With so many to choose from it will take you ages deciding on which one to buy. Im imagining you strolling in the mall then stop at a tech-shop, staring curiously on the cameras displayed behind those glass walled shelves suddenly you look at the label right next to the unit and you see 10.1 mp, aspect ratio 3:2, image sensor size 0.87 x 0.58 in./22.2 x 14.8mm APS-C size sensor and then you go. Puzzled, you decided to go back to your analog camera. I say - do not!

You might find digital cameras nowadays a little confusing especially if you're really not into it or you are not techno-oriented guy to say the least. But really, its not as hard as it sound. Knowing what you like and where you want to use your camera for might just be the key in getting the right camera for you.

Many advanced users and professionals (those who treat photography as nine to five) choose cameras that have high definition, in lay mans term, cameras with clearer image detail, Digital Single Lens Reflex or dslr camera is much preferred. But for day to day and general use, the compact cameras or others would call it point and shoot camera is commonly used because it is lightweight, easy to use and cheaper than dslr.

Now for the people who live by photography or those who really have passion for the craft, the photos that they capture is not far from a 120-page screenplay or an entire playlist of a famous musician. They are as lively and as vivid as what real life is. In such times, powerful equipment is necessary to get all critical details and messages.

A little quicky on dslr, this dude uses automatic mirror system called pentaprism or pentamirror with the help of a movable reflex mirror that captures the image right in the center and then reflected to the viewfinder it allows the user to capture the exact image on the viewfinder unlike the non-slr camera that where the viewfinder is slightly to the side of the unit.

Dslr has a lot of advantages compare to compact cameras but that does not mean it is better in every way than the latter. It still depends on the job to be done. Dslr can give you a better quality picture because it has bigger image sensor compare to compact cameras. Without going too technical, bigger image sensor gives you much bigger, wider, more vivid detail that makes the image smoother.

And with the help of different lenses, dslr can adapt to any situation unlike compact cameras. You can get crystal clear super long focal shots or a wide angle shot that is almost impossible with compact cams. Other accessories can also enhance the quality of your pictures like filters, flashers, etc.

And though it comes with auto mode with pre-set configurations, manual controls on dslr allow the photographer to completely take control of his pictures and make the most out of every shot.

Another advantage is the speed. If you have ever used a compact camera, you have probably encountered blurred images because you accidentally moved the camera while it is processing the image or it is not focused properly. Dslrs are generally fast in most areas like start up, focusing and shutter lag.

So if you want to take photography seriously, a dslr is a good companion.