Confused on what type of digital camera suits you? Have a read at this article. After all, it’ll help you decide better on which is the right camera type for you.
In this article, I will explain the 3 camera types that you come by. These 3 camera types are Compacts, Prosumers and Digital Single Lens Reflex (DLSR) cameras and subsequently I will guide you on deciding which one suits YOU!
Now, let’s start off with by getting to know the various camera types.
3 Types of Digital Camera
Compact Cameras (a.k.a Digital Compacts or Point & Shoot)
The name says it all - they are COMPACT! In the past, compact cameras weren’t that compact as it is today. Even back then, the size difference is quite huge between 2 compacts of a different price range, nowadays even the cheaper compacts sport a slim and sleek look. 
Compacts are convenient, they slip into your pockets, pouches or handbags easily.
When it comes to pricing, the price range of compacts vary depending on the size and features. Usually the more expensive ones offer better features like higher megapixels, greater sensor sensitivity and so on so forth but that doesn’t mean cheaper ones aren’t good enough for you.
Prosumer Cameras
Halfway point between the professionals and the consumer, the prosumer range of cameras pack quite a punch if you consider the features you get for the price you pay.
The size and weight of Prosumer range of cameras are quite similar to that of DSLRs. So yeah, they’re not something you could slip in your pocket or handbag but the beauty of the Prosumer range is that they usually come with a lot more features than what you can find on a Compact such as manual controls.
In fact in some Prosumers even come with manual lens ring focusing, this means you would be able to manually focus your cameras just like how you would on a DSLR.
Prosumers generally come with powerful telephoto and macro mode capability. This means they’re great at zooming in on subjects at a distance, and also they’re great in taking small subjects at very close range.
The price of a prosumer hovers around the level of high-range compacts and some may even cost more than a beginner DSLR, however do note that you get an all-in-one package, features that a beginner DSLR will not have unless the owner is willing to fork out much more for a macro lens and tele lens.
Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLR)
The DSLR range of cameras, their changeable lens makes them the most flexible camera you can get your hands on - at a cost of course.
While the beginner DSLR is affordable, getting a beginner DSLR would mean that you’re stuck with the kit lens unless you spend a little more for additional lenses to vary your shots.
The price of semi-pro and pro level DSLRs on the other hand costs much more, the highest end DSLR body and high-grade lens could cost more than a car………or 2. And that’s just A body and A lens.
Do bear in mind that unlike the Digital Compacts and Prosumers, DSLRs do not come with VIDEO recording ability.
So which one should I take?
Here’s a simplistic approach on making the decision
The COMPACT camera is suitable for you IF you
- are looking for something slim and easy to keep.
- want something convenient.
- want something that’s a no-brainer when it comes to using it.
- don’t mind the lack of features.
- want video recording capability.
The PROSUMER camera is suitable for you IF you
- are willing to pay a bit more to have a more variety of shots.
- desire more controls over your shots.
- don’t mind having a quite big chunk of technology to lug around.
- don’t intend to spend any much more for your photography gear.
- don’t wish to burden yourself with lens changing.
- want video recording capability.
The DSLR camera is suitable for you IF you
- really look forward to expand the variety of your shots.
- desire even more controls over your shots.
- don’t mind splashing money on lenses.
- don’t mind lugging around the camera and its lenses.
- don’t mind the hassle of switching lenses.
- don’t mind the lack of VIDEO RECORDING ability.
Other Image-Capturing Devices
A handphone with camera is still a handphone. A PDA with camera is still a PDA. Despite boasting megapixels, these devices are sorely lacking in image quality and overall functionality. Sure, they’re convenient for capturing moments but they’re still far from being in the league of a proper camera.
Video Cameras? They are VIDEO cameras, their sole purpose is to VIDEO moments thus their still-capturing abilities and features are limited. The price of a video camera could be that of a DSLR (body + kit lens) or more but don’t expect them to be able to do artistic stills like those captured by cameras, especially the DSLRs.
Webcams? They are a form of input device for your computer, their ability to capture videos and stills depend entirely on the software installed. Their image quality is horrible at best and they’re not something that you carry around to snap pictures.
If you intend to get your hands wet in photography, kindly avoid these devices and get yourself a proper camera.
Conclusion
With this article, I hope that you have better understanding on the various camera types and you have more or less identified what type camera you should be looking at. 
Feel free to leave comments or questions or suggestions.
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