If you are looking to buy a digital camera it can be very confusing. Not only are there around 200 digital cameras available to buy at any one time there are also a whole host of different types of digital camera to buy.

I always think that if you can narrow your search down to a specific type of digital camera then it makes finding the right camera for you much easier. The five main types of compact digital cameras are: Simple and Easy Digital Cameras These are often referred to as point and shoot cameras. Although they do have a few extra features in the main you can point them at the subject and press the shutter button to take the photo. This type of camera is also the cheapest you can buy. In the U.K. price start at around £60 and go up to £120. As you would expect there are drawbacks to buying the cheapest digital cameras on the market.

There are three main areas where you need to make compromises with simple and easy digital cameras. To start with picture quality is not the best. If you find the right camera then picture quality can be surprisingly good, but this is not the case across the board and there are some situations such as indoor shots where the majority of cameras in this category struggle. Next these cameras tend to suffer from extended shutter lag times. This is the delay between pressing the shutter button and the photo being captured. This has been the cause of many a lost photo opportunity. Finally the build quality of the camera can be lacking.

Standard Plus Digital Cameras The next group I refer to as Standard Plus Digital Cameras. These are a clear step up on the simple and easy models. The good news is that you do not always need to spend that much more money to buy one. Picture quality can be much better, although you still need to take care with the model you select. The big difference is with the features that are available. One of the most noticeable features is some extra zoom capacity. This can be a big help when you are struggling to get in close when taking a photo. More and more cameras in this category are also offering features such as image stabilisation.

This can help to reduce blur in a photo. Pocket Sized Digital Cameras If you are looking for a pocket sized digital camera then you probably have more choice then if you are looking for any other type of digital camera. As well as their much smaller size the most noticeable improvement on the Simple and Easy and Standard Plus cameras is the build quality pocket sized digital cameras have. They have metal bodies, a stylish design and many are now available in a choice of colours. Other advantages include LCD screens that are getting larger and larger. To counter this fewer and fewer pocket sized digital cameras incorporate a viewfinder. Prices have fallen a lot on the last 12 months, and now you can pick up this type of camera for around the price of an expensive Simple and Easy model.

Super Zoom Digital Cameras Zoom lenses are getting longer and longer. I would suggest looking at super zoom digital cameras if you are interested in a type of photography where you are unable to get in close to the action. This could be something like sports photography where you have to stand away from the field of play or wildlife photography where you need to keep your distance to be safe and not scare away wild animals. Super zoom digital cameras are much bigger than the other cameras listed on this page. So you will need to consider how you are going to carry the camera around and a protective camera bag may be the answer. Most super zoom digital cameras have a number of more advanced features you can call upon. Advanced Digital Cameras The range of advanced digital cameras is aimed at the serious photographer.

This type of photographer may buy one as a back up to their digital SLR camera or in preference to those larger models. These are also significantly cheaper than a digital SLR. Advanced digital cameras contain features similar to those you would expect to find on an SLR. It is not only the features that mark these cameras out as a step up from other types. Picture quality is that bit better as is build quality. The design of the camera also leans towards allowing you to quickly and easily change key settings.

To get the most out of this type of camera you will need to spend time learning about the different features it has. It is also likely to be worthwhile to find some formal photography training. Even a few weekends given over to learning how to implement the features advanced digital cameras offer can make a considerable difference to the quality of your photographs.

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