1.
So you want to buy a Camera?

2.
Options Initially cheap Running costs high if you take many pics – (film cost) You only have half the control if you are not developing it yourself. It can be totally mechanical (without electronics), which is useful if you are planning to shoot in the arctics  . Analog Digital Initially expensive Running costs very low (no films  ) You have full control It always has electronics. So may conk off in very low or high temperatures.

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<ul><li>Three types of cameras: </li></ul>I will concentrate only on digital cameras. Point and shoot Bridge Camera (Between pro and amateur) Digital SLR

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Point and shoot Pro’s They are the cheapest No hassle, just point and shoot. Really simple to operate, anybody can use it. Con’s Zoom is limited to 3X – 5X Resolution isn’t more than around 4 Meg Pixel, that means you can’t get a good big printout. It doesn’t have many adjustments, so you can’t get good control of your pics

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Bridge Camera (Between pro and amateur) These are also of two types: Ultra portable (handy) Bulky but with high zoom

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Ultra portable (handy) Put into pockets For impulsive photographers, on the street, way to work, it’s for them, the anywhere camera. High resolution (so bigger prints) Has many adjustments, along with the auto feature. So you can have better control over the pics. Pro’s Low zoom, (around 3X-5X) Low on the oomph factor. It’s my personal opinion that you won’t be considered a serious photographer. On the other hand it is less intrusive. Con’s

7.
Bulky but with high zoom High Zoom High resolution (so bigger prints) Has many adjustments, along with the auto feature. You are considered a serious photographer. (suppose in street photography you approach somebody with this camera, they are more likely to agree for a pose) In some of these you can interchange lenses, add filters and so on Pro’s The higher orders of zoom, say from 7X – 12X is useful only with a tripod. It’s bulk makes it an extra thing to carry. So you need a backpack to keep it if you intend to always keep it with you. Even with image stabilization, may need tripod. Con’s

8.
P.S. High zoom without image stabilization makes it virtually useless. What is image stabilization? When somebody uses high zoom, a slight movement of the camera translates into a meter or more of the subject. Say you are shooting a bird on a high tree. Without a tripod if you using a high zoom, you would have to be as still as a zen master in meditation if you want to get that bird without blur. Two types of image stabilization Optical: Optical is better as it literally tries to steady the image Electronic: This only uses algorithm to reduce the blur. Not very useful

9.
Digital SLR Pro’s Largest number of options and features. You can shoot anything and in any condition if you you know how. The lenses come separate so you can use any lens, wide angled, or high zoom or macro. You are the epitome of a serious photographer. People will pose for you  Con’s Very expensive Very few digital SLRs with live preview in LCD. That means you can only view what you have shot after you have shot it. They are not very handy.

10.
I have covered the very basic of cameras. I hope it will help someone in getting the right camera  .