Simple and Easy Digital Cameras
If you are shopping for a simple and easy digital camera there are plenty of models you can choose from. This type of digital camera usually comes with a lower price tag, primarily because of the basic set of features these cameras have.
It is worth taking that bit of extra care when you buy this type of camera as the lower price tag can also mean that picture quality and build quality can be suspect. Certainly there are some rogue cameras you are best advised to avoid, but there are also a number that are well made and can take good quality photos. It is just a case of working out the camera that best suits your needs.
All digital cameras come with an automatic shooting mode. That means all you need to do is point the camera at your subject and press the shutter button. That is why more basic digital cameras are often referred to as "Point and Shoot" digital cameras.
If you are after the most straightforward operation all the controls you are likely to need can be found as buttons on the body of the camera. In fact most people I know only ever use two buttons of those buttons (the on / button and the shutter button), plus the control for zooming in and out on a subject.
What Features Make a Digital Camera Easy to Operate?
A good sized and good quality LCD screen
The larger the LCD screen the easier it is for you to compose your photos. If you do end up dipping into the menu system from time to time a larger screen can make it easier to read. The standard LCD screen size for this type of camera is 2.7 inches although from time to time you may find a larger 3 inch screen.
Better quality screens are less reflective. This makes it easier for you to see the scene you are about to photograph.
Fewer Features
Having less features means that you only get the most essential features. This can reduce the number of buttons and menu options a camera has. Fewer buttons on the camera frees up extra space on the back of the camera too. This can make it easier for you to hold the camera and take a good grip.
Larger Buttons
Fewer buttons also gives the manufacturer the chance to increase the size of the buttons. Very small buttons can make a digital camera fiddly to operate.
Dedicated Movie Button
Some cameras offer a button that you can press to start shooting a movie. With other models you first have to change the shooting mode and then press the shutter button to take a shot. When you wish to take your next still photo you need to change the shooting mode again so that the camera is ready once again to take a still photo. With a dedicated movie button there is no need to change the shooting mode.
Finding Your Ideal Simple and Easy Digital Camera
Cameras.co.uk has a Digital Camera Selector. You can choose what is important to you when you are buying a camera and the selector builds a shortlist for you. You can also specify other criteria that are important to you such as the number of megapixels and the amount of zoom you are looking for. To try the selector and build your own shortlist visit: Digital Camera Selector
Alternatively you can take a look at the Cameras.co.uk top rated / recommended Simple and Easy Digital Cameras. The recommendations are based on a mix of ease of use, picture quality, build quality and overall value for money.
Top Rated / Recommended Simple and Easy Digital Cameras
The top three rated Simple and Easy digital cameras are:
Panasonic DMC FS18 Rating: 84/100
Simple and Easy 16 Megapixels 4x Zoom
The Lumix DMC FS18 has a fairly standard set of features for a cheaper pocket camera. It can shoot High Definition movies and has a 2.7 inch LCD screen. For close up photography it can focus from 5cm away from the subject. Extra zoom is available at lower resolutions with a maximum 9x becoming available when shooting at 3 megapixels.
Guide Price: £96.99 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC FS18 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC FS18 Review Panasonic DMC FS18 Spec
Canon Powershot A1200 Rating: 84/100
Simple and Easy 12 Megapixels 4x Zoom
The Powershot A1200 runs on AA batteries. As well as a 2.7 inch LCD screen it also has an optical viewfinder for composing your photos. Canon has incorporated features to help you if you are new to digital photography. These include a special easy mode as well as a Hints and Tips section within the menu system. It is capable of shooting High Definition movies and has a wide angle lens.
Guide Price: £59.99 See latest prices: Canon Powershot A1200 Prices
Related Pages: Canon Powershot A1200 Review Canon Powershot A1200 Spec
Panasonic DMC S3 Rating: 84/100
Simple and Easy 14 Megapixels 4x Zoom
The Lumix DMC S3 is aimed at you if you are new to digital cameras or you find it difficult to find your way around one. It can be used in fully automatic mode, has a 2.7 inch LCD screen and is capable of shooting High Definition movies.
Guide Price: £70.50 See latest prices: Panasonic DMC S3 Prices
Related Pages: Panasonic DMC S3 Review Panasonic DMC S3 Spec
Digital Camera Types
Straightforward, simple cameras. These are also the cheapest you will find.
The most common type. Most are simple and straightforward.
On similar lines to the pocket camera, but a little larger.
Extra zoom over and above more basic cameras, but retaining a fairly compact size.
Extreme zoom lens. Normally with plenty of manual features.
Contain features normally associated with a Digital SLR, but in a smaller body.
As well as being waterproof many cameras are also drop proof and freezeproof.
Compact System Cameras are a cross between a typical compact camera and a Digital SLR. They offer you excellent picture quality, a wide array features and are a small size.
Entry level Digital SLRs for enthusiasts.
Top of the range for the most demanding professional photographers.
