Which Camera to buy?

Answering the question 'what digital camera should I buy?' has become much more difficult lately, because there are more types of camera available, with the rise of compact system cameras (CSCs), smart cameras with Wi-Fi and GPS, bridge or superzoom cameras, retro-styled cameras, high-end camera phones and more.
When deciding which camera is best for you, first you need to decide which type of camera you want, then choosing a brand and a model will be easier.

• Best compact system camera 2013

CSCs - also known as mirrorless cameras - reap the benefits of digital technology and exclude the mirror found in a DSLR to enable them to be made smaller and lighter while still accepting interchangeable lenses. A key advantage that most CSCs have over most compact cameras is that the sensors are larger so that they can deliver better image quality, while still having a relatively small body.
But perhaps an even smaller compact camera with a fixed rather than an interchangeable lens is what you are looking for?


Alternatively, a bridge or superzoom camera may be up your street. Bridge cameras are so called because they bridge the gap between a DSLR and a compact camera by having a mini-DSLR shape but with a fixed lens that usually has a huge zoom range.

• What is a bridge camera?

For many photography enthusiasts, a full DSLR is still the only way to go. Yes they are big and heavy, but they have optical viewfinders, larger sensors and, in the right hands, produce top-rate images.

• Best DSLR: top cameras by price and brand
• Which lens? Choose the best lens for your DSLR

Each camera type has its appeal, but which is the right one for you? Read on to find out.

Compact and bridge cameras

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