Photo Credit: Michel Tcherevkoff

When it comes to consumer cameras, almost every one purchased today (with the exception of disposable film cameras) is digital. The most viable choice for sharp shooters is a digital SLR or point and shoot. But what features do you really need, and which ones will you never use? Read on for advice that will help you face the options.

Decoding DSLRs

DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex and refers to a camera with a main lens that is used for focusing, and has a mirror positioned behind the lens that directs light toward the viewfinder. Currently, almost all 35mm, removable-lens cameras are SLRs. Overall, the best DSLR for you depends on how you’ll use it.
    If you want a quality camera to take action shots of your child’s soccer game or record family events, a lower-end DSLR will do. Nascent buyers should look for cameras with 6 to 10 megapixels. For sports, find a model with speeds above two frames per second that can focus in low light. A built-in flash is also helpful because few entry-level shooters opt for accessory flashes. Don’t be sucked in by add-ons like a vertical grip; you’re mostly looking for something that’s light, easy to use and in the $700 to $1,200 price range.
    If you’re a more experienced shooter, you’ll likely want a reasonably priced prosumer DSLR. Look for cameras with manual control features and program modes—both will enable you to have creative control. Cameras in this category should also offer the option to shoot in a RAW (or unprocessed) mode, along with sensors between 8 and 12 megapixels and a collection of optional accessories, lenses and strobes. Expect an increase in body size, frames per second and burst modes as compared with consumer models. You’ll want a camera that captures faster than three frames per second and an LCD screen that is 2.5 inches or larger is a must for good image review. Prosumer devices cost from $1,000 to $2,500, but the higher-quality images are worth the expense.
    Ready to go pro? Then your model of choice should be able to capture hundreds of thousands of images before the shutters start to fail. Expect resolutions to be 10 megapixels and higher, with 2008’s pro bodies reaching the 16-megapixel mark. A professional digital camera commonly captures upwards of ten frames per second with bursts measured in the dozens of shots. Pro cameras won’t have built-in flashes or scene modes, but they will have fully manual modes and the ability to work with many accessories and lenses. They’re also heavier and more durable than prosumer cameras, built to be water-, dust- and sand-resistant. The price tag ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, but your resulting jobs should cover the initial investment.

Point-and-Shoot Pointers

The truth about point-and-shoot cameras? As the body gets smaller, the image quality goes down. That’s not to say that compact digital cameras can’t produce great snapshots of a family vacation, but generally the reduced size—not the image quality—is the compact’s main selling point. Most of today’s compact digital cameras lie in the 7-to- 12-megapixel range, and new technologies include facial recognition (handy, but not essential) and image stabilization (extremely handy). Almost every model includes a built-in flash, and some models include WiFi connections, allowing for wireless image transfer—a nice feature, though it will reduce the life of the battery.
    Ultra-compacts are ideal for carrying everywhere. But be advised, tiny cameras are prone to noise, especially in low light. Prices for these models tend to hover between $300 and $600.
    If price is your main concern, budget compacts offer you good pictures without a lot of manual controls at a reasonable $200 to $400. They usually have some program and scene modes, but few controls to override these settings. Budget compacts aren’t designed for poster-sized images, but they’re not relegated to 4 x 6 prints either.
    Yearning for the creative control of an advanced SLR in a petite body? Full-featured compacts include higher resolution and better processing (meaning faster image capture and more accurate images). The high-end cameras in this category have full manual control, RAW shooting modes and the ability to work with external strobes. They’re often found in the hands of advanced amateurs or pros who want a smaller, inconspicuous body when a SLR isn’t practical. These compacts will cost between $400 and $1,000, but your prints will pop.
    Search our Buyer’s Guide for more information on some tried-and-true models and some cutting-edge releases; they may one day hit their expiration date, but so does everything worth loving.