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.