| Cameras typically fall into three different categories. | | | | cameras buffer memory before it is processed and |
| The categories are called: Consumer Level Camera, | | | | then downloaded onto your storage media. The buffer |
| Advanced/Enthusiast Level Cameras and lastly, | | | | memory is temporary and also limited. What you want |
| Professional Level Cameras. The consumer level | | | | to look out for is a camera with good buffer memory |
| camera is perfect for quick and easy use. They are | | | | size that can store a few images. |
| typically point and shoot types that will offer little | | | | Zoom Length - most consumer level digital cameras |
| control over exposure times and zoom length. This | | | | will give a digital zoom of 3x or 4x zoom length. This |
| category is perfect for first time users of digital | | | | should be enough for beginners. |
| cameras and people with little photography experience. | | | | Image Quality & Pixel Size - compared to the other |
| What is great about these cameras is that the auto | | | | two levels of digital cameras, the consumer level will |
| shoot setting can give your shots just what they need | | | | give the lowest quality shots, but they will also cost the |
| to look decent without you having to worry about the | | | | least. When buying a consumer level digital camera, a |
| right settings. | | | | mega pixel range between 6-10MP will give you |
| When buying a consumer level digital camera, there | | | | decent quality. |
| are many factors that you should be aware of before | | | | ISO Settings - Most consumer level digital cameras will |
| purchasing. These factors include: | | | | have an ISO range between 100 to 400. This means |
| Lag Time - the camera should react quickly to the | | | | that for action type shots such as sporting events, this |
| shutter press. You want a camera that will react | | | | level of camera won't perform very well. They are |
| quickly when you hit the shoot button. | | | | great for still type snaps. Advanced level or even |
| Speed of the Lens - the shutter speed of a camera | | | | professional level cameras are required for action |
| will depend on how much light is passed through the | | | | shots. |
| lens. Smaller cameras will generally have a slow lens | | | | If you're buying your first digital camera, follow these |
| between f4 - f5.6. | | | | steps for picking the right consumer level digital |
| Speed of the Processor - Photos are stored in the | | | | camera. |