Smaller and technically more advanced than a DSLR, they offer professional-level features, such as 4K video or fast continuous shooting. However, they don’t have as many lenses or accessories available compared with DSLRs.

Historyofphotography

We've rounded up our best compact cameras. Alternatively, see our digital camera reviews to find the best point-and-shoot camera for you.

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The type you go for will depend on a number of factors, including what you want to photograph or film, how portable you want it to be and the image quality you're looking for.

Verisurf software is a 3D measurement platform for manufacturing inspection, guided assembly and reverse engineering.  The CMM Programming & Inspection suite features an easy-to-use, intuitive graphical interface: simply point and click on the model features to include in the inspection plan. All parameters of probe motion can be controlled, and inspection steps can be grouped easily by drag-and-drop programming.

The best compact cameras offer a good compromise between features and price, and are often ideal all-rounders. But choose the wrong model and you can end up with a flimsy camera that takes out-of-focus snaps.

There are four main types of digital camera: compact, bridge, DSLR and mirrorless cameras. DSLRs and mirrorless models have interchangeable lenses.

SLR camera

MODUS is the powerful platform that fully supports the Revolution® line of CMM’s and 5-axis measurement.  A configurable user interface allows native DMIS programs to be developed offline, the drawing of geometry, embedded dimensions and tolerance data from CAD, feature construction and part alignment. MODUS is the only software that can provide full support for all the Renishaw REVO sensors.  Advances in sensors, metrology software and controller technology now offer the opportunity to transform existing CMMs, providing greater accuracy, faster measurement, more automation and new capabilities, whilst taking full advantage of CAD-driven programming.

Our Best Buy mirrorless cameras range from £650 to £3,899 – the top end buys you the kind of camera that professional photographers aspire to. You can also read our mirrorless camera reviews to find the best model for your budget.

Omnidirectional camera

If you're interested in finding more out about how DSLR cameras compare with mirrorless cameras, read our guide - mirrorless vs DSLR cameras: what's the difference?.

QC-CALC Software  – is used to collect and display measurement results from all CMMs, Video CMMs, and hand gauges without operator intervention. You can create reports and export data to spreadsheets, databases, and other SPC programs. This means you can transfer data from all of your measurement devices to any SPC package using one program. This is the first program to provide one interface for all machines and one interface for all outputs. The goal is to make your data collection seamless no matter what equipment you’ve purchased or software you use. The seamless integration with automated gauges is the cornerstone of QC-CALC Real-Time.

CMM-Manager’s object-based interface allows CMM program creation without complex a text based programming language. CMM-Manager includes flexible functionalities, including graphical probe configuration management, automatic tip calibration, cross section scanning and group feature measurement.  Simplify your metrology tasks using our intuitive yet powerful software.

However,  not all waterproof cameras cope when they find themselves in the deep end. During our tests we found a few waterproof cameras that didn't perform well. The picture quality was so bad you might as well do without.

Camera history

Typically called a point-and-shoot, a compact camera has a fixed lens and is small enough to carry in a pocket or small bag.

Bridge cameras are halfway between a compact camera and a DSLR. They have more advanced features (such as manual controls to change ISO, shutter speed and aperture) than you get from a basic compact camera, but typically aren't quite as advanced or expensive as DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. This is because of their fixed-lens setup, although the best bridge cameras will have an excellent zoom.

If you're going to be taking pictures anywhere near water, whether that's while you're relaxing on the beach, paddle boarding on a river or just when you're out walking on a wet day in the UK, a compact waterproof camera is worth considering.

Most waterproof cameras will work at depths of down to 15 metres, although 10 metres should be good enough for all but the keenest divers. The best cameras still take great photos when you've taken the plunge.

This is a sub-type of compact camera. Waterproof and shockproof, these are very tough cameras built to withstand adventures in the great outdoors.

The best cameras take fantastic photos in every situation, whether you’re on holiday, at a family gathering or just enjoying a day out.

If you want superior image quality and interchangeable lenses, without the bulk of a DSLR, a mirrorless camera (also known as a compact system camera) is a solid choice.

DSLRs are generally the most expensive camera type, and with the cost of the interchangeable lenses on top, their costs easily get into the thousands. That being said, if you're looking for a camera that captures images of the highest quality, DSLRs are the way to go. See our DSLR camera reviews to find the perfect one for you, or read our buying guide to the best DSLR cameras.

They’re built inside a waterproof, dustproof and usually shockproof casing. This means you can take them to the swimming pool and the seaside, or even while you're snorkelling or scuba diving

Camera Timeline

Mirrorless camera

Compact camera prices range from £60 for a lower-priced point-and-shoot model to around £1,200 for a top-of-the-line camera. The average price for a Best Buy compact camera is £805, but you can also find a top-rated compact model for around £450.

However, there are big differences in picture quality and advanced features, and not every digital camera is easy to use – something to consider if you're a beginner. If you want to find the best camera for your needs, read on for our expert advice on the key factors to consider.

The Reaction Plan Manager (RPM) provides productivity tools to reduce complex measurement information into step-by-step machine adjustments. Deciding how to react to a broken or shifted process is critical. Part size and statistical reports may indicate the process has drifted but knowing what adjustments are required is difficult. By using RPM, you combine measurement data with engineering knowledge to analyze the process in real-time and provide specific instructions to fix the process.

If you want your photography to have that professional touch and you're keen for the best possible picture quality, there’s no substitute for a DSLR camera. Also referred to as digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras, DSLRs tend to be bulky, but they're also very flexible – allowing you to change lenses to suit and control every aspect of your photography.

You can find decent bridge cameras for less than £300. Spending more will generally get you a larger or more capable sensor, and a longer or more versatile zoom lens. Our best bridge cameras start at £600 and go up to £1,500, but you can read our bridge camera reviews to find the best bridge camera for your budget.

AIMS offers several intuitive and user-friendly software packages to optimize your CMM work. Software allows you to program measurement points and paths, simulate measurement to verify placement and avoid collision, and run your CMM automatically. You can also easily collect and analyze measurement data from CMMs and other automated gauges, integrate multiple measurement processes and evaluate the workflow. Customized reporting makes it easy to visualize and apply your data. Upgrades and training are also available.