Point and Shoots: Sometimes refered to as PHD's (Push Here Dummy) or similar not-quite complimentary names, these cameras are perhaps some of the best on the market today. They put cameras in the hands of the masses, and make photography easy and accessible to almost everyone. If you simply need a camera to document special occasions or take vacation pictures, there really isn't anything better. These cameras are compact, easy to use, and relatively cheap. However, since the camera often does everything for you, control over exposure and focusing is lost. Thus I urge anyone with a true interest in photography to consider a SLR or find a point and shoot which offers manual overrides (such as the Hexar). But for most people, a point and shoot with a zoom lens will cover the majority of photography you want to do. Just one note - do NOT allow yourself to get caught up with features. Often, a cheaper and simpler model will do everything you want for less money and with greater ease of use. For more information on these cameras, check out my section on buying Point and Shoots.

35mm SLR's: 35mm SLRs are perhaps the most varied and most capable of all cameras available today.  From completely manual control to automatic exposure to autofocus, 35mm SLRs cover it all. One of the biggest advantages of a SLR over point and shoots is the ability to use different lenses - for my Canon Eos A2, I can get lenses from 14mm up to 1200mm. This greatly increases photo opportunities, and for those who want to really "zoom in" either on vacation shots or at sporting events, an SLR is a must.  The SLR is also the most economical way for someone with a serious interest in photography to explore the possibilities. However, the question arises - autofocus or manual focus? It depends - AF is faster to focus, usually has the latest meters, and a built in motor drive. They can be used litterally as big point and shoots. Manual focus cameras, on the other hand, can do 90% of what an AF camera can do, costs less, and are often much better built (all metal bodies). But you have the inconveniece of having to focus yourself (which can be problematic in action situations such as sports or if you wear glasses). Which is better? AF is faster and easier to work with, but costs more and is less durable (unless you buy the professional level equipment, and even then many of the old mechanical cameras have better longevity). Manual focus cameras are slower to work with, but can often provide results that match or exceed those from the latest AF cameras. Because it is manual focus, you have to slow down a bit - hence you tend to think more about what you are doing, which results in better pictures and less wasted film. Manual cameras also give you more direct control over the exposure and operation of the camera. For those just interested in getting interchangeable lenses, I recommend an AF camera such as the Eos Rebel or the Nikon N50. For those with an interest in photography, I recommend starting with an inexpensive manual focus camera (such as the Pentax K1000), and then moving into a more extensive camera system once you get some experience and know exactly what you want.

Medium Format: Medium format is not for everybody, and I urge all those considering it to keep the following in mind - ALL medium format cameras are compromises, even the latest models with autofocus and complete electronic exposure control. There is no medium format camera which offers all the best features, and sometimes it's difficult to find a medium format camera with all the features you want. Most medium format cameras are completely manual without built in meters or other options standard in most 35mm cameras. So if medium format is such a compromise, why consider it? IMAGE QUALITY.  The larger negatives out of a medium format camera vastly outperform 35mm and other smaller formats, and the quality can rival that of a 4x5 negative while offering ease of use and portability impossible with 4x5. For those who truly demand quality photographs, medium format is a must. For amateur photographers who wish to move up into higher quality negatives without leaping to large format, medium format offers an excellent choice.

Large Format: Large format does to medium format what medium format does to 35mm. The image quality from these cameras is simply stunning thanks to a negative size of at least 4 inches by 5 inches (4x5). The other common negative sizes are 5x7 and 8x10(!!!). However, these cameras tend to be large, heavy, expensive, and difficult to master due to the wide range of movements. Only recommended for use by professionals and serious amateurs who demand the highest quality negatives and those who prefer contact printing.