The digital camera is completely different to a conventional camera that focuses light onto a roll of film and then depends on the use of chemicals for processing. The digital camera does focus light, but it is focused onto a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) - or a charge coupled device, devices that record the image electronically. It is then broken down into digital data that can be read by the computer in the camera.

There are basically three types of cameras whether you care shooting film or digital. Point and Shoot cameras, Prosumer cameras and professional quality cameras.

• Point and Shoot cameras are fully automatic. They do everything for you. The camera choosing the correct exposure and whether a flash is needed. The photographer only needs to point and shoot.
• Prosumer Cameras. These cameras are a step up from point and shoot cameras and allow the user to either shoot in fully automatic mode or to have some control over the exposure by using specific exposure modes. For example, there might be a portrait mode, an action mode, and a close up mode.
• Professional Cameras. These cameras allow the photographer to actually look through the lens. This means that what you see is what you get. These cameras also provide complete control over the exposure. They have fully automatic mode, specific exposure modes as well as a fully manual mode.