Standard Plus Digital Cameras

These cameras form the next logical step up from the entry level models. The main points that make these digital cameras different is that they generally have exposure controls that allow you to control both the aperture and shutter priority. Generally speaking, the kind of people who would want to buy this kind of digital camera are those who want to improve the quality of their photo’s without paying a huge sum for a camera. This being said, prices can range from £110 to £250.

You should also find that the number of megapixels starts to rise with these digital cameras. Generally, you can expect to find about 8 megapixels but the top end models can have up to 12. Some of the cameras in this category also have longer zoom lenses and can often have twice the amount of zoom or more compared to a standard lens.

Many cameras in this category have the facility to be enhanced with after market products such as underwater cases and lens converters. Basically, a lens converter alters the capability of the lens for example, telephoto or wide angle. You may even find fish eye or macro converters for some digital cameras in this category.

At this level, the range of features is increased as well as picture quality. Manual focusing, slower shutter times and additional flash control options can be found. More and more models have image stabilisation and face detection focusing is now the norm. Advanced flash units including pop up and twisting versions are also available on some models to improve photographs. Picture quality is impressive with sharper focusing and good colour detail in comparison to entry level digital cameras.

Although, the majority of the cheaper digital cameras in this category are made of plastic, the build quality of the more expensive models is usually a vast improvement on the entry level models. Television quality playback for movies is also made possible due to the 640 X 480 resolution that can be found on the majority of the cameras. Some digital cameras now offer an additional widescreen setting for movies.

Pocket Sized Digital Cameras

Pocket sized cameras are usually small enough to fit into even the smallest pockets, say perhaps even a pair of jeans for instance. Usually, I consider that any camera less than 25mm wide to fall into this class but as technology advances and digital cameras shrink even more, they will become even slimmer.

These cameras are normally constructed with a lightweight metal body and are very well made. This makes them a better bet than other types that come with the plastic cases of some lesser models. Design wise, there is good scope for choice although many digital cameras in this category share a similar rectangular shape. This means that finding a camera that you like the look of should be a breeze.

LCD screens are still a major feature of these cameras even with their small sizes. Most have at least a 2.5” screen and some even have one which is 3”. However, due to the size issue, many do not come equipped with a viewfinder. Picture quality is greatly improved now and if you select your digital camera wisely you should find you can take great snap shots.

At the moment, many of the digital cameras in this category have between 8 and 12 megapixels. Most lenses extrude from the camera body when it is switched on, but there are also a few to choose from with an integral lens. In terms of actually buying a digital camera, prices can range from £100 to £200 but most of them are roughly £130 to £150.

The quality of the models in this digital camera comparison varies greatly from camera to camera. For this reason, I recommend that you shop around to find the right model. One thing to remember is that the flash and lens are often close together therefore making red eye hard to avoid. Also, indoor shots can be not as good as the higher end digital cameras.

Pocket sized digital cameras tend to be easy to use and many of them are user friendly with a simple set of features. These makes the cameras in this category fall into the high quality point and shoot range.

One final point to remember is that the flash units can be limited in power with this type of digital camera. You should be aware of this limitation when you want to use this camera in lowlight situations.

Stylish Digital Cameras

I have usually found the types of digital camera found in this category both reliable and of good quality. When compared against the standard digital cameras available they are certainly better in build quality than the standard variations.

Cameras of this type, usually have around eight to twelve megapixels and zoom lenses are getting longer too. You can also generally find larger LCD screens but as is the case with many other digital cameras on the market, viewfinders are becoming a thing of the past.

These digital cameras are often small enough to fit into a handbag and are usually quite easy to carry around without being obtrusive. Generally silver in colour (as with many digital cameras), multiple colour options are becoming increasingly available. Many cameras now look fairly similar and therefore looks and style tend to vary very little.

This style of camera generally has good picture quality and often performs admirably in all manner of situations. The features available are similar to that of the standard digital camera but are easy to use and get to grips with.

Features such as image stabilisation (to help stop hand shake) and television quality movie modes are available on many cameras in the category. The build quality of these cameras is similar to the pocket sized models. I have generally found that the resulting pictures from these digital cameras are better and the flashes have a further reach.

