Buying a Digital Camera
Buying a digital camera can seem so difficult. There are so many different cameras, brands and features. It can be hard to narrow your search down to find the right camera for you.
The aim of this guide is to point you in the right direction so that you buy a digital camera that suits your own individual requirements and you enjoy using.
The big question is where to start. With this in mind I have broken down the many different types of digital cameras into nine categories.
1. Simple and Easy Digital Cameras
Ranging in price between £60 and £125 these cameras are straightforward and easy to use. They are suitable for anyone who is looking for a no fuss digital camera and does not want to spend a fortune on one.
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2. Standard Plus Compact Digital Cameras
If you like the idea of being able to take control of shutter speeds and aperture sizes then these cameras allow you to do so. With a price tag between £110 and £250 they offer an opportunity to pick up a camera with controls similar to those you find on an SLR without paying out a fortune. To keep the cost of these cameras down they have plastic bodies and lack the build quality of Stylish digital cameras.
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3. Pocket Sized Digital Cameras
Digital cameras small enough to fit into even the tightest pocket are becoming more and more popular. They tend to have a good build quality with metal bodies. They are not cheap and cost between £100 and £200. In terms of features they tend to be fairly basic. This type of camera is likely to be attractive to someone who likes to take a camera everywhere they go and does not mind paying a little extra for one.
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4. Stylish Digital Cameras
Stylish digital cameras have a number of similarities with pocket sized digital cameras, but are a bit larger. It is hard to find one with less than seven megapixels and they routinely have between eight and twelve. They have a good build quality and are also easy to use. Picture quality is normally among the best you can get from a point and shoot camera. They cost in the region of £170 - £270. This type of camera is attractive to people who like ease of use, extra quality and are not too concerned by the cost.
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5. Super Zoom Digital Cameras
If the type of photos you take dictates you cannot get in too close then a super zoom model could be the answer. These are often snapped up by people interested in wildlife or sports photography. Although some cameras in this category are point and shoot type models the majority offer a wide range of controls and features. This includes fully manual exposure. These cameras will normally appeal to someone who sees photography as a bit of a hobby.
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6. Advanced Digital Cameras
These cameras usually combine a long zoom lens, wide range of features and a good build quality. They are a clear step up from the Standard Plus Compacts. They are also larger. In terms of features they compare quite closely with the more basic Digital SLRs. They cost from £200 upwards and are therefore a cheaper option than buying an SLR body and lenses. With their feature set and price tag they are most likely to appeal to someone who sees photography as a hobby.
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7. Digital SLRs
As technology advances and prices have fallen we have seen the introduction of Digital SLRs for under £400. With a full set of features these cameras appeal to enthusiasts who are serious about their photography. It is always worth taking into account that you will need to buy lenses separately to the body. With the quality of the lens being paramount to taking good quality photos you need to make sure your leave enough in your budget to buy lenses as well as the camera body itself.
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8. Professional Digital SLRs
One of the most noticeable differences between the Professional Digital SLRs and the cheaper models is their build quality. Many of these cameras are built to withstand the rigors of life out in the field. Price varies greatly from £1000 to £6000 as people look to buy the ultimate in digital camera technology. Strictly for the professional or the enthusiast with money to spend.
Read more about Professional Digital SLRs
Buying a Digital Camera
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