Camera Buying Guide

A digital camera allows you to take photos of a much higher quality than most mobile phones. This Camera Buying Guide gives you a helpful overview of digital cameras so you can choose the best digital camera for your needs.

1. Compact Digital Camera

If you’ll mainly be using it for happy snaps on holidays or nights out a compact camera is probably your best bet. They’re lightweight and really easy to use, with automatic settings that make taking photos as simple as point and shoot. Keep in mind that some compact digital cameras can take a few seconds to start up and take a picture so you might miss the moment sometimes.

2. DSLR Camera

If you’re getting into photography and want more control over your photos, a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera will help you tap into your creativity and take your photography to the next level with:

A faster click and capture speed

Better image quality

Settings you can tweak manually:

Aperture

Shutter speed

Contrast

Flash synchronization

White balance

Multiple lens sizes and strengths so it’s easier to get the perfect shot:

Macro lens – for up close, crisp, clear photos of little things

Wide-angle lens – to capture beautiful, sweeping landscapes and sunsets

Telephoto lens – for photos of fast-moving sport and wildlife

Tilt and shift lens – for buildings and correcting perspective

More accessories to help you take the perfect shot:

Lenses

Filters

Flashguns

Memory cards

Cases

Carry bags

Cleaning kits

PRO PHOTOS: DSLR CAMERA BENEFITS

Whilst a point and shoot camera is compact and easy to use, a DSLR digital camera:

Starts up instantly with no shutter lag so you can always get the shot

Captures exactly what you see when you press the shutter button

You can take multiple frames in rapid succession and choose the best shot later

Has a larger internal sensor so captures much better shots than a compact camera

Stores images on a removable memory card for computer editing and TV sharing

Is designed for use in multiple weather conditions and across various terrains

Is built to withstand a certain amount of shock so is a rugged piece of equipment

Is manufactured using more metal and less plastic than a typical digital camera

Is often bulkier, heavier and harder to travel with than a compact camera

FEATURES: COMPARING DSLR CAMERAS

When weighing up different DSLR camera models consider and compare these key features:

High-definition movie – does it capture movie footage as well as still images?

Megapixels – the more it has, the more the sensor stores, the better the photos

Frames per second – how many photos can the camera snap per second?

Live view – does it have an LCD screen that helps you frame your photos?

CARE: LOOKING AFTER YOUR DSLR CAMERA

If you look after your DSLR camera it will take the best possible photos and last longer:

Protect your camera and lenses from damage by always using a camera bag or case

Follow the camera strap instructions and make sure it’s always attached properly

Always follow all of the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions

Only wipe your lenses with a soft, Microfibre cloth – never tissues or paper towels

Buy and use a camera cleaning kit so dirt doesn’t make your photos blurry

Always use the lens cap and use the camera body end caps after removing lenses

Point the camera at the ground when changing lenses so dust doesn’t get inside

Keep your camera dry with a rain cover and don’t expose it to extreme weather

Never leave your camera in extremely cool or extremely hot places (like the car)

Store camera and lenses in sealed plastic bags during extreme temperature changes to prevent condensation, and let them adjust to the new temperature before removing