Advanced Digital Compact Cameras - Nice!

These cameras look good, feel good, and as the term "Advanced digital compact" suggests, you have tons of manual controls at your fingertips!

These digicams have a lot of the advantages of more professional cameras but without the expense or need to carry around tons of accessories.

The right camera here will offer a powerful zoom lens, manual over-ride for aperture or shutter speed settings, different ISO's, higher pixel count with a larger CCD and even maybe built in image stabilisation.

(If you are a relative "Newbie" to photography, go to my Terminology page for explanations on wordings)

Why would I need manual control?

• Slow Shutter speeds for creative night photography
• Fast shutter speeds for action photography (Sport, wildlife etc.)
• Aperture control to alter depth of field
• External flash (Flashlight or studio) for different lighting effects
• Large files for bigger prints
• Large zoom lens for wildlife, weddings and sports photography

These cameras are for the enthusiasts that have a creative "Itch" they have to scratch. The beauty is that they can also act as a simple point and shoot, great for parties and weddings.

Reading many of the forums online, it would appear that after a year or two of using one of these advanced digital compacts, many users upgrade to a Digital SLR. That is not to suggest that you give these a miss, I carry one with me as a back-up at all times.

It is a great way to get on the photography learning curve without breaking the bank!

How do I choose one of these?

Unlike the smaller compacts, there are fewer of these digital compact cameras to choose from, and the manufacturers spend a lot more time, money and effort in producing them.

This means that the majority of cameras produced over the last couple of years will be of excellent quality. My advice? Budget permitting, get the best you can afford in relation to pixel count and features.

Ergonomics play a part too. Some of these cameras are of very strange design and need to feel good in your hand. Some look like their smaller counterparts and others look more like the Digital SLR's, you will know what is right for you when you see it. Just make sure it has all the features before you buy, don't go for looks alone.

My personal favourites, and which also get top marks from professional photography magazines, are the Canon Powershot Pro G9 12.1 and the Nikon Coolpix P5100 12.1. Go to B and H Photo Video, read the customer reviews and make your own mind up. The minute you have one of these advanced digital compact cameras in your hands, you just won't stop shooting, trust me.

Search: All Products Apparel and AccessoriesBabyBeautyBooksCamera and PhotoCell Phones and ServiceClassical MusicComputer and Video GamesComputersDVDElectronicsGourmet FoodHealth and Personal CareHome and GardenJewelry and WatchesKitchen and HousewaresMagazine SubscriptionsMiscellaneousMusicMusical InstrumentsSoftwareSports and OutdoorsTools and HardwareToys and GamesVHS Keywords:

---

Advanced Digital Compact Cameras

---