Do Higher Digital Camera Prices Mean Better Cameras?

Understanding digital camera prices makes finding the best camera value much easier. Uncovering digital cameras best buys is easier if we know what's available within various price ranges. With that in mind let's explore camera prices in more detail.

Digital Cameras Priced Under $100

Super cheap digital cameras priced less than $50 are available from several companies. Resolutions are usually 1.3 megapixels or less, so they're only suitable for small snapshots. But these cameras are great fun at very low cost - some under $20!

For $50 to $100 companies like Concord, Kodak and Oregon Scientific offer terrific discount digital cameras in the 2 to 4 MP range. They have limited features, but many include optical zoom, video capture and other neat stuff.

Cameras Priced From $100 to $200

Most cameras in this price range include 3 to 5 megapixel resolution - some even higher. Entry level models from respected camera makers including Canon, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and others are included in this price range.

Most feature optical zooms, multiple scene and exposure modes, and other handy functions. These are usually compact digital cameras, with some small enough to slip in a pocket. For those shopping digital cameras this group deserves a close look.

$200 to $500 Digital Cameras

Far-and-away the broadest and most popular selections of cameras fall into this price range. Virtually all manufacturers offer many models with a dizzying array of features and functions. Sensor resolutions range from 3.0 to 8.0 megapixels or more.

This group includes compact and ultra-compact digital cameras. Ultra-compact models can be as small as a credit card and less than an inch thick with high resolution sensors and advanced features.

Basic Prosumer (serious enthusiast) cameras are in this price category. Advanced controls including manual settings, multiple AF zones, and sophisticated scene modes are common features of these cameras.

$500 to $1,000 Price Range

Most SLR-style Prosumer and a growing number of digital SLR cameras are in this price grouping. Serious photographers looking for creative control and high quality images are sure to find the perfect camera in this group.

All cameras in this price range feature a vast array of functions including full manual control, aperture or shutter priority, in-camera editing and more. High resolution sensors capable of 6 to 12 megapixels and precision lens optics are standard, many with high-powered zooms.

Professional Cameras Priced Over $1,000

Prices in this group can exceed $15,000, although most are under $5,000. Most are digital SLR's and offer nearly limitless photo manipulation for the professional photographer. Here's where you'll find the most technologically advanced image sensors, processors and optics.

Unless you earn your living with a camera, SLR and Prosumer models priced under $1,000 will most likely provide all you could want or need in a digital camera. Most of the refinements in images taken by these high priced professional cameras aren't noticeable even to experienced amateur photographers.

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