Guide To Digital Photography

Professional photographers know exactly what they’re looking for when they purchase a digital camera. Years of experience and fine tuning digital cameras every day makes the choice clear for them. For the rest of us, a new camera purchase can be a daunting experience. I know when I first got into digital cameras the technology seemed a little intimidating- but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a short guide with ten things to look for when, as an amateur photographer, you’re ready to replace that antique sitting on the top shelf of the closet.

1. Resolution – When digital cameras first came out, it was all about the megapixels. There was a wide variety of sizes (and prices) available- however, now most of even the smallest digital cameras are 5 megapixels, which is more than adequate for your typical 4×6 vacation photos and the occasional 8×10. The time to go larger is when you want to regularly create larger pictures- or you want to be able to zoom in on areas of specific detail and print those. The compromise you must make for those larger pictures is more space used on your memory card, so if you get a higher megapixel camera, make sure to pick some extra cards.

2. Exposure control – For most amateurs, aperture size and shutter speeds are a mystery. What should I use when? The manufacturers have addressed this with scene preset modes. Picking the correct mode allows you to select the proper settings of, for example, a close-up by simply clicking ‘Macro Mode’ instead of manually configuring the camera. If you’re interested in digital cameras as a hobby, manual configuration options are something you should look for.

3. Zooms –There are two types of zoom available, optical zoom and digital. The one you should really pay attention to is optical zoom- pictures using optical zoom are sharper. Also understand that when the camera is using the higher magnification settings, it will be more vulnerable to shaking, so you may want to pick up a tripod if you’ll be using that zoom most of the time.

4. Size – Take a little time to think about what you’re going to be using your camera for. There’s always a tradeoff between size and functionality- here’s a quick summary:

a. Ultra Compact – small, light pocket sized cameras. Some may have fewer features.

b.Compact- fit in a modest camera case, great for point and shoot pictures.

c. Advanced- more functionality here along with more size. Typically we see buttons for modes as opposed to menus (which saves having to navigate), better zooms, and they also accept accessories (lenses, filters, etc.)

d. Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) – Heavy and large, these offer the best functionality; typically professionals and serious photographers use them.

5. Weight – Hand in hand with size is camera weight. Generally speaking, more features equals more weight, so think carefully about what you really need. A small, light camera with fewer features is a better choice if you want to take it everywhere and get lots of pictures, as opposed to a heavy monster you dread having to lug and only use once in a while.

6. Batteries –Basically batteries come in two formats, proprietary battery packs, and then there are cameras that accept AA batteries. If you get a camera with the proprietary pack, it’s worth it to purchase another one as backup, because invariably you’ll want to take a picture and the battery will die. I recommend getting a camera that allows you to use AA batteries- if you need to buy a set in pinch you can, and you also have the flexibility of buying rechargeables and using them again and again.

7. Speed- When you are ready to purchase, be sure to check out the lag on button press. If you want to photograph things in motion (kids, pets, sports, etc) it can be very frustrating to try to snap that perfect picture and have the image captured 5 seconds later after the moment has passed. Some cameras offer continuous shutter mode, which allows you to snap pictures in sequence. For most amateurs 5 frames per second is adequate.

8. Manual Focus – part of the beauty of digital cameras is most of them take care of focusing for you. In some situations you may want the ability to manually focus to bring out detail.

9. Low Light Modes – Some cameras have auxiliary lights to help focus or even night vision mode. If you’re going to be taking pictures at night, it’s worth the money to add this to your checklist.

10. Accessories- Most people focus exclusively on the camera, and the accessories are an afterthought. Depending on where you buy your camera, you may be able to get a package deal that includes things you would have to buy anyway, like a case, memory cards, extra batteries and the like. If you buy your camera in a camera store don’t be afraid to negotiate, many will give you a better price or throw in extras like photography lessons.

When you buy a digital camera there’s no need to be intimidated, just do some research online and have an idea of what you want to do with your camera, create a list of important points, and then buy with confidence.

Millions of people have fallen in love with their digital camera; and for good reason. They are compact making them easy to tote along anywhere a person may wander, they are capable of producing images of outstanding quality which can easily be shared online with others anywhere in the world, and with digital storage, they are a space saving wonder. In addition, digital cameras allow users to save the expense of film and developing. But perhaps the greatest attraction of these cameras is the control they provide over the images one creates during the editing process.

