Which type of digital camera is right for you? Digital cameras fall into several overlapping categories, which are usually defined by the number of pixels they can capture, lens type, availability of manual controls, add-on accessories, and other features. Specifications that define a category change over time. Point-and-shoot digital cameras once had 640 x 480 to 1024 x 768 resolution. Today, even the most basic digital cameras have 2MP (megapixel) of resolution or more. Here's a look at the key features of digital cameras by category.
Point-and-shoot models
Point-and-shoot cameras are the most inexpensive type of digital camera. These basic cameras can do anything that a simple film camera can do. Most will have 2 to 3.2MP resolution; a built-in flash; some sort of removable storage; and either a fixed focal length, nonzooming lens (in the ultracompact models) or a modest 3:1 to 5:1 zoom that provides a little magnification. Expect automatic exposure and no manual controls.
Intermediate models
Intermediate digital cameras are the most widely used. As such, they have the best compromise of features to suit most consumer needs. Look for 3.2 to 5MP resolution; a 3:1 to 4:1 zoom lens; either CompactFlash or Secure Digital (SD) storage; and at least a few special options, such as different exposure modes, close-up focusing, or manual controls.
Advanced consumer models
If you're willing to spend a few hundred dollars more than most point-and-shoot or intermediate models, you might be interested in digital cameras with some special features, extra resolution, or a longer zoom lens. These are 4 to 6MP models with 4:1 to 10:1 zooms (or better) and plenty of add-on accessories, such as wide-angle and telephoto attachments, filters, external flash units, and more. You can also find lots of optional exposure modes and customizable settings. Advanced consumer cameras usually require a session or two with the instruction manual to master all their capabilities, but they have few limitations.
Prosumer models
Prosumer (falling between consumer- and professional-level) digital cameras are the models that photo buffs and even a few professional photographers favor. The avid photographer is willing to spend a few thousand dollars or more for these cameras in order to get the advanced features.
Pros find prosumer digital cameras useful as backup cameras, even if most aren't quite rugged enough to take the beating that professional equipment is subjected to.
Prosumer cameras feature an electronic or optical through-the-lens viewfinder that lets you evaluate and focus through the same lens used to take the picture. These cameras either have a good quality, fixed zoom lens (in the 8:1 to 10:1 magnification range) or, in some cases, take the same interchangeable lenses that film camera stablemates from the same vendor accept. You can expect a minimum of 5 to 6MP pixels in this category.
All other controls on a prosumer digital match or beat those found on conventional film cameras. You get automatic and manual focus as well as multiple automated exposure modes, plus manual shutter speed and lens opening settings if you want them.
About the only difference between high-priced prosumer digital cameras and professional digital cameras is the speed (professional cameras can usually snap off digital pictures at a 5-pictures-per-second clip; prosumer models might be limited to 2 to 3 pictures per second) and ruggedness.
Professional models
Professional digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras cost up to tens of thousands of dollars and have both the pedigree and features to match. These high-end models are the equals of their film camera counterparts in almost every way. If you can't do it with one of these, it can't be done.
You'll find 6 to 14MP sensors in these cameras, and you can fit standard interchangeable lenses to them while retaining all the sophisticated autoexposure and autofocus modes of their film camera mates. One feature that professionals demand is speed. If you use a professional camera, you'll see just how this speed is applied: Lesser cameras are often hampered by a time lag between the time you press the shutter button and the instant when the picture is actually taken. Then, you might have to wait a second or two while the photo is saved to the storage media. Although some prosumer and advanced amateur digital cameras let you take another shot or two immediately, you're limited to two or three before you have to stop and wait for the storage to catch up.
On the other hand, with a professional camera, you can usually snap off pictures as quickly as you can press the shutter release or trigger the motor drive (continuous shot) mode. You might be able to snap off 5 pictures per second for as long as you like - or at least until the storage media fills up. That can be a long time, because professional digital cameras usually accept humongous storage options, such as 1GB (or larger) mini hard drives.
