Digital Cameras comes in all size and shapes. In terms of digital camera size we can divide digital camera in following categories
Compact Digital Cameras
Compact cameras are designed to be small and portable and are particularly suitable for casual and “snapshot” use, thus are also called point-and-shoot camera. Compact cameras less then 20mm thick are called as ultra compact digital cameras. Compact cameras are well suited for casual photographers. Most compact cameras does not have advanced features but they are really easy to use. Most have a built-in flash usually of low power, sufficient for nearby subjects. Live preview is almost always used to frame the photo. They may have limited motion picture capability. Compacts often have macro capability, but if they have zoom capability the range is usually less than for bridge and DSLR cameras. Generally a contrast-detect autofocus system, using the image data from the live preview feed off the main imager, focuses the lens.
Bridge Cameras
They get their name because
they ‘bridge’ the gap between compact cameras and SLR cameras. These cameras come with some advanced features but compacts the use of a fixed lens and a small sensor. Like compacts, most use live preview to frame the image. Autofocus is achieved using the same contrast-detect mechanism, but many bridge cameras feature a manual focus mode for greater control. The high-end models of this type have comparable resolutions to low and mid-range DSLRs. Many of these cameras can store images in lossless RAW format as an option to JPEG compression. The majority have a built-in flash similar to those found in DSLRs.
Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras
A digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that uses a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera. DSLRs are often preferred by professional still photographers because they allow an accurate preview of framing close to the moment of exposure, and because DSLRs allow the user to choose from a variety of interchangeable lenses. Most DSLRs also have a function that allows accurate preview of depth of field.
Many professionals also prefer DSLRs for their larger sensors compared to most compact digitals. DSLRs have sensors which are generally closer in size to the traditional film formats that many current professionals started out using. These large sensors allow for similar depths of field and picture angle to film formats.
The term DSLR generally refers to cameras that resemble 35 mm format cameras, although some medium format cameras are technically DSLRs.
Now with above list of camera we get a fair idea about which type of digital camera is best suited for our requirements. If you want to take pictures of your kid’s first steps and first trip to the zoo, make sure that you have a digital camera that is easy to use, manageable and can take pictures immediately a DSLR cameras is not suited for this situation.
If you buy an SLR to get stunningly sharp photos, remember that you’ll have to carry it – and its flash accessories, lenses, memory cards, and tripod – along with the diaper bag, lunch, stroller, and toys when you go out.
For non professionals a Bridge is well suited if you are looking for some advanced features and at the same your camera should be compact enough to carry from one place to another.
