Can you name the three best rated ultra-compact, compact, and SLR digital cameras? Chances are most people can't. There are so many choices in digital cameras these days, it's very difficult to get consensus. What's more important though, is that you can tell the differences between the three main categories of digital cameras? Those categories being ultra-compact (subcompact), compact, and SLR digital cameras. Knowing the pros and cons and what features they include is the single biggest deciding factor in what makes the best rated digital camera for you.



Ultra compact cameras are, (as their name implies) very small cameras. They can slip into the smallest of places. Like your pants pocket, a shirt pocket, small purse or accessory pocket on your backpack. Because of their small size, they can be fragile, so it's good to look for durability as a feature. They can be a bit more expensive because of their size, and image quality can suffer somewhat. Those choosing a ultra-compact value portability above other features. The Olympus Stylus 790SW is a good example of a ultra-compact that is both small and very durable.

Compact cameras are bigger than the ultra compact cameras, but offer several more features. While not as portable, they do take better pictures, and offer more control over camera settings like shutter speed, and ISO settings. Because of their size, they usually have more powerful zoom lenses. While both compacts and ultra compacts have large LCD screens, your more likely to find a viewfinder included with the compact digital camera. The Canon PowerShot A570IS is one of the best selling and best rated cameras in this category. It offers some leading technology like image stabilization and face detection for auto focusing.

While both ultra compacts and compacts could be considered point and shoot cameras, our next category is not. The SLR digital camera is the choice of many professionals and serious hobbyist photographers worldwide. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. Basically, it means you see through the viewfinder exactly the same picture the camera sees. With SLR, you get complete control over all camera settings. Although many do include auto settings to ease the newbie SLR photographers learning curve. In addition SLR cameras have interchangeable lenses. Meaning you have a plethora of choices for shooting all kinds of shots from macro, to landscape, to wide angle to sports. The Canon Digital Rebel XTi and the Nikon D40 are both popular and well rated cameras in this category.