Digital cameras in our range run from simple point-and-shoot compacts to more advanced models that shoot Raw files, for beginners, families, travellers and keen photographers. Leading brands include Kodak, Canon, AgfaPhoto and Sony, with Yashica, Easypix, Pentax and Panasonic also available.
How to choose a digital camera
Camera type. Compact cameras are small, easy to use and suit holidays and everyday snapshots. More advanced cameras from makers such as Canon, Sony and Pentax give you manual control and better results in poor light, but they are larger and take longer to learn.
Sensor and resolution. Sensor size and quality affect image quality more than the megapixel figure alone. Most cameras in our range use a CMOS sensor, and many offer a maximum image resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels, which is plenty for large prints and cropping. Also check the minimum ISO: a base of ISO 100 is common, and a few models start at ISO 50 or 80.
Image formats. JPEG is enough for casual use. If you plan to edit photos, look for Raw support, which keeps more detail in highlights and shadows. Some models in our range also save HEIF or Canon's compressed C-RAW files, which take up less space on the memory card.
Video quality. Many cameras here record 4K Ultra HD video (3840 x 2160 pixels), while some record Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). Full HD is fine for family clips and sharing online. Choose 4K if you want sharper footage or room to crop in editing.
Screen and handling. A 7.62 cm (3") display is the most common size in our range, and a few models have a 8.89 cm (3.5") screen. A larger screen makes framing and reviewing photos easier, especially if the camera has no viewfinder.
Digital camera brands we carry
- Kodak: a long-established photography name, offered here mainly as easy-to-use cameras for casual shooting.
- Canon: known for its EOS system and a large choice of lenses, and for its compressed C-RAW format.
- AgfaPhoto: a historic imaging brand, now found on straightforward, entry-level digital compacts.
- Sony: developer of the Exmor sensor family, used in its Alpha cameras and compacts.
- Yashica: a classic film-camera name that now appears on retro-styled digital models.
- Easypix: a German brand focused on simple compact and action-style cameras.
- Pentax: known for rugged, weather-sealed cameras and a loyal following among DSLR users.
- Panasonic: its Lumix line is widely respected for video features.
- VTech: makes digital cameras designed for children, with simple controls.
Also in our range: Camp Snap and Denver.
Digital cameras: frequently asked questions
How many megapixels do I need?
For most people, 20 to 24 megapixels is more than enough. An image of 6000 x 4000 pixels, which is available in our range, prints well at large sizes and leaves room to crop. Sensor quality and lens matter as much as the pixel count.
Is 4K video worth having on a camera?
4K is worth having if you want sharper footage or plan to crop and edit your videos. It produces larger files, so you need a fast memory card and more storage. For casual clips shared on a phone, Full HD is usually enough.
What is the difference between JPEG and Raw?
JPEG is a compressed file that is ready to share straight away, while Raw keeps the unprocessed data from the sensor. Raw files are larger but give you much more freedom when adjusting exposure, colour and shadows. If you never edit your photos, JPEG is perfectly adequate.
Which digital camera suits a beginner?
A compact camera with automatic modes and a 7.62 cm (3") screen is a sensible start. It lets you point, shoot and learn at your own pace. If you want to learn manual settings later, choose a model that also offers Raw files and manual exposure controls.
