Looking back on my life, the first time I used a digital camera I thought that all I would need to know is what button took a picture and what button allowed you to view your gallery. It was a simpler time then. Now that I’m being exposed to more costly cameras, and am required to learn certain techniques, have I started to notice all the different settings that make a camera. The person who created them had a lot of thought put into it.

So in this blog post, I’m going to help you understand that a digital camera can do so much more once you learn how to properly use it.

Starting with the different types of digital cameras: 

• Compact Cameras
• Zoom Compact Cameras
• Advanced Compact Cameras
• Adventure Cameras
• DSLR’s (Digital Single Lens Reflex)

Compact Cameras

They are also known as “point and shoot cameras”, because that’s all they really do. They have built in autofocus lenses , automatic exposure settings and flash. These are the typical cameras that would be brought on a family vacation because of how easy they are to use and their portability. These are good for memory pictures but not for more professional grade works.

Zoom Compact Cameras

These cameras are a step up from compact cameras. These cameras provide better zoom settings while still keeping the same automatic exposure fixes. The only big difference would be the manual settings for recording.

Advanced Compact Cameras

Can you guess what this is going to mean? If you guessed more manual settings then you are correct. With these cameras you can have more control over the exposure and focus of your photos. They’re still fairly portable, but the quality is better than a shot from your phone.

Travel Cameras

Travel Cameras are the Jeep of cameras meaning, that they can withstand certain conditions that other cameras cannot. These cameras are very durable, but hearing all of this it sounds like the perfect camera right?wrong. With so many things added, something had to be changed and that something is the senor of the camera/viewfinder. So I would not recommend them for anything more serious than a hobby.

DSLR’s (Digital Single Lens Reflex)

These types of cameras are heavier than the lightweight ones I have mentioned thus far. Its also the camera you would use for professional use, due to the variety of settings and interchangeable lenses. Now get ready, because this is the time where you’ll stop relying on the camera to take good photos and let your camera rely on you to tell it what to do. Using compact cameras such as these, allow for more interesting photos and styles.

Go out there and take some pictures! Hopefully after reading this blog it has provided a little bit of clarity regarding the subject of digital cameras.