Unfortunately, most of those who love digital cameras have also come to know their dark side; their thirst for power. From the first touch of the button to power a digital camera on, setting the focus, shutter speed, zooming, and providing a flash for image capture, to reviewing images taken and editing, these cameras are energy junkies.

The good news is that there are things that can be done to help to make it easier to live with power craving cameras and to curb their appetite. Certainly, having a camera with rechargeable batteries is by far the best option and charging the battery per manufacturer’s guidelines can help sustain optimal functioning. For the people who love their digital camera, there are also steps that can be taken in the way they use it to help reduce the rate of power consumption.

• When finished shooting, remove the batteries from the camera if it will not be used for another 2 or 3 weeks. This will prevent a trickling discharge that can occur when left in the camera.

• Use the on/off function appropriately. Certainly a digital camera should not be left on for any extended period of time as the energy is wasted. However, if another shot will be taken within a few minutes it is better to leave the camera on as it consumes a great deal of energy to power on/off. If the camera has a sleep mode, it is best to set the timer for that function to the shortest interval in case the user forgets to turn the camera off.

• Disable or don’t use features that aren’t needed. Zoom for instance uses a great deal of power. If the same result can easily be achieved by simply moving the subject or stepping closer, do that instead. Use of the flash function is also energy intensive. Flash should be used only when it will be effective. For instance, if lighting is already sufficient or the subject is out of flash range anyway, don’t use the flash function.

• When possible use the viewfinder to set up a shot as the LCD screen consumes a great deal of battery power. Use of the LCD screen can improve some shots such as in the case of close-up/macro photography but in most instances use of the viewfinder is sufficient. (Remember, photographers operated without LCD screens for most of the history of photography!)

• Use other power sources when appropriate. For instance use an AC adapter when downloading images and use the computer for review and image deletion rather than performing such functions directly on the camera.

• Do things manually when feasible. From powering the camera off to focusing; auto anything takes more power.

• Some experts indicate that some types of media storage consume more energy as well. For instance, Compact Flash is said to be a more energy conscious form of storage than MicroDrive Media.

Certainly, the many features offered on a digital camera are convenient and desirable. Users merely need to be aware of the tremendous demands placed on the camera battery by these same features. Understanding this allows a digital camera owner to make a choice between ease of use and conservation of the battery.

An electronics on-line discussion forum contains a story about an elderly woman who wanted a simple camera to take pictures of her grandchildren. When she received a digital camera for Christmas, she looked puzzled for a moment and then asked, “Where do you put in the film?” This humorous example demonstrates how the revolutionary technology of digital cameras may be mystifying for those who have difficulty grasping the concept of a “filmless” camera! For almost a century, photography enthusiasts sagely discussed such topics as 35mm film, light meters and F-stops; today, digital cameras have made such topics all but obsolete.

Howstuffworks.com contains an article by Gurevich, Karim, and Wilson that greatly simplifies an explanation of how digital cameras work. Very simply, they explain that CDs, mp3’s, and DVDs all share the same technology: they convert traditional analog “wave” data into digital data based upon “bits.” In so doing, this radical shift in technology has changed greatly – and forever – how we do things and what has become possible including digital “filmless” cameras. While film cameras depend upon chemical and mechanical processes, digital cameras contain a computer that records images electronically.

In 1994, Kodak and Apple developed and sold the first digital cameras. Today there are hundreds of models to choose from, depending upon the type of pictures you need, the complexity with which you’re comfortable, and what digital camera you can afford. For everyday use, most people prefer a “point and shoot” camera that isn’t complex, takes good quality pictures that can be loaded onto computers or printed for personal use and to send to friends, and is affordable. According to a number of consumer guides and customer reviews, the top ten digital cameras in the low, mid, and high price ranges are:

1. Nikon D300 (high)

2. Canon EOS 5D (high)

3. Canon EOS 40D (high)

4. HP Photosmart M547 (low, great value)

5. FujiFilm Finepix S700 (mid)

6. GE A730 (mid)

7. Nikon D200 (high)

8. Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi (high)

9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 (mid)

10. Canon EOS 30D (high)

The point should be made that what constitutes a “great” digital camera is usually in the eye of the beholder. One person’s “top ten” list is almost certain to differ from another person’s. For example, a digital camera that is making devoted converts is the Casio Exilim series that sells in the mid-level price range, depending upon your digital camera photography needs. On the other end, Digital Camera.com rates the Pentax Optio E-10 as “the worst digital camera ever.”

