Digital Cameras

When shopping around for a new Digital Camera, there are several different types to consider such as Compact Cameras, MIL Mirrorless Cameras, Tough Action Cameras and DSLR Cameras. Each Camera is suited to a different type of user with varying degrees of complexity and automation built into each model.

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Cameras are one of the more popular types. When you point the Camera at something, you can see what the lens sees through an optical viewfinder rather than an image rendered on a screen like a Smart Phone. This helps with timing as unlike a digital display, the optical view has no latency.

DSLR Cameras give users more control with the option for automatic settings. They tend to be bulkier than other Camera types which may not be suited to people looking for a small, lightweight Camera to carry around with them. DSLR Cameras have models suitable for beginners, professionals and everyone in between with the option to switch lenses.

As photography skills develop, you may become interested in using a wider variety of lenses for different types of shots. In addition to a standard lens some of the different types of lenses include wide angle lenses, macro lenses, fisheye lenses and short, medium and super telephoto lenses. If you have a DSLR or MIL (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens) Camera, then you'll be able to purchase additional lenses and swap them out for different types of photography and situations.

You should always check the compatibility of the Camera with the lenses you wish to use. DSLR Cameras and Mirrorless Cameras have different mounts, which means that lenses designed for one Camera type generally won’t work with the other type. Different lenses may also not be compatible with different Camera brands, even if the type of Camera is the same. Some manufacturers have lens converters that can be used to overcome this, although this can sometimes result in image cropping or loss in picture quality.

Mobile Phone Cameras are constantly improving and easy to use. Because we carry our Phone around with us all day, we always have a Camera ready to go whenever we want to snap a quick photo. Smartphones are convenient, all in one devices well suited to everyday photography, but can’t match a good standalone Digital Camera.

Digital Cameras are better at taking high quality images using long zoom features. Because smartphones are designed to fit in a pocket, they lack the physical space to include a long zoom Camera lens. Digital Cameras are also more ergonomically designed and easier to hold steady.

The versatility, image quality and control afforded to DSLR and Mirrorless (MIL) Cameras is where Digital Cameras really come into their own. These Cameras have larger sensors, higher image resolutions, offer much more manual control and are compatible with a variety of high quality, specialized lenses. DSLR and MIL Cameras also perform better in low-light environments or when capturing a moving object.

Finding the right Camera for you largely comes down to how much control you want over each shot weighed against getting easy, high quality pictures automatically. Basic Camera models are great for photography beginners, designed for quick and easy use with a lot of automated features and minimal manual control. These models are also smaller and lighter than other Camera types, so they can be carried around easily.

More advanced Camera models have a broad suit of automatic and manual options, making them great for developing photography skills. These Cameras should perform well in low light settings and be capable of capturing images with a lot of colour contrast. For a responsive Camera that will be ready quickly, aim for a model that will start up in under 2 seconds with a shutter speed of less than 0.3 seconds.

Cameras with a manual focusing option are great for adjusting when the automatic focusing isn’t cutting it. Image stabilisation features are great for reducing image blur.