Digital Camera
Basic Models (Special & Fun Cameras)
Features:
- VGA up to 1-megapixel resolution
- Fixed focal-length lens
- Either an LCD or optical viewfinder, but not both
- A small amount of built-in memory or a very small removable card
Ease Of Use: Simple design with minimal buttons and menu options
Best For:
- Infrequent photographers who are considering digital, but aren’t ready to invest in more expensive gear
- Photographers who want images for use on the Web
Price Range: Up to about $250
Examples: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P20, Kodak DX3200, SiPix SP1300
Intermediate Models (Point and Shoot Cameras)
Features:
- 2- to 3-megapixel resolution
- 2x or 3x zoom lenses
- LCD and an optical viewfinder
- Some exposure controls, probably more automatic settings than manual
Ease Of Use: Emphasis on automatic exposures, plus some manual overrides in the menus
Best For:
- First-time digital buyers who photograph often, but want a minimal learning curve
- Snapshooters who want to make bigger prints than possible with the entry-level cameras
Price Range: $200-$600
Examples: Nikon Coolpix 775, Canon PowerShot A20, Olympus Brio D-150
Advanced Models (Compact Cameras)
Features:
- 3- to 5-megapixel resolution
- 3x or greater zoom lenses
- LCD and an optical viewfinder
- Automatic and manual exposure controls, including old favorites like shutter- or aperture-priority and exposure compensation
- Advanced noise-reduction technologies, better battery performance and perhaps a TIFF or RAW file mode
Ease Of Use: Generally more sophisticated, and therefore more complicated than less expensive models
Best For:
- Serious amateur photographers who want maximum image quality and control
- Professional photographers who want a compact digital alternative to their film equipment
Price Range: $400-$1,300
Examples: Canon PowerShot Pro90 IS, Epson PhotoPC 3100Z, Sony DSC-707
Professional Models (SLR & Pro Cameras)
Features:
- 2- to 6-megapixel resolution
- SLR design allowing interchangeable lenses
- Pro-level metering and exposure controls
- Fast frame rates for continuous action shooting
- TIFF or RAW files in addition to JPEG
Ease Of Use: 35mm SLR photographers will feel right at home with many of the controls, but the on-screen menus can be complicated; have your manual handy until you learn the ropes
Best For:
- Professional photographers who need the best digital performance possible
- Serious amateurs who have compatible 35mm lenses, want maximum control and don’t mind the high price tag
Price Range: $3,000-$6,000
Examples: Canon EOS D30, Nikon D1x and D1h, Fujifilm Finepix S1, Sony FD-97
(Digital cameras info. Digital Camera Review, Rating and Price Comparison [on-line]; Dcviews [on-line])