With all these differing opinions, what’s the best way to buy the digital camera that’s right for you? If you simply want to take personal pictures, choose a digital camera that has at least three megapixels. This will give you good quality pictures at a very affordable price. Remember that the higher the number of megapixels, the better quality your pictures will be, but the digital camera you choose will be more complex and more expensive. Also consider the size and shape of the camera; is it easy for you to carry in your purse or pocket? Finally, be sure your digital camera has at least 256-512 megabites of space on its memory card so you won’t have to buy additional memory cards. Taking all these factors into consideration will help you enjoy capturing treasured memories for years to come.

For the average person, digital cameras are the tool of choice to snap pictures of family and friends, to record special events, and to capture images of inspiring landscapes seen on vacations. However, for some, a love of nature, simple curiosity, or an interest in photography as a hobby guides them toward the world of close-up, or macro, photography. Close-up photography is simply a matter of taking pictures of small objects by getting very close and obtaining a magnified view. For anyone serious about macro photography an SLR camera is needed but for those interested in dabbling with their basic digital camera, a little experimentation can produce interesting close-up photographs.

Special “macro” lenses are recommended for the enthusiast but most digital cameras can accept small screw on “close-up” lenses which provide additional magnification. The digital cameras most consumers purchase are auto focus and merely require the push of a button to enter close or “macro” mode but the owner’s manual should be reviewed to discover the minimum focusing distance of the camera. When shooting at a distance of only inches there are a number of precautions to take to assure a high quality image.

1.) Focus: When photographing at close range/high magnification, images can be blurred by the slightest movements.

• If the digital camera has a feature for mirror lock-up, it should be activated as the mere movement of the mirror can blur the image taken.

• Use a tripod

• Because slight breezes can cause movement, it is easiest to shoot subjects indoors when possible to gain control over the environment. In addition, shooting inanimate objects can also be a good starting point for a novice as the subject of the picture will not be moving.

• Because of the close range, blurriness in all but a very small area of the picture frequently occurs. To get more area in focus, reduce the aperture and increase lighting. In some instances, increasing distance from the subject may be necessary.

• Be sure the subject is parallel to the lens as items which are perpendicular have portions which are further away and therefore tend to blur.

2.) Getting the view you want: What is seen through the viewfinder of the digital camera is different than what the lens sees. This is particularly evident when photographing at close range.

• Use the LCD instead of the viewfinder to see what is being photographed.

• Or, use the correction marks (lines) that can be seen through the viewfinder which approximate the border of the image being taken to visualize what the lens is truly seeing. Then adjust the shot as necessary.

3.) Lighting: True macro photography commonly makes use of specialized flash units but care should be taken when using the flash unit with a digital camera to avoid over exposure and to obtain a natural looking background. Beginners can try a couple of things to obtain the best outcome

• Diffuse the light by using very thin tissue in front of the flash

• Place plain poster board (biege or gray is often used) behind the subject if the background is blackened. This will lighten the background and if placed far enough away, blur to look more natural.

• Use natural diffuse light when possible. As in most photography, avoid direct, overhead sunlight.

Although basic digital cameras have limitations related to macro photography, beginners can certainly obtain images with a level of detail and beauty seldom seen with the naked eye when giving necessary attention to the special needs of close up photography.

Nowadays you can get printers that connect to your digital camera or your PC, but either way you will still get excellent results. Either way, you are going to have to deal with a small piece of software that will have certain commands to learn. This may be easier for regular users, but complete newbies will need a helping hand to produce some real digital mastery.

Buying a digital camera printer, maybe the first step that you need to take, so take a look at both options to find which most suits your digital needs. Once you have decided on a digital camera printer, take a look on Google or Photography sites for reviews. If that is enough to make a decision, then have a look for the model on the internet in sites like Amazon and eBay and compare prices and delivery charges. Consider opening up a Paypal account for safe online shopping and always check your guarantee period, so you are not too late if you need a refund.

There are 2 sorts of digital camera printers, those that use 4 color inks and those that use 6, and news is out that even an 8 ink jet color using model will soon be on the market. The golden rule is that the more ink colors used, the better the image quality. To get optimum results then always use a high weight quality photo paper combined with a 6 ink color digital camera printer.

You can chose between ink jet printers and thermal printers so you will need to have an understanding of the differences between the 2. The Ink jet printers may not be quite so high in quality results, but are more frequently used. The Thermal printing style produces higher quality results, and you will see a difference in the cost effectiveness compared to the Ink jet printers, as the paper and the ink cartridges are a lot cheaper.

