Digital Camera Basics

There are a variety of different kinds of cameras available on today's market, ranging in price from about $100 all the way up into the thousands of dollars. Because of the broad range of style and quality, just about anybody can find a camera that meets their needs and budget size.

Compact vs. Single-Lens Reflective (SLR)

For the purpose of distinguishing between basic and more advanced digital photography devices, it helps to divide all digital cameras into two primary categories: compact digital cameras and SLR digital cameras. (Although most modern cell phones have digital photography capabilities, this page focuses on cameras that exist independently of mobile communication devices.)

Compact (Non-SLR): Compacts are often referred to as “point-and-shoot” cameras, largely due to ease of use and the convenience they offer.

SLR: A common abbreviation, which stands for single-lens reflective cameras or digital single-lens reflective cameras, it represents the more advanced class of digital cameras on the market.

Significant Differences Between SLRs and Compacts:

  • Size: Compact digital cameras are, like their name suggests, lightweight and compact in size. In contrast, SLR devices tend to be heavier and larger in size, in turn making them less portable. While a compact will easily fit into a pocket or small bag, most SLR cameras will not.
  • Cost: As you might have guessed, SLRs start at a much higher price than their compact counterparts. Even one of the less inexpensive SLRs can easily cost $500. Just because compacts are by and large much less expensive than SLRs, you can still find ones that produce the high-quality results you want. (Visit the Buying a Camera page to learn more about the wide range of digital cameras found on the market today.)
  • Function/Intended Use: Because of their cost and portability, compacts are excellent for beginners and individuals in need of a camera for personal and/or occasional use. More advanced or experienced photographers will most likely be better suited by SLR devices, as these offer a high caliber of precision and a greater variety of control options.

Digital Cameras: Basic Physical Characteristics

Canon compactCompact (non-SLR) Digital Cameras 

  • Electronic zoom: A photographer is able to easily zoom in or out (toward or away from) the subject area using some type of button or lever usually located near the shoot button.
  • Auto-focus: The image sensors in non-SLR cameras rely on the light contrast they capture as a way of focusing the shot, subsequently limiting long-range clarity and low-light performance.
  • Live Preview: Instead of holding the camera to the eye in order to position the frame, point-and-shoot cameras (and now many SLRs as well) have small screens able to display live-lens perspectives.

(Image, Canon compact: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canon_IXUS_430.jpg)


SLR Digital CamerasCanon SLR

  • Reflexive mirror: The one major component that is absent in non-SLR cameras, the mirror is a mechanism that was carried over from pre-digital SLR camera models, offering users more versatility in adjusting to environmental conditions.
  • Detachable/manual zoom lens: Cameras with removable lens kits -- most SLRs -- require manual operation of the zoom function. This differs from non-SLRs which are typically equipped with an auto/electronic zoom feature. Still, aside from higher cost and lower portability, manual zoom lenses are often favorable to built-in lens mechanisms (like those in compact cameras) because they offer greater precision and clarity.

(Image, Canon SLR: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canon_EOS_1000D_IMG_2001b.jpg )

 

Powering a Camera

In order to sustain their electronic functions, digital cameras require replaceable or rechargeable batteries of some kind. Relative to their total size, digital cameras consume a great deal of energy; a characteristic that is apparent in the short lifespan of their batteries.

Of course, depending on the model of the camera, the level of power consumption and length of battery life can vary considerably. Most compact cameras are sold with some sort of charging tool, oftentimes a cradle or adaptor cord. These catalysts are connected to an external power source (plugged into a wall outlet, for instance) by which they then transfer power to a camera’s battery, replenishing its charge.

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