Point Shoot Digital Cameras
Point and shoot digital cameras are the best selling types of cameras. They are popular with people who want an easy to use camera for family fun, parties, reunions and other events. They tend to be light weight and very portable.
Some point and shoot digital cameras have built in flash units for indoor or low light photography. The phrase "point-and-shoot" is used to describe a fully automatic operation. This would include auto focus, white balance, exposure, and more.
Point and Shoot Cameras vs. Single Lens reflex (SLR's)
Point and shoot digital camerasare different from single-lens reflex cameras (SLR Digital Camera) in many ways. The image that the photographer sees through the viewfinder of a point-and-shoot camera is not the same image that passes through the lens of the camera. The image seen in the viewfinder of a point and shoot digital camera passes through a totally separate lens.
A SLR Digital Camera has only one lens and a mirror transfers the image from the lens into the viewfinder. The mirror then retracts when the picture is taken so that the image can be recorded on the sensor. This method of diverting the image into the viewfinder prevents the pictures to be previewed on the LCD screens on most digital SLRs. New models such as the Nikon D300 have a live preview which solves this limitation.
This method of transferring the image is the choice for professional photographers who must pay special attention to detail! With SLR cameras, it is important that the image in the viewfinder be the same image recorded by the sensor. Point and shoot digital cameras don't have lenses that can be changed and most don't accept filters.
Point and Shoot Camera types
Point and shoot digital cameras can be classified in different categories or camera types. Each category has different features which target specific shutter bugs- from novices to the more experienced photographer. Let's review some of the more popular types of digital cameras to make sure you definitely get your money's worth.
Compact Digital Cameras
Compact digital cameras allow you to easily hold the camera towards the subject and voila... "point and shoot". Now how easy was that? These cameras are designed to be simple to operate and user friendly for a novice. There are many preset shooting modes and they usually fit in a purse or small bag.
The good thing about compact models is that picture taking is completely automated; however, the bad thing is that picture taking is COMPLETELY automated. This may sound like a contradiction but let me explain in more detail!
In order for the camera to get the correct lighting and exposure (ISO, aperture, shutter speed), it makes a lot of assumptions (you know what happens when you assume.... don't you?). You might look through that viewfinder and think you have a great shot until that picture doesn't look like what you expect. Sometimes in order to get just the right photograph you want to have control over the exposure and not just rely on automatic mode. Point and shoots allow you to take nice "snapshots" but can make it difficult to create artistic photographs.
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, snapshots may be convenient and perfect. The low prices make it hard to resist! Check out these deals:
- Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital Camera
- Fujifilm Finepix A500 Digital Camera
- Kodak EasyShare C433 Digital Camera
- Nikon Coolpix S9 Digital Camera
Ultra Compact Digital Cameras
Ultra compact digital cameras are smaller than regular compacts and are basically mini point and shoots. Mini refers to the size but not the features. They prove that good things come in small packages! Compact models usually have more megapixels and additional shooting modes. They take great images and are more convenient to carry around since they are lighter. Convenience has a price and compacts can be a bit more pricey.
Casio Exilim EX-S600 Digital Camera
6.18 Megapixel, 3x Optical Zoom, 2.2 in LCD Display
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T10 Digital Camera
7.2 Megapixel, 3x Optical Zoom, 2 in LCD Display
Olympus FE-190 Digital Camera
6.4 Megapixel, 3x Optical Zoom, Built-In Flash, 2.5 in LCD Display
Samsung NV3 Digital Camera
7.2 Megapixel, 3x Optical Zoom, 2.5 in LCD Display
Prosumer Digital Cameras
Prosumer digital cameras are hybrids of consumer compacts and professional SLR's. The person who purchases this type is someone who wants the flexibility to shoot like a pro but doesn't want to spend the money to buy an SLR body plus detachable lens!
These types have automatic exposure modes as well as manual. You can control the flash output, focus, and many other features. Learning to use my prosumer camera is how I gained a respect and love for photography. Should you pay the extra money to get a prosumer model? I would say "yes" if you're looking for an upgrade from a point and shoot but "no" for if it's your first digital camera. They also make good back up cameras if you own an SLR.