Digital cameras are becoming as or more popular than film cameras and the compact or point and shoot models are leading the way. Most digital compacts offer a choice of file sizes in pixels and file types. The file types usually include jpeg and tiff. Some upper end models also offer a raw mode which saves more than 8 bits per channel. With jpeg files you usually have a choice on the amount of compression. This generally includes a fine or high quality mode along with lower quality modes that produce smaller files.
Digital compact cameras can be made quite smaller than film versions because their sensors are smaller. This means the distance between the centre of the lens and the film is usually less. Because various digital cameras use assorted sensor sizes, the focal lengths are generally described in terms of lenses giving the same angle of view as 35mm film.
Most compact digitals have fixed zoom lenses, usually from a moderate wide-angle (30-35mm) to a short telephoto (90-135mm). Some have much longer equivalent focal lengths, but they can sometimes blur the photos because of camera shake.
Digital compact cameras range in price from about $20 to over $1,000.