The basic idea of digital camera becoming a hit among the masses is that it is absolutely different from its predecessor devices. The old conventional cameras used to be dependent entirely on the chemical and mechanical processes to develop the images. They were so uncomfortable to handle. More so, they used to deliver poor quality images that did not satisfy the users. People were not happy with the working of these old and uncomfortable cameras and were waiting for some new technology.

The digital cameras after their invention have broken all the boundaries. They are smart, instant and high-tech. They are so easy-to-handle that even the kids can produce high quality photos from them. It does not take much to understand the working of the digital technology. They are the trend of the modern times ready to deliver all your needs, in just a few seconds.

The digital cameras have in-built sensors which record all the images electronically. There is no system of film being inserted into them. The photos get stored in the memory chip of the camera. These images can later be transferred on to the computer or can be directly sent for printing. Moreover the digital cameras also let you decide which photos you want to keep and which ones you want to delete.

The new approach of the digital cameras has been tremendously successful. As the digital imaging technology is becoming better and improving each day, the digital cameras are becoming too popular. They are emerging as a high quality and high performance alternatives of the traditional cameras.

The basic components of the digital cameras are still alike traditional cameras. Same like a traditional camera, the digital camera has a series of powerful lenses. These lenses focus the light in order to create an image of the particular object you want to shoot. The basic difference is that in place of focusing this light on a piece of a traditional film, the digital camera focuses the light on a semiconductor device, which electronically records the light. A built-in computer then disperses this electronic info down into several digital data. All the interesting, fun and advanced digital cameras are the perfect results of this digital technology.

If you have recently bought a digital camera and you don’t know where to start, here are some tips.  You need to make sure you know how to use your digital camera before any special occasion or vacation coming up.  Your camera can probably do much more than help you print out the perfect picture and email your latest pictures to your family and friends.  Go ahead and grab your instruction manual and get started.Aside from reading how everything works, you also need to play around with it.  You need to see what all your buttons can do, what menu you need to find to enhance your resolution and so much more.  Make sure to first find out the things you will use the most, such as your flash settings, your self-timer, and zoom.  Don’t worry, you can’t screw anything up, you can most likely even find out how to restore your settings to your default which is the way it was right when you took it out of the box.  Some cameras come with a special battery and a charger, make sure to order a second battery just like it so you always have a power supply ready.  You may even want to consider purchasing a 12-volt car charger for charging your batteries on the road.  If your camera uses standard AA batteries, look into purchasing rechargeable ones just in case.  If you find your camera is using its energy supply too quickly, there are ways to cut down on energy, one is to shut off the LCD screen while you are taking a picture.  Your camera probably came with a memory card that stores very few pictures; make sure you purchase a new memory card that can hold a lot of pictures.  You can find a 2GB memory card for under $20.  Once you have started to get acquainted with your camera and you have taken a few pictures, make sure to hook it up to your computer.  With the help of your computer you can edit, e-mail, store, and organize your photos.  Don’t be intimidated by the thought of hooking up your camera to your computer.  It is a rather easy process, your camera already came with the one wire you need to hook up to your computer and your computer should right away give you step-by-step help with what you need to do next.  You may even think about purchasing a tripod, this can come in handy even for a small task as including yourself in a group photo.  If you still need help using your digital camera or want to know even more about the details such as what a pixel is, you can find books, websites, or even classes to help improve your photography.  Many cameras can do so many things and have so many gadgets it can be overwhelming at first, but it is natural to not understand everything that first evening of playing around with it.

In the jungle that is the saturated gadget market it is all too easy get completely lost. This article offers impartial reviews of the three cutting-edge digital cameras out there today. Considerations such as price, efficiency and technology offer an objective guide through the wilderness of the digital cameras market.
First up is the Canon EOS 1000D DSLR. The good news is that with live view digital technology and SD card compatibility there are great quality images combined with excellent colour and focussing capabilities. The bad news is that the live view feature tends to have a relatively slow response time and the camera is very expensive when compared to other models of a similar specification. As far as cutting-edge digital cameras go this one is easy to use with comprehensive instructions for use and downloading, however for about 500GBP it is very pricy where other models offer similar features for much less.
The next digital camera up for review is the Olympus E-520 DSLR. This camera comes with 10 mega-pixel resolution and is packed with mouth watering kit such as anti dust system, image stabilisation, four thirds system and a competitive price for the specification. The large LCD live view display allows 100 percent field however this is counteracted by the small view finder which only allows around 95 percent. There is a modest 3-point AF set-up and potentially some white balance issues however it is an improvement on the previous flagship digital SLR, E-510 and for 500GBP is fantastic value for money.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera is brand spanking new, so much that it has not even been priced yet. After a sneak preview of the preproduction model the verdict looks good. It is a beautifully compact digital camera that maintains the 10 mega-pixel resolution, not responding to other manufacturers race for higher resolutions. The handling, design, image, lens and manual control are all outstanding however it does posses some pre-production teething problems such as image softness, however this will be corrected before it goes into production. With a predicted price of around 350GBP it is the cutting-edge in compact digital cameras.
These three models of digital cameras represent the latest models from some of the main players in the market. They are a cross section of different specifications and models and all the information is provider from an impartial as objective assessment of the pros and cons of each model.

