Digital Cameras

The good news is that there are a wide variety of digital cameras for sale, so finding the best digital camera for you shouldn’t be a particularly difficult task. A good first step is to determine what exactly constitutes the "best camera," based on how you expect to use it and the types of photos you expect to take. You'll likely agree there is no "one size fits all" camera because each camera style has both advantages and disadvantages.

Compact point-and-shoot cameras are all about ease of use, are effortless to learn, and are the lightest cameras, often pocket size. This makes them ideal for beginning and casual photographers taking everyday photos. A small camera with a permanently attached lens, a point-and-shoot model doesn’t allow manual control of key settings like shutter speed, aperture and ISO sensitivity.

At the other end of the digital camera spectrum, DSLR cameras (Digital Single Lens Reflex) are the devices most often selected by professionals and photography enthusiasts. That's because they make swapping out lenses and advanced image control easy, leading to premium images and sky's-the-limit creativity capped only by the photographer's imagination. They show you the scene using a mirror in the body that reflects the image into a viewfinder and are heavier than other types of cameras, which can be a consideration if you anticipate long days of photo-taking.

The cameras in the middle are mirrorless cameras, which are lighter than DSLR cameras due to a design that dispenses with the mirror for previewing your image. They are faster and take higher quality photos than compact cameras. They can accommodate different lenses (though fewer of them than DSLR cameras) and have become popular in recent years for casual hobbyists, advanced amateurs and others who take photography seriously, but don't require a professional digital camera.

Having the right accessories along can make the difference between getting the photo of a lifetime and missing or fumbling the shot. For that reason, many photographers make sure they always have extra camera batteries close at hand so they're covered when there's no time for a delay for recharging. If you like sharing your photos instantly with friends and family, you may want to consider getting one of the instant photo printers you'll find here at BestBuy.com. Then you can print your photos directly from your digital camera, wherever you are.

Even if you choose one of the digital camera styles mentioned above to be your main camera, you may still want to consider getting an action camera for specialized use. Action cams are designed to attach to helmets, surfboards, cars and bikes, for instance, to chronicle point-of-view adventures, adding a different, exciting dimension to your photography. You may also want to consider taking a look at our selection of kids' cameras if you have youngsters in the house that are showing interest in photography. Kid-friendly cameras can encourage an understanding of techniques and principles that will benefit them for a lifetime, while still being fun, easy to use, rugged and affordable.