Compact Camera Buying Guide
| Compact cameras are small (especially APS models), stylish and fully automated for impulsive photographers who like to point and shoot. However they’re still capable of taking excellent pictures, and more upmarket models include some quite advanced features. APS cameras have a number of unique features conferred by the film format. Even entry-level compact cameras these days offer motorised film wind, built-in flash and autofocus options, but their limited controls and basic exposure metering limit successful use to ‘straightforward’ exposures. By spending a little more, users gain the benefit of zoom lenses, and more control over picture taking via Programmed Exposure modes, for example fill-in flash and red-eye reduction. These in turn should mean a greater proportion of successful pictures even in challenging conditions such as extremes of light and dark, backlit subjects and taking photos through windows. Another useful feature is time and date recording. At the top end of the compact camera range, models sport SLR-style sophisticated autofocus systems, high quality lenses with a longer zoom range, advanced exposure metering, and a greater selection of automatic flash modes to permit advanced shots at night, for example. Some models also have rugged metal bodies and weatherproofing to allow their use outdoors or at sea. |