Compact digital cameras are such a craze today that almost every household has one.
The popularity of digital cameras has in fact overshadowed to near extinction the
use of cameras with films. But what is it about digital cameras that make even
the professional users go gaga over it?

Digital cameras may cost more than the ordinary camera but it is cost effective in the long
term. Unlike ordinary cameras, digital cameras operate without expensive films. The photos
can be stored in the user’s computer, or he can save it in a disc or have it printed in photo paper. It is said to be a good investment not only because it does capture memories, but also it allows the user to save on film expenses.

The mad rush for compact digital cameras has begun and even those who could not afford to
buy one are saving for that precious digital camera. To make it a good investment, buyers of digital cameras should make sure they know what they are buying and that they are buying the digital camera that best fits their requirements.

Neophyte digital camera users believe that the higher the pixel of the camera, the better for them. The truth is, a digital camera’s pixel is only as good as the user’s requirements. It means choose a digital camera pixel depending on your needs and not just for the sake of buying a digital camera with high pixel.

Before considering the type of digital camera you need, it is practical to take note of your budget or allowance allotted for buying the camera. Digital camera makers come up with new models every six months that digital cameras that are highly priced before now can be more affordable for you later on.

Choosing a digital camera brand really depends on the preference of the user. There are brands that are highly priced because they are popular and the manufacturers have spent millions for advertisements. Good reviews will also depend on the preferences of the camera reviewers so better stick to the basic requirements of a good camera. Sometimes, buyers opt for well-known brands that have been in the camera business for a long time to make sure they are buying quality digital cameras.

Prospective buyers of digital cameras should be patient in reading the guide or manual because unlike the ordinary camera, digital cameras are a bit complicated to use the first time. It gets easier though once you get the hang of it.

When choosing which digital camera, take note of the optical zoom and not the digital zoom because the former does the real zooming. As to the matter of mega pixels, the higher the pixels, the more expensive it gets. However, if you just need to print your photos in small sizes, you do not need the higher mega pixels. When using digital cameras with the intention of printing your photos, it is ideal to choose the highest resolution but this will also mean each shot will require more memory storage. You also have to know that digital cameras come with software that will allow users to adjust the sizes of the photos. However, it is always best to change a higher resolution shot to lower resolution than the
reverse because it has a tendency to become pixelized and the image will become blurred.

Whatever model of digital camera you choose, make sure it is appropriate for your requirements. If you are an amateur, start with a digital camera that has the basic requirements and a lower mega pixel so it will be affordable for you.

Why settle for good photos when you can take great ones that help sell your products more quickly. The human eye is almost always drawn to a picture before text so photos should be eye-appealing. Take photos that stand out in a crowd. Many photographers agree that one of the best times to take photos is during the golden hour, when light can be breathtaking and even simple subjects take on an added glow.

 You can make money even if you have absolutely not photography training to speak of because my proven and tested system introduces you to several photography opportunities that are so easy even the newbie’s can and will make money with them.

I am going to hold your hand and help you step by step with the information.

Digital photography is actually fun to do and even more fun for me when I see all the extra money being deposited in my bank account month after month.

 You can work as much as you want or as little as you need. Set your own hours and work whenever you want to.

The “Photo Wealth How to Make Money” contains everything you need to know in order to start making lots of money with your digital camera!

There are several ways for you to go about selling your photo work.

Keep this in mind, every image you sell must have been shot by you, and not protected by copyright or trademark laws.

I highly recommend shopping for your next digital camera at http://manydigitalcamera4u.com.

For more information on getting your own copy of Photo Wealth How to make Money, Contact me at a-z-bizwoman@live.com.

Thank You

Gaye Johnson-Dennis

June 7, 2009