BUYING GUIDE.

Subcompact digital camera
Among the many types of digital cameras, the most expansive category is subcompacts—small cameras that fit in a pocket, weigh a few ounces, and can be carried everywhere. Most don't have manual controls or viewfinders, but some are including a variety of useful features, such as touch-screen LCDs and longer zooms.

Compact digital camera
Mainstream compacts are too big for pockets but small enough for most handbags. They’re simple to use and best for everyday events such as family gatherings. Some don’t have manual controls for exposure and composition, limiting you to the camera’s assortment of preset scene modes, as with subcompacts. The ones we tested recently weigh 7 to 15 ounces.

Superzoom digital camera
Super zoom cameras are characterized by a very long zoom range—10x or greater, which is good for sports, travel, or nature shooting. While traditionally bulkier and heavier than compact digicams, a few new models are designed to be smaller and lighter. Some models in our recent Ratings use lightweight parts to get their weights down to as little as 9 to 14 ounces.

SLR and SLR-like cameras
Single-lens reflex cameras are more serious cameras, with the ability to capture fast action or create photographic art under the most demanding light conditions. SLRs, the largest and heaviest type, offer the most versatility and power, including interchangeable lenses. They boast instant startup, minimal shutter lag for fast, continuous shooting, a large image sensor, RAW images, and excellent battery life. As more people move up to SLRs, some very convenient features are also trickling up from small cameras. Examples include onscreen help guides and real-time or “live view” framing on the LCD rather than only through the viewfinder. Basic SLRs are simple to use, while Advanced SLRs are more complex to operate and feature laden. SLR-like cameras, such as micro four-thirds cameras by Olympus and Panasonic, have the same large sensors as SLRs, but smaller camera bodies and no through-the-lens viewfinders.

For more information
For more on retail outlets, check out our where to buy Digital Cameras article.

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