Cameras Buying Advice
We’re here to help you!
We're here to help you buy a new camera. We've got advice and information about all the latest cameras, including digital compact ('point and click') and digital SLR cameras, as well as older style film cameras. For digital models you may also want to read our Digital Camera Buying Advice.There are several factors to consider before deciding what kind of camera will best suit your needs. It’s important to know what you want from your camera. The first choice to make is between manual or automatic. Second, would you prefer a compact camera or SLR(Single Lens Reflex). Your choices depend on your experience with photography, for example if you don’t have experience in photography then you better stick with automatic compact camera and if you want things to be in your control then manual cameras are the best.
There are following different types of cameras:
Alternatively, go straight to any of these to read more:
SLRs
Almost all modern manual cameras are SLRs. These cameras have the bare minimum of options, no auto focus, no auto exposure. Since these cameras have less widgets, the expense is less, and they tend to be more rugged. A big advantage is that the user is in control at all times, but this can also be a drawback for beginners. Not many limitations exist on a good SLR. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can photograph almost anything. You can have complete control if you wish, to capture shots that the camera would miss.
Automatic cameras
Automatic cameras include compact cameras and SLRs. Automatic cameras will focus and set the exposure for you. Most will advance the film, as well as rewind it when it's used up. Some will activate the flash when necessary, and all of them will automatically set the correct exposure for the flash.
Compact cameras
Compact cameras are small and easy to use, you are more likely to take photographs. They travel very easily, some being small enough to fit in your pocket. Many have just one or two buttons, so you whip your camera out, snap a picture, and put it back in a few seconds. A lower price tag usually accompanies compacts, when compared to the SLRs. If you want a hassle free camera, then this compact camera is best for you.
Film Format
Different camera types have different film format. For example Advanced Photo System Cameras, normally called APS cameras use APS films which are easy to use but very expensive to buy and develop compare to other type of films. APS films are easy to load and you don’t have to worry at all about finger prints and loading correctly etc. Simply drop the film into the camera and just close the trap door. APS cameras are cheaper to buy but buying film and paying for development will catch up with the cheaper prices very fast. Some compact cameras also use APS films. Normally 35mm cameras use 24x36 film as it makes images 24mm by 36mm and you cannot change this standard image size. 24x36 films are comparatively cheaper than APS films.
Flash
It is important to know that your camera has flash or not, as flash is very important to minimize the shadow or darkness when you are taking a picture. If you are buying flash separately then automatic flashes are generally the best. Most have three or four different automatic ranges allowing different f-stops and working distances. They can also be used in manual mode for certain effects. While buying a flash, make sure it is compatible with your camera.
Weight
Weight of camera does matter if you are carrying it a lot with you. Compact cameras are generally light in weight and small enough to fit in your pocket. SLR cameras on the other hand have better quality than Compact cameras but they are comparatively heavier, most probably due to their accessories.
Auto-Focus
Auto focus is really important to get sharp and perfect image. Focusing is the moving of the lens in and out until the sharpest possible image of the subject is projected onto the film. Depending on the distance of the subject from the camera, the lens typically has to be a different distance from the film to form a clear image.
In most modern cameras, auto focus is one of a suite of automatic features that work together to make picture-taking as easy as possible. These features include:
- Automatic film advance
- Automatic flash
- Automatic exposure
