Digital cameras can be one of the more complex electronic products on your shopping list. There is a multitude of models to choose from as well as varying types ranging from your basic point-and-shoot cameras to technically DSLRs intended for professional use. Figuring out the type you want can quickly become a complex decision-making process, especially if you’re unsure as to what is going to best suit your needs. Fortunately, this buyer’s guide outlines the main types of cameras to consider when shopping, and we've provided a simple breakdown below to help you decide which type of camera is best matched to your experience level and budget.
Camera Types
Point-and-shoot
Also referred to as compact cameras, the point-and-shoot style camera is extremely popular amongst users who want a simple method of taking photographs without having to fuss over a heavy, complicated device.
Point-and-shoot cameras offer easy, user-friendly operation which requires the user to point the camera at the subject and press the shutter release button to shoot the picture. Within the point-and-shoot category, there are different classifications:
Entry-level
Featuring less complex feature lists and intuitive, straightforward operation, entry-level cameras are aimed at casual users who have little to no knowledge of photography and simply want an easy-to-use device to take care of providing the best shot possible.
Enthusiast
Some photographers want better image quality and more control over their tools without having to lug around a heavy DSLR. Manufacturers offer enthusiast models to cater specifically to this crowd. Enthusiast compacts usually feature brighter lenses, larger image sensors, and elevated performance which makes them better suited for those who know what they're doing with a camera.
Ultra zoom
A digital SLR is undoubtedly the champion of long-range photography, but it's not always practical to bring heavy and expensive zoom lenses when traveling to unfamiliar areas. An ultra zoom digital camera offers the longer zoom ranges that specialty DSLR lenses can, but feature fixed lenses and a smaller image processor in exchange for a much lower price and smaller footprint. If you think of these as standard point-and-shoot cameras with extended zoom capabilities, you're not too far off.
Travel zoom
Though they may be pocketable like standard compact cameras, travel zoom cameras pack long-range zoom lenses that allow photography from a considerable distance. These cameras are the best option if you need to travel but would rather not carry a bulky DSLR or even an ultra-zoom.
Rugged
Unique to the point-and-shoot category is the rugged digital camera which is specifically designed to withstand impacts from drops and can even go underwater to a certain depth. Rugged cameras are the best choice if you need to take pictures in an environment where a normal camera would sustain damage and stop working. Whether you're at the beach often or like exploring rough terrain, these cameras shrug off being battered while still providing decent picture quality.
Digital SLR
The single-lens reflex camera has long been a favorite amongst serious photographers due to the inherent advantages baked into the design.
Entry-level
Because manufacturers like to target photographers who want to move up from point-and-shoot models, entry-level DSLRs offer more basic feature sets and focus on ease of use. These DSLR cameras have various automatic modes and tutorials built in, which is an attempt to make the upgrade less intimidating.
Virtually all beginner DSLRs feature polycarbonate body construction and smaller APS-C image sensors. Image quality is noticeably higher than even enthusiast point-and-shoot models, and even the most affordable entry-level DSLRs can accept a broad range of lenses. Keep in mind, however, that manufacturers like to strip features and performance to obtain an edge in pricing.
Advanced
For photographers possessing more technical skills, the enthusiast or advanced DSLR is the best platform. Although many DSLRs in this category were previously equipped with smaller APS-C sensors, manufacturers have started to offer models equipped with full-frame sensors as well. All offer fine-tune manual controls and better image quality than entry-level DSLRs.
You'll also find features like dual memory card slots and remote flash capability. Some models have polycarbonate bodies, but more common amongst advanced DSLRs are weather-sealed alloy frames which feel decidedly more serious. Unlike professional DSLRs, however, cameras in this class are still relatively easy to use and don't carry shocking price tags.
Professional
For people who make a living through high-end photography, a professional DSLR is the only option. These cameras are instantly recognizable by their larger body sizes which house full-frame image sensors and more prominent controls. The biggest difference between semi-pro cameras and professional cameras is the body size as not everyone is interested in carrying around a 3-pound DSLR with a bulky vertical grip.
Professional-caliber DSLR cameras place extra emphasis on image quality, and feature controls designed specifically to make fast shooting as streamlined as possible. Professional DSLRs are prohibitively expensive for casual consumers, making them an unrealistic option for all but the most dedicated photographers.
Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera
What was once an odd challenge to the traditional DSLR format has evolved into a diverse market filled with options to cater to every niche. Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (often referred to as simply “mirrorless cameras”) retain the ability to accept a wide variety of different lenses but eliminate the bulk and mass associated with DSLRs.
Micro Four-Thirds
Developed by Olympus and Panasonic, the Micro Four-Thirds system refers to the size of the image sensor used in these cameras. Micro Four-Thirds cameras range in size, but all are significantly more compact than their direct rivals while still offering a full range of interchangeable lenses. On a separate note, Olympus continues to offer traditional DSLRs equipped with Micro Four-Thirds sensors.
Nikon 1
Rather than attempt to compete with DSLRs (and cannibalize sales of its own products), Nikon developed the unique Nikon 1 system pairing a newly-designed lens mount with a smaller Nikon CX lens. This series now encompasses a range of bodies and lenses, from the compact S/J models to the more enthusiast-oriented V models.
Performance
Nobody likes a sluggish camera, especially if the unresponsiveness of the system causes the user to miss an important shot.
Power on time
How quickly does the camera go from fully powered off to ready to take pictures? While this may seem largely irrelevant at first, there are instances where you want your camera to instantly be available to start shooting. A good camera should be able to do this in well under a second.
