Here we have the compact cameras that are full with functions, were a common amateur easy can get lost among all the menus and buttons. The cameras have better optics and bigger zoom than the budget cameras. In this class, the prices go up to 750 $. The picture sensors are on the smallest 5-6 megapixels, which means you will be able to get pictures in about A3 size.
Advantages
Higher battery capacity
Good optics
Many functions
Better light measurement and auto focus
Disadvantages
Bigger than the smallest compact models.
Costs more
3. SLR Digital cameras
Price range from up to or above 1800 $
If you will have full control over your camera, total flexibility, and picture quality off top class, then a digital SLR camera is your number one choice. Here we have good auto focus, and the possibility to change optics. Digital SLR cameras always have a good amount of functions and possibilities. One can choose optics entirely after own needs and the picture quality is in a class for itself. SLR cameras have faster and more exact auto focus. They can also take several pictures quicker. The picture sensors are either CCD – or cm OS type and are usually from 6 to 14 megapixels.
Advantages
Interchangeable optics
High picture quality
Fast
Good zoom
Many functions
High battery capacity
Fast and exact auto focus
Masses of accessory
Disadvantages
High price
Does not fit in the pocket
