Choosing a Camera for Great Family Photos

We all want to take great pictures, but choosing a camera that is best for quality family photography can be confusing.

Before buying a camera, you must first evaluate your needs. Who will be using the camera? What kinds of pictures do you plan to take? Do you want a simple, easy-to-use camera, or more sophisticated features and creative options? Are you technically savvy? Do you have a computer and/or a quality photo printer? How much do you plan to spend?

It is important to remember that often, the more money spent, the more sophisticated the camera, which may or may not be what you want. In other words, sometimes simpler is better.

Here is a list of camera types and features that you can evaluate prior to making your camera purchase.

Basic compact camera

This is a simple compact 35mm camera that is ideal for beginners or those who want an easy-to-use, all-in-one camera with a minimum of accessories and adjustments. These are simple point-and-shoot models with manual film advance and a lens that can handle most normal situations. Most have film speed detection and an automatic flash unit, and some models have automatic focus capabilities. Most basic compact camera models are available at very affordable prices.

Advanced compact camera

This 35mm camera is similar to the basic compact except that it offers more automated features. Advanced compacts often load, wind, and rewind film automatically. They may have a zoom lens, allowing for close-ups or wide angle shots. An advanced compact camera may have an LED display panel and may have a camera-shake reduction system. These additional features may help the user to take better pictures, provided he or she learns to use the features correctly. Prices vary greatly depending upon the camera's complexity.

Single lens reflex camera

The popular SLR camera is portable and extremely adaptable. The difference between the SLR and the compact camera is the way the lens works. The SLR allows you to see through the view finder exactly what the camera "sees," which is a great advantage for close-up and portrait photography. Many SLRs have both automatic and manual controls. Since its introduction over 60 years ago, the design of the basic SLR has evolved into a vast array of models and accessories including innumerable interchangeable lenses and lens filters. Most SLR models require a top-mounted flash unit, but many now have a built-in flash. SLR cameras range greatly in price depending upon features desired. A camera with manual adjustments will be less expensive than one with both manual and automatic adjustment options.

Polaroid instant camera

Once quite popular, these cameras require special film packs that develop "instantly." Once the picture is taken, the camera impregnates the film with chemicals that are required to process the image. The photograph begins to appear within seconds after being released from the camera. These cameras were once the ultimate in instant photography and very useful in situations requiring an instant snapshot. However, Polaroid "instant" film is pricey, and photographs are not of great quality, nor are they easy to duplicate. With the onset of camera phones and other "instant" digital options, the Polaroid camera, although still available, has become rather outmoded.

Digital camera

The digital camera has transformed photography, making picture taking easier and more versatile than ever - and film-free! Some lower-end digital cameras are easy enough for a child to use - in fact, some of the newer models are designed just for children. Digital cameras allow you to see your images immediately on a small LCD screen - with some models eliminating the viewfinder altogether in favor of the digital screen. Digital photos can be saved on memory cards, inserted into documents, posted on the Internet, and emailed anywhere. They can be shown slideshow style on a TV or computer screen, and they can be edited and enhanced, then printed at home or by your photo processor as snapshots or enlargements. Many digital cameras even have short video sequencing and sound capabilities, and best of all, digital camera pricing has come down substantially. Amateur photographers will find fully automatic point-and-shoot models that are affordable and user-friendly, and probably a good bet for taking and sharing good family photographs.

Disposable camera

The disposable or one-time-use camera is a very simple, fixed-focus camera that you simply point and shoot. Disposables are available with or without a flash; and are inexpensive and readily available, making them ideal for vacations and travel photography. They're also great for children because they are convenient, easy to use, and require no film handling. The used camera is taken to your nearest film processor, who breaks the camera apart, develops the film, and processes the photographs. Disposable cameras have improved in quality over the last few years, resulting in surprisingly good photographs.

Consider your needs and preferences as you evaluate each type of camera; and remember, you can have more than one type of camera in your house, depending upon the ages, needs, and abilities of the photographers in your family.

~Sandra Bynum

An avid photographer since childhood, Sandra Bynum set up her own darkroom at age 14. She earned her BA in Fine Arts, and continued to hone her photographic skills while homeschooling her children. Ms. Bynum is a freelance writer who recently opened a fine arts teaching center.