The smaller the better appears to be the motto behind today\’s compact digital cameras. In the fast paced world that we know today people want their gadgets to be multifunctional, accessible, and most of all, small. Digital cameras especially are not the exception to the rule. Because of these new consumer requirements the compact digital camera was conceived.

It can arguably be said that digital technology is the most revolutionary discovery in the field of photography. It has changed the world of photography by producing high quality images with limited cost. The compact digital cameras on the market today are smaller in size and have many additional features than their counterparts. Compact digital cameras are, without a doubt, a step ahead the digital SLR cameras or any other camera available on the market today.

Compact digital cameras are roughly 3.5 W x 2.5 H x 1.0 D. Depending on the type, the model and the brand of your compact digital camera these dimensions can vary a little. The ideal compact digital camera must have the certified label of Jeans-pocket on it. These compact cameras are so compact that you can literally keep it in the pocket of your jeans, comfortably. The ability to do this is the newer striking criterion added to the compact digital cams by the fast generation of today.

The goal behind compact digital cameras is to make photography simple and easy with no cumbersome cameras.

Apart from size these cameras offer many other incredible features. Typical features of compact digital cameras include multiple scenes, optical zooms, exposure modes and other handy functions. It is important to note that some compact digital cameras, having 11 mm or less diagonal sensors make fairly low noise at ISO 100. However, at ISO 400 and above, the noise of the camera can be quite bothersome. There are a few compact digital cameras that are so small to look at, that they demand a close look from those who wish to buy them.

Most compact digital cameras come with a $200 to $500 price tag. You will find similar amazing functions and features among all brands. Most of the sensor resolutions vary from 3.0 to 8.0 mega pixels. The ultra-compact models are virtually the size of a credit card. At under an inch thick they still include incredible features as high-resolution sensors. Some of the more advanced controls include features such as multiple AF zones, manual settings and sophisticated scene modes.

There are some shortcomings of compact digital cameras also. As the sensitivity of a digital camera can be calculated through ISO, the ISO range of a compact digital camera varies between ISO 50 and 400. While, on the other hand, the ISO range of a digital SLR camera can range from ISO 100 to1600. This makes the compact digital cameras less sensitive than digital SLR cameras.

While the realm of digital SLR\’s has remained unchanged over the past few years there have been vast improvements in the field of compact digital cameras. If you are looking to purchase a compact digital camera your best bet is to figure out your needs after looking at the pros and cons for each type of camera.