Walk into any camera retailer and you will find dozens upon dozens of cameras. Sony, Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Fujifilm are just a few of the manufacturers. Prices range from a few pounds to thousands and each camera has its pros and cons. But before you can start narrowing down the selections you will need to decide one important factor: Should you buy a DSLR or a "point and shoot" camera.
DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Cameras
DSLR cameras are substantially more expensive than P&S (point and shoot) cameras, however, they do provide a greater versatility than P&S cameras. They have interchangeable lenses, are larger, and have manual settings. Some provide a few presets for the novice user, but to use the full potential of the camera, some knowledge of aperture, exposure, and focal length are required. The size is also factor. DSLR cameras tend to be rather bulky and heavy. Normally, one does not think about 2 or 3 KGs as much of a load, but after 8 or 10 hours, it may become cumbersome. The biggest advantage of DSLR cameras is that even the cheapest provide high quality photos.
P&S (Point and Shoot) Cameras
P&S cameras provide much less versatility when it comes to shooting styles. They range from a few pounds to a few hundred pounds in cost and the quality varies widely. The biggest advantages are ease-of-use and size. The typical P&S camera offers a number of presets to choose from, depending on lighting conditions and subject. The higher end cameras may offer a few basic manual settings. P&S cameras generally come in two forms: the pocket camera and a DSLR style camera. The former easily fits into a pocket or handbag while the latter looks much like the more expensive DSLR cameras, though smaller and lighter.
Which camera you choose really depends on how you plan to use it. If your intention is to shoot like a professional photographer and you know or are willing to learn about the various manual settings, a DSLR will last you for years to come. However, if simplicity is what you are seeking, a P&S is probably a better choice. Once you have made this decision, the research into which specific camera model is right for you will be much easier.
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