When buying a point and shoot camera I would say there is 3 basic categories, A beginner’s compact camera like the Nikon coolpix p4,a mid-range compact camera like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3, or a prosumer camera like the Fujifilm S5600. 

Beginners compact cameras(like the nikon coolpix p4) are suitable for the beginner photographer and represents great value for money.  These cameras combine great image quality with easy handling and some stylishly designed bodies(also usually comes in a variety of colours)  They came in various sizes, some are thin, some are chunky and so the range is broad and you can select with confidence and could probably find one in your favourite colour too

Lets have a look at the pro’s and cons of a beginner’s compact camera like the nikon coolpix P4

Pro’s: Very light-weight and compact, inexpensive to purchase, very easy to use and inexpensive to run.

Cons: May limit you as you progress, Zoom-range may be limited, May not accept accessories and may be slow in operation.

Mid-range compact cameras (like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3)

are modern compact cameras offering a bigger range of zoom and a little bit better overall quality than the beginner compact.

So let’s have a look at the pros and cons of a mid-range compact camera like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3.

Pros: Compact and light-weight, inexpensive to run, Capable of high-quality images, better zoom range.

Cons: Battery life may be limited, Zoom action may not be smooth, Display might be difficult to read and the range of accessories are limited.

Prosumer cameras (like the Fujifilm finepix S5600)

are the cameras that bridge the gap between consumer and professional ranges.  These prosumer cameras are capable of great professional quality images and a good deal of user controlled functions rather than being automated by the camera. This enables you as the photographer to be a lot more creative in the taking of your photographs.  Sometimes sturdy construction is sacrificed in order to keep the camera’s weight low and to reduce their size.  Prosumer cameras offer high-performance lenses and flash- and lens accessories.

Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of a prosumer camera like the Fujifilm finepix S5600:

Pros:  Excellent quality images, very rapid in operation (like start-up and shutter button reaction time), wider zoom-range and accepts accessory flash unit.

Cons: More costly to purchase, heavier and bulkier than point and shoot compact cameras and a little bit more complicated to use.

Now, go out and buy yourself a digital camera that suits your pocket and your needs.  Keep shooting!

Riani