Best camera for me?

There are basically two types of camera users - picture takers who only know about pressing the button and photographers who know the basic principles of photography.

Those who only know how to press the button will be comfortable with point-and-shoot (PNS) cameras. All you need to do is point the camera to your subject and click.

Those who want to appear they know more than just push the button will be happy with a bridge camera. These are feature-loaded PNS cameras that come in the shape of a miniaturized dSLR. The strongest feature of bridge cameras is their exceptional zoom range.

Then there are those who want the qualities of a dSLR camera but without the bulk. In comes the hybrid cameras that offer electronic viewfinders. The lens can be replaced as in a dSLR. The designs are so varied some look like flattened dSLRs while others look like PNS cameras with huge lenses jutting out of them. Among these clump of cameras are the EVIL (electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens) cameras, MILC (mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras), SLT (or translucent mirror cameras), and most recent CSC (compact system camera).

For those who appreciate total control, there is the dSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. All controls on making a photograph are present, the lens can be replaced and the most important part, the viewfinder, sees through the lens optically. Using a dSLR does not automatically ensure you get fabulous pictures all the time. You have to absolutely know what you're doing.

For those who want more, there is the medium format (MF) dSLR. They have the largest digital sensors and have the most megapixels among the digital cameras in the market. These are the workhorses of fashion and architectural shoots.

But wait, there IS one more! Large format cameras can be fitted with a scanning back. It's the equivalent of slapping a flatbed scanner to the back of your camera. You can't get any action shot with this setup but whatever shot you make will be incredible!

If you hate lugging the Ferrari edition Hasselblad above, there is always the Leica to hang around your neck like this BMW version Leica X1. It's a point-and-shoot camera with a non-replaceable fixed focal lens. Heavenly!

Now you know!

Keerok