Advanced Digital Cameras

When  you  understand the basic differences of the  advanced  digital camera types , as well as their pro's and con's. making the correct decision will be simpler.

Determine what you definitely need, what are luxuries, and what are necessities.

You will then be able to avoid some of the traps when buying a new digital camera.

Depending on your specific requirement, you should choose your camera in a range of types. Broadly categorized, they are:

1. Cheap compact low quality.
2. Compact limited features and quality.
3. Compact high features and quality.

4. High feature non SLR

5. SLR with high features and versatility
6. Professional High megapixel SLR

In this review, we will deal only with items 4 to 6, the advanced digital camreras, as the more basic models were covered earlier.

High feature non SLR:
These are very similar to the compact high feature models above, with a few extras.
Generally, the optics on these are high quality with large zoom ratios. They sometimes use a focusing optical viewfinder . The digital viewfinder on some models can swivel, allowing image composition, when being behind the camera is not practical. They often have hotshoes, enabling more powerful external flashes to be used.

Advantages: Superior optics, makes image framing a lot more flexible, without image quality loss. Features often the same as the SLR, in a smaller overall package.
Disadvantages: Surprisingly costly, due to the optics. Still not as versatile as SLR cameras with nearly the same bulk. Useful for semi serious photographers, that want an all in one solution. Definitely not to be confused with a point and click type of camera. Although these cameras have fully automatic settings, enabling a point and click functionality, just like the cheaper compact digital cameras, using them for this only would be a waste.

Single Lens Reflex or SLR Digital Cameras:These instruments have all the features and more of all the previous types of cameras, with one important addition. You can see almost exactly the image that the sensor will be exposed to

This is done by directing your viewfinder vision, through the actual lens on the camera, by  means of a mirror. This allows you to accurately see the effects of different lens settings, depth of field, enlargement due to zoom etc. As such, this will be as close a view of the final image captured onto the memory as is possible.

Depending on the make and model, the image you see, is not quite a 100% of the sensor image. Manufacturers seem to limit actual viewing to about 94-98% of the full image. In addition to the actual image, there are usually readouts in the viewfinder, displaying things like shutter speed, aperture, flash activity etc etc.

The most important feature of the SLR viewfinder is however the ability to focus on specific objects. You can clearly see which objects are sharp and which are out of focus. Pointing different sensors (which are displayed in the viewfinder at different objects, enables you full control of the picture rendition.

Most models also allow interchanging of lenses. This allows the adaptation of magnification ratios, to suit the size, positioning depth of field etc. so optimizing the image that can be obtained from the sensor.

Advantages: Nearly unlimited ability to evaluate the exact image to be captured. More of a "real time" feel and connection to the subject.
Disadvantages: Larger, heavier and noisier than the compact models.The fact that the mirror needs to move out the way when a image is recorded to the sensor, means there is mechanical activity, which is always associated with some noise. Price. The extra adaptability and features, as well the mechanics, do cost more.

Professional High megapixel SLR:
These digital cameras have all of the features of the above SLR cameras, with the addition, that they have very high resolution and large megapixel sensors for optimum picture quality. Some other distinguishing features of these units are: More durable body components for rougher handling ability, options for additional battery compartments, external flash synchronization jacks for studio lighting etc.

Advantages: The highest possible quality and versatility. Durable and tough for onsite professional work.
Disadvantages: Price. These professional digital SLR cameras cost between 4 and 12 times as much as a "normal" digital SLR camera. also tend to be heavier and larger.

The above is a brief summary of the differences between the various types of camera available. Specifics will change from year to year, as more advanced technology supersedes each model.It will however give you a quick overview to enable a decision on which type of equipment would be most useful to you.