What Camera is Best for You?

As a photographer I get asked the question, "What camera should I get?" quite a lot. The camera you choose really depends on what type of person you are.  

Compact Cameras 

A compact camera, also called a point and shoot, is a still camera designed primarily for simple operation. Most have a built in flash but no changeable lenses. This is however covered by the more easy to use auto focus function. The zoom on these cameras is usually no more than 3x to 10x Optical and depending on the model, a digital zoom feature. Most cameras come with a digital LCD screen so the user is able to view media on the device stored on the SD card or internal memory. Picture quality can range on these cameras, it all depends on the price point. An average compact camera is usually around 10 mega pixels and is capable of shooting 720p HD video. The price point for an average compact camera is around £60-£100. If you are in the market for a camera that is easy to use and a quick way to take photos and videos then a compact camera is for you.

Bridge Cameras

Bridge cameras are as if a compact camera and a DSLR had a child. It combines the simpleness of a compact and the quality of a DSLR. There is one fixed but versatile lens and a built in flash. You are however able to change between manual and auto focus on most models. Zoom on a bridge camera can range from 7x to 15x optical zoom, although most of these do come with a digital zoom feature. Some come with the EVF LCD feature, allowing the user to look through a view finder instead of the LCD, but some have both feautures. Picture and video quality are usually at a high standard. Average bridge cameras are about 12 mega pixels and shoot either 720p HD or 1080p HD. A decent bridge camera is priced around £200-£300. Anyone who wants to begin photography at a high standard yet at a low budget, a bridge camera is for you.

DSLR Cameras

A DSLR (Digital single-lens reflex camera) are digital cameras that use a mechanical mirror system and pentaprosm to direct light from the lens to an optical view finder on the back of the camera. DSLRs are often used 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. DSLR's use interchangable lenses, depending on what the user requires. The zoom can always change, depending on the lens the user is using. Video on a DSLR is usually at a very high quality, for example the Canon 60D shoots 1080p HD video and so do a lot of other DSLR's. A lot of the settings are very customizable on a DSLR but i'll keep this jargon free. DSLR's are strictly for the professionals, a high quality DSLR will run you £800-£1000 maybe even more, lenses are extra too, ranging from £30-£100. If you have a good photo techincal mind and know about photography then a DSLR is for you. But always read online reviews. 

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