Pricewise, they can be more expensive than both the pocket sized and standard digital cameras. Prices can be about £170 to £270 and they are probably more likely to be bought by somebody who would like a great quality camera that is user friendly but is prepared to pay a little more for it.

Simple and Easy Digital Cameras

Pricewise, these types of camera can cost between £60 and £120. There are cheaper options, but if you want a current digital camera from a well-known brand then this is the kind of price that you should be aiming for.

These cheap digital cameras usually have fewer features than the more complex models. This means that they are generally, easier to use. Manufacturers have put a lot of emphasis on this area over the last few years and lots of cameras available are now quite straightforward to use. These digital cameras do however, come with their own set of limitations when you compare them to the more expensive cameras. The cameras are routinely made of plastic and there is often a noticeable difference in their build quality when compared to other types of digital camera.

The chances are that this kind of camera will struggle to take good pictures indoors, in a lowlight. This can lead to blurring in some photos where the camera cannot focus properly, making each photo slightly darker. However, there are some exceptions to this rule if you search around. There is also the issue of shutter lag which is the time taken between the shutter button being pressed and the picture being created. It is because of this that photo opportunities could be missed. Although there are a few cameras that are able to get over this problem, the majority suffer from this major flaw.

Most digital cameras now come with LCD screens and they are increasing in size and quality. You may find however that they do not have a viewfinder. Many of the cameras in this range will now accept memory cards to increase the amount of pictures that can be stored.

What to Look for in a Digital Camera

When you start looking for a new digital camera it is easy to be overwhelmed by the choice available to you. There are so many brands, types and feature available, it can be difficult to know which one will suit your needs best.

The main objective of this blog is to provide digital camera reviews that will help you to decide which digital camera is right for you and fulfils any specific requirements you have. This will include both cheap digital cameras and more expensive models.

Okay, where do we begin? Let’s start by identifying the different digital camera types into several different categories.

• Easy to use Digital Cameras
  
• Compact or Standard Size Digital Cameras
  
• Digital Cameras that fit in your Pocket
  
• Digital Cameras with Style
  
• Digital Cameras with Super Zoom Feature
  
• Sophisticated Digital Cameras
  
• SLR Digital Cameras
  
• Digital SLR’s for Professional use

Canon Digital Cameras

There are Canon digital cameras available for a broad range of people. It doesn’t matter whether you just take the occasional photograph or are a professional using photography as your livelihood. The Canon digital camera range is split into three different sections, namely, IXUS, EOS and Powershot.

The easiest and perhaps most straightforward range of Canon digital cameras is the IXUS. These models have metal bodies and are extremely stylish. They are known for being compact and some of them are small enough to slip easily into your pocket. All of the IXUS models are fairly simple and easy to use which makes them really high quality point and shoot digital cameras.

If you are considering buying Canon Digital SLR Cameras, from the EOS range you should remember that you need to keep a fair proportion of your budget to buy additional lenses. Although there is the option of buying a lens in a kit with the camera, it is likely that you will be looking for at least one more lens as well.

The Powershot part of the range offers a broader selection of digital cameras. At one end are some simple and easy cameras aimed at people who may not know a great deal about digital photography or who would rather not spend a fortune on a digital camera. The range then works its way up to one of the most advanced compact digital cameras you can buy. You will also find the super zoom cameras in this range. The Powershot range on the whole has a good selection of more advanced controls than you are likely to find in the IXUS range.

Cheap Digital Cameras for Less

If like most people, you are looking for a cheap digital camera or maybe a bargain then read on.

Since I regularly test cameras in order to produce an accurate review, it is usually necessary for me to actually purchase the digital cameras at the full retail price. This is because the majority of camera companies have refused any request to loan a camera to provide digital camera reviews.

This has lead to me sell the cameras after I’ve finished with them. Now, I would not expect to get back the full amount that I paid but if you don’t mind buying a camera that has only been used a couple of times then you can get your hands on a cheap digital camera.

These cameras are usually in excellent condition, but if there are any marks then I will say so. Everything that comes packaged with the camera at the time of purchase will be included in the sale. This includes memory cards, manuals, software, etc and if the camera comes with standard AA batteries then I will supply brand new ones.

All cameras I sell are supplied through standard eBay auctions and I will only post within the UK. All digital cameras sold by myself will come with a personal one year guarantee which will cover any breakdown through normal use.