If you’re interested in pursuing a career in photography then you have to know your equipment, and there are many different types of cameras to choose from today.

A point and shoot camera is ideal for those who want a quick and convenient solution to taking an image, and though many of these cameras are restricted on manual control, they will usually guarantee that your subject is in focus, and it’s just as easy as turning it on and pressing the shutter.

Of course this type of camera will not be sufficient enough for a photo enthusiast or a professional photographer, and if you like to have a good amount of control over your images then a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera) is ideal. There are different levels of DSLRs and this includes entry level, mid-range and professional. The majority of the professional DSLRs benefit from a full frame sensor, and this ensures that the cameras can take high quality images in low light situations, but they are significantly higher in cost.

If you want a real lightweight camera, with the advantage of manual control, then there are some bridge cameras to choose from. These are built to be lightweight and small, and though you can’t change lenses you do get some manual control.

Instant cameras are still available today and they became extremely popular in the 1990s. They are rather outdated because the majority of people will prefer to upload their images to a computer, whereas an instant camera includes a self developing film, so you can have a physical photograph printed out from the camera itself.

DSLR cameras are at the top of the hierarchy when it comes to quality images, and the range of settings are ideal for photographers who demand full control over their images. A point and shoot camera will be ideal for holiday snappers, while a bridge camera can give you a taste of both, and you should weigh up your needs before you decide on a camera that’s right for you.