Shot-to-shot times
For fast-moving subjects, shot-to-shot times are extremely important. A faster camera will be able to capture more of the action, while a slower system can quickly become frustrating due to its inability to keep up. Digital SLRs (and an increasing number of compacts) offer 'burst' shooting or 'continuous drive', which can range from 2 frames per second to more than 10. Most cameras are limited by the size of their buffer, though - don't expect to be able to shoot at this accelerated speed indefinitely.
Autofocus
Autofocus is one of those things that a camera is either good at or isn't. Obviously, you want to pick a camera that performs this operation quickly and effectively. Generally, point-and-shoot cameras are noticeably slower than DSLRs when it comes to autofocus speed.
One thing to note is when you’re considering lenses for DSLRs, remember not all lens/camera combos support autofocus. Lower-end Nikon DSLR bodies do not have autofocus motors, and no Canon DSLR body is equipped with one. This is not a problem with lenses that feature built-in autofocus motors, but using a lens without the motor will require manual focusing.
Image Quality
Megapixels
The maximum resolution of a camera's image sensor is stated in a megapixel count. 1 megapixel refers to one million pixels, and a higher megapixel count increases the size of the image. However, more megapixels will not automatically provide superior image quality. If the image sensor is not sized appropriately, bumping up the megapixel count will introduce noise and hamper low-light performance.
Image sensor size
One of the most important aspects of a digital camera is the size of the image sensor used. This is why an 8-megapixel camera on a smartphone will never produce images that look as good as a point-and-shoot camera that offers the same 8-megapixel resolution.
A general rule is that larger image sensors provide better picture quality, but other factors such as sensor quality, placement, lens/optics, and image processing will affect the overall outcome. Larger image sensors perform better in low-light environments and minimize the noise in all conditions.
Point-and-shoot/compact cameras generally use small image sensors (with a few notable exceptions), which is mandated by the smaller physical size of the camera itself. Digital SLR cameras use larger image sensors, with entry-level models using APS-C sensors while semi-pro/professional models feature full-frame sensors.
Mirrorless camera image sensors tend to fall somewhere in between the two. They're usually not as large as standard DSLR image sensors, but significantly larger than what most point-and-shoot cameras house behind their lens.
Noise reduction
The term “noise” describes the grainy appearance that digital photographs sometimes exhibit. All cameras attempt to compensate for this by introducing noise reduction, which is the image processor's attempt to correct for the visible effect that 'noise' has on the photo. While noise detracts from overall image quality, heavy-handed noise reduction can also impact image quality by reducing detail.
Features
Although all digital cameras perform the basic task of taking pictures of the desired subject, some come with more features than others. This goes for point-and-shoot models as well as DSLRs.
Video modes
Virtually every digital camera sold today offers some sort of video capture mode. More desirable among these are the cameras that offer HD video capture, though be sure to find out the various resolutions and frame rates specified by the manufacturer. 720p is common, as is 1080i. Be careful not to confuse the latter with 1080p, which represents the much higher quality video.
Effects
Some digital cameras offer the user the ability to add 'effects' to the image, including various 'filter' or lens distortion simulations. This is more of a novelty than a real feature, though creative photographers will appreciate the fact that built-in effects can reduce the amount of effort to produce unique-looking pictures.
GPS
Usually found on the consumer end of the market, built-in GPS functionality allows the camera to add geotag information to the picture. This little tag records the precise GPS-verified location of where the picture was taken, which is handy for sharing vacations or special moments with friends and family.
Touchscreen
Every digital camera offers a rear-mounted screen that is used to display information or act as a viewfinder of sorts. Some higher-end and beginner-friendly cameras feature touchscreen controls, moving the interface to the screen as opposed to relying on dedicated buttons. Though advanced photographers may not like touchscreen interfaces, certain cameras offer selectable focus points by tapping the corresponding location on the touchscreen.
Hot shoe
Don't expect to find a hot shoe installed on entry-level point-and-shoot cameras. This is a feature reserved for cameras with more advanced feature sets and capabilities and allows the user to connect various accessories such as external flash units, microphones, and add-on viewfinders. If you're serious about expanding your photography skills, definitely look into a camera equipped with a hot shoe.
Live view mode (DSLR only)
Although all point-and-shoot cameras can display the image that the sensor sees directly on the screen, this is a trickier proposition for DSLRs. Due to the way these cameras are designed, switching on live view limits a DSLR's autofocus abilities and often introduces sluggish performance. Live view is also the only way to see what is being captured when using a DSLR in movie mode, as the mirror must be flipped out of the way to expose the image sensor (thus blocking off the optical viewfinder).
Price/Value
Digital cameras cover a wide range of prices, with the most affordable models available for as little as $80. High-end professional cameras can easily exceed the price of a new car, and that's before counting extra accessories or lenses. The most affordable digital cameras are basic point-and-shoot models, while digital SLR cameras are substantially more expensive.
There is overlap between the point-and-shoot market and the DSLR market as manufacturers offer high-end or “advanced” compact models that are priced similarly to stripped-down, “low end” DSLRs designed primarily to appeal to amateur photographers. Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras also split the difference between point-and-shoot compacts and DSLRs, but offer their own unique attributes as well as disadvantages.
For digital cameras, value takes on a whole new meaning. While it is entirely possible to spend less than $100 on a new camera, this would be an absolute waste of money if you plan on shooting sports or other fast-moving subjects. Likewise, purchasing a $2,000 full-frame DSLR is just about pointless if you don't plan on learning the fine details of digital photography. To find true value for money, it’s important to assess exactly how the camera will be used before making a purchasing decision.