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Which Camera?

Wondering what is the best camera - Digital or Point and shoot - to buy?

Ok, you've decided to take the plunge and buy a digital camera. Or perhaps you already own one and are considering upgrading to a better model. Either way, you may be intimidated by the bewildering array of choices out there. So what do you do?

Confused about the right camera? Let the experts at IIP guide you.

Whether you're buying a new camera or planning to upgrade to a better one, there are a plethora of choices in the market that can bewilder the best of us. Considering the two broad categories, the — Digital Single Lens Reflexes (DSLR's for short) and smaller compact models, commonly referred to as "point-and-shoots". DSLR's offer interchangeable lens capability, true through-the-lens viewfinders, fast operation, and generally low digital noise. If you currently own a 35mm SLR you'll find the transition to a DSLR relatively painless and in fact you may be able to use lenses you already have. Canon EF lenses will work just fine on any Canon digital, ditto for Nikon, Minolta, and Pentax lenses originally designed for their 35mm models. However, some lenses may not have full functionality on the digital body.

But what about point-and-shoot cameras? Well, if you want something small that can be slipped into a pants or jacket pocket, these little beauties are the only way to go. (I'm not discussing camera phones here. They're fun but I consider them to be toys, at least at this stage in their development, not "serious" imaging tools).

So here are the pros and cons:

DSLR's: Pros: Used by professionals, fast operation and low digital noise. Cons: High maintenance, more complicated and require some semblance of expertise.

Point and Shoot: Pros: Easy to use, good for beginners, no hassle clicking. Cons: Not suitable for professional shooting.