I’d like to start by telling you which camera I have and the reasoning behind it.
I have a Sony F717 5mp digital advanced point and shoot camera. I like to take pictures that are spot-on and also when I’m at places where I have the time, I like to spend the time to catch a great snap. This camera lets me do both.
I’ll be categorizing camera’s below and you can choose which place you fall in.
To start, there are two major differentiators: Film and Digital
Film cameras
They capture all the beauty and detail that you want. They come in two varieties:
35mm point and shoot
This is our normal film camera. They don?t have much control on it. Probably a few controls like red-eye, flash, timer, etc. But nothing much in-depth. They come in a huge range of budget too.
35mm SLR
This is the advanced camera user. These usually have a mass of controls? aperture, exposure, zoom, etc. These are expensive cameras. I?d recommend these for real photo enthusiasts who probably have their own photo lab, so that the cost of printing doesn?t run them into the ground.
Digital cameras
Digital cameras have changed the camera industry. They have been around for quite some time now. They have many advantages over film cameras. There are two ways I can categorize digital cameras. One by their mega pixels and the other by their type.
Mega pixels start from as low as 1 and go up to 7 or 8. The higher the mega pixels, the better the picture quality. With that said, it?s necessary to determine which is right for you. Because the higher the mega pixels, the higher the cost. A 3mp camera can print a good quality 5x7 print. A 4mp camera can print a good quality 8x10 print. If you are looking at PRINTING more than that, then it makes sense to go for higher mega pixels. Otherwise it?s just a waste of good money.
Now the types:
Point and shoot
Again the usual point and shoot. Great for picnics. Not great for hiking and nature trips. Pretty cheaply priced(again dependant on mega pixels)
Advanced point and shoot
These are currently the craze for those who do not want a tacky camera and who don?t have to patience of fidgeting with all the settings for a snap shot. These have most of the controls of an SLR, bar one? NO INDEPENDENT ZOOM LENS. You can attach a zoom lens converter and attach additional zoom lens. But it really does not justify an APS camera.
Digital SLR
If you are a keen photo enthusiast, then this is what you want. All the controls, all the lens attachments possible. These are pricey, pricey, pricey.
So to conclude: Think of what you are and buy accordingly. If you are a film camera lover, that may be the thing for you. Digital cameras allow you to review your shot and take another if you are not satisfied with the first one. Digital cameras allow you to print one photo at a time, not the whole roll. And remember: whatever you buy is going to be there with you for the next 5 years atleast. So decide wisely.