Digital Cameras

Digital Single-Lens Reflex (Digital SLR or DSLR cameras)

These classically styled digital cameras resemble the film SLRs of decades gone by. DSLRs employ a mirror system that enables the inclusion of an optical viewfinder and tend to be larger and more rugged than other types of cameras. They also have interchangeable lenses. Examples of DSLRs include the Canon EOS range.

Mirrorless cameras

Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter than DSLRs, as they lack a mirror system and optical viewfinder. They tend to come equipped with cutting-edge autofocus and high-quality video technology, and many professional photographers have come to prefer them. Like Digital SLR cameras, they have interchangeable lenses. Examples include the Panasonic Lumix range.  

Compact cameras

Compact cameras have a fixed lens that can’t be changed. Some are styled after DSLRs and have big zoom lenses – these are called bridge cameras. There are also smaller compacts, sometimes referred to as point-and-shoot cameras, which focus on portability and affordability. 

Action cameras

Action cameras are designed to take some punishment. They tend to be waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and more. Despite their small size, they are sophisticated machines, and with the ability to shoot 4K or Full HD video, are great for vlogging. A classic example is the DJI Osmo Action. 

Instant cameras

As well as digital cameras, at Wex we also keep our shelves stocked with classic film cameras! These include the latest instant cameras from Fujifilm Instax and Polaroid.

What is the best digital camera to buy?

Finding the best digital camera for you depends on your needs! Do you want the ruggedness of a DSLR, the speed of a mirrorless camera, or the convenience of a compact? If you need sophisticated features like built-in image stabilisation, a vari-angle touchscreen or super-fast burst speeds, you can get them. However, these cameras will cost more than simpler models that will still get the job done. It’s all about balancing your needs and your budget to find the best option. See our buying guide to the best digital cameras you can buy right now if you need a place to start.

Are digital cameras still worth buying?

While it’s true that you have a digital camera in your pocket wherever you go now, dedicated cameras have a number of advantages over phones. They have larger sensors, which means they’re better in low light and produce images with less “noise” (unwanted digital artifacts). They also allow for optical zooming, whether through an interchangeable lens mount or an attached zoom lens. A good digital camera will have a better autofocus system, faster burst speed, longer-lasting battery and superior handling to any smartphone you can name!

Can digital cameras record video?

Almost all current digital cameras are capable of shooting high-quality video. Most will shoot Full HD, and resolutions of 4K and higher are becoming increasingly commonplace even in consumer cameras. If you’re looking to shoot video, check out our guide to the best vlogging cameras you can buy right now.

Do digital cameras come with memory cards?

As a rule, no. Some cameras, especially beginner models, can be bought as special bundles that include memory cards. However, it’s generally a good idea to buy a memory card as well when you buy a camera – and make sure you get the right type. We have all different types of memory cards here. 

Do megapixels affect the overall quality?

In short – yes. But it’s more complicated than that. More pixels on a sensor means more detail in a picture, which is especially useful if you’re planning on printing your images. However, there are other factors at play – such as the physical size of the sensor. Too many pixels crammed on too small a sensor can cause an increase in noise in an image, reducing the overall quality. This is why video-focused cameras tend to have fewer pixels and larger sensors, as they don’t need that level of printable detail.

What should I look for when buying a camera?

It depends on what you need! If you’re looking to print images, look for more megapixels. If you’re looking to shoot at night, looking for a high maximum ISO setting. If you want convenience, get a fixed-lens compact, if you want versatility then get a mirrorless camera or DSLR… we could go on. Check out our buying guide to the best digital cameras to get a feel for what’s out there and what might be suitable for you.

Do I need a computer for a digital camera?

Technically no, as you could download and share your images using a smartphone or tablet. Or indeed leave them on a memory card and never show them to a soul. But in practicality, having a computer for editing, processing, cataloguing and storing your images is pretty essential. You can browse our range of computers.