Types of Basic Digital Cameras

After reading this, you will understand the basic differences of the various types of digital cameras, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. What to look out for. What you definitely need, what are luxuries, which are nice to have, but not necessary.

Also the traps to avoid when buying a 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

Here we will discuss only the first 3, as the others fall into the more advanced category.

1. Cheap compact low quality.
The cheapest digital cameras will often have only a optical viewfinder, no external memory and replaceable batteries. They would be low resolution, sometimes below 1 megapixel, using a low speed USB interface to get the images onto your computer. They usually have no settings that are user chageable. You point and click - thats it.

Advantages: Usually very cheap. May be physically small like spy cameras. Easy to carry around, some models act as keyrings.
Disadvantages: Poor quality images. No ability to adapt to conditions. Limited image storage capability. Usually use expensive button disposable batteries with a short lifespan.
Recommended: As novelty item, toy, ..

2. Compact limited features and quality.
These digital cameras are the budget models, which can be used for simple point and shoot. Some models have removable external memory and quite usable resolutions of over 3 megapixel. Often they have a digital display and digital zoom functionality. Batteries are often disposable, though some models do come with rechargeable batteries and a charger. Often have a built in flash.

Advantages: Cost effective for normal infrequent domestic use. Easy to use and compact. Somewhat expandable with external memory cards.
Enough flexibility for most applications, with autoflash for lowlight situations, zoom to frame images better etc. Autofocus seems standard on just about all cameras from here up. A great first choice, for a beginner, or casual user on a budget. Small enough to be carried along nearly anywhere.
Disadvantages: Limited flexibility and quality of images (though usually quite sufficient though)

3. Compact high features and quality.

These cameras are knocking on the doors of professional quality. A lot of professionals use these as a backup, or to take quick candid shots, when their professional equipment would be too big and bulky to set up. There are a lot of great uses for these cameras, with drawbacks that only a professional or advanced photographer would really miss. Resolution starts from 5 megapixel up to 10, which is in the realms of professional photography. The settings adjustments and readout available, are often overwhelming. Manufacturers seem to pack nearly as much in the way of features into these models, as they do into their top range offerings.You may not have the extent of the features but there is an abundance of features.

Often these models have large, high resloution Digital viewfinders, as well as optical viewfinders. Modes enabling you to optimize for different light levels, moving objects, nearby objects etc. They usually offer an optical zoom function, as well as a digital, to make the image framing as easy as possible. All in all, these cameras would suffice for even a relatively serious amateur photographer.

Advantages: Compact and cheaper than SLR type models. High quality to price ratio. Best all round choice for most types of photography.
Disadvantages: Very few. Obviously can't compete with the top range SLR models for features adaptabilty.

This covers the Basic to Semi advanced digital cameras.

See also the "Types of Advanced Digital Cameras" for brief descriptions  of more complex and versatile digital cameras.