Cameras are valued for their ability to capture pictures of events, objects, persons etc so that they are saved for posterity.
There are two major kinds of cameras available in the market today: P&S and SLR.
P&S: refers to Point and Shoot Pont and shoot means literally pointing at something or someone and shooting or pressing the shutter. The camera does most of the work for you. But very often the camera is not as wise as the photographer so there will be shortcomings in the results. The names of the camera is abbreviated as P&S. Originally, it began as a fixed lens that focused about 4 ft in front with a fixed aperture and shutter speed. It amounted to a box with a shutter.
Today P&S cameras are much more sophisticated and mostly found in digital versions. The biggest disadvantage is that many do not have Through The Lens View finder. This means what you see through the view finder may not be what you capture on film or digital media. P&S cameras are small and fit into a pocket or purse. They are best for casual picture taking.
Some features;
- Variable shutter speed
- Variable aperture
- Zoom lens
- Automatic focus
SLR and DSLR: stand for Single Lens Reflex and Digital Single Lens Reflex. It refers to how light enters the camera. These are cameras used by professionals. They have a larger body than P&S and interchangeable lens. Originally stated as a manual camera, now these have all automatic features like a P&S. Most now allow the photographer control over many functions. Some of the functions that are allowed control over are:
- Focus point
- Magnification
- Aperture
- Film speed
- Remote Releases
- Additional battery packs
- Shutter speed
The SLR uses a series of mirrors so that one may view the scene to be photographed through the same lens that takes the picture. When the shutter release is depressed, the lower mirror snaps up, the picture is taken and the mirror returns to its original position. (This is the Reflex action). At the time the picture is taken, the view finder is blackened for a split second.
The above Information on cameras will help you to make your buying decision easier and fruitful.