Before considering the various camera controls, an important consideration for many will be the type of camera to use. Up to the first few years of this century, cameras mainly used film, although towards the end of the 20th century, digital cameras started to become available. As with all new technologies, early examples were expensive and film remained the best choice for those seeking optimum image quality.

Today, the majority of cameras sold have digital sensors and record images to a memory card held in the camera. At the time of writing, the most common brands of film remain readily available for purchase and there are many people who continue to use it. By contrast, very few film cameras are available new and the most common source of supply is on the secondhand market. The principles of photography remain the same whatever the type of camera in use, although the remainder of this section mainly applies to digital cameras.

The most common models are digital compact “point and shoot” style cameras. The cheaper models are largely automated and offer few controls to the user. More expensive ones retain the automation, but have more options. Used within their limitations, the image quality is often very good and many enthusiasts have one for when they do not want to or cannot carry a lot of camera gear.

The digital single lens reflex, or DSLR, is the most common type of camera used by those who want to take their photography beyond the taking of snapshots. The name comes from the mirror that sits in front of the film or sensor and allows the user to view the scene through the lens mounted on the camera. This is a significant advantage as it allows the use of a wide variety of lenses, which considerably enhances the versatility of this type of camera. efore the advent of digital cameras, where it is usual to compose using the LCD at the rear, this was the only way to view a scene exactly as it would be recorded.

Unlike a digital compact, DSLRs have interchangeable lenses which allow them to be adapted for the widest range of photographic uses. Lenses are attached with a bayonet mount, which is generally unique to each manufacturer. The lack of a facility to use components from different makes means careful consideration of an initial purchase; each additional item of equipment bought will increase the lock in to that particular system.

There is a new type of camera that is a hybrid between a digital compact and a DSLR, which replaces the latter type’s mirror with an electronic viewfinder. This results in a much more compact camera, whilst retaining the flexibility of changing lenses and it is entirely possible that this design will eventually supersede traditional DSLRs.

Lastly, there are medium format cameras. These are intended for professional use where image quality is paramount and are priced accordingly. Suffice to say, the price will deter all but the wealthiest amateur. Anyone using such a camera will already have more knowledge than is included in this article.