Digital Photography Basics

Digital Photography has grown by leaps and bounds - from Cameras that cost $40,000 a few years ago and now cost under $100, Photography has now become affordable for everyone.I'm Keith and I'll teach you my version of Digital Photography Basics.

I'll show you how to choose a digital camera, a flashgun and a memory card.

Then we'll run through some of the common situations you may have problems with. These hints and tips should make your pictures better and even possibly saleable ! I would seriously suggest buying a good book on digital photography and I'll make a couple of suggestions .

Digital Camera are usually rated by the number of pixels in each picture.The higher the number of pixels ,the more detail you will get in each picture.So a 7 Megabyte (Mb) picture has more detail than a 3Mb picture.

If you just need a camera for family photos,pets,holidays parties or clubs then get a COMPACT CAMERA.Most of the leading makes give great results.If you will need to photodgraph many objects for ebay or you want to photograph wild animals or sell pictures then buy a Digital Single Lens Reflex(This gives exactly what you see in the viewfinder and slightly better results.) the SLR camera is more versatile but costs more and the lenses cost more too. Many Compact cameras come with a zoom lens and this will give you nearer or wider pictures. Most cameras come with a built-in flashgun but this is really only meant for taking pictures close to your subject (a Full length portrait of someone that fills the picture is about the maximum range of most built in flashguns.

Choose a camera with a viewing screen so you can see the pictures after you take them.There are camera that also have a viewfinder (like a film camera) and these are preferable because the camera that use the viewing screen instead of a viewfinder really run the batteries down very quickly. Viewing screens are great to show friends & family the pictures but they do take a lot of power from the batteries.

If you want to photograph bigger objects like cars or club interiors then you may need a camera that will take external flashguns.

DO NOT use a flashgun from a film camera on a digital camera. Those flashguns work on MUCH higher voltages and will almost certainly damage or even fry your new camera.

The only other thing you will need is MEMORY CARDS. This is what store your pictures and you can re-use the cards after transferring the pictures to your computer.(Don't forget to save the pictures to your computer or you will be disappinted !)

Memory Cards have dropped in price and you can get great deals on these at either Amazon or eBay.Make sure you get the right kind of card for your camera.The instruction book will tell you which one is needed.It's a smart idea to have two cards and just like the memory in your camera,these cards come in different memory sizes.Cards are cheap enough to buy to or three and you wil never run out of digital'film' that way !

SD cards are now the most common ones and have dropped in price a great deal.

(The higher the memory size,the more pictures you can store on them). Make sure you get a cable with the camera to transfer the pictures or a CARD READER (reads the cards on to your computer).

The last essential is the batteries for the camera. Try to choose a compact camera that takes AA batteries and the smart thing to do is to get rechargeable batteries and a charger for them. Get the highest rated batteries you can afford (currently 2500 ma) as these will last longer between each charge. I always have two sets with me in case the batteries run out.Flash photos really run batteries down quickly. Some makers have their own heavy duty batteries but these are expensive to buy spare or replacements.

One more thing you might consider is a soft camera case (you don't have to buy the Manufactrers case - there are good cheaper alternatives.) and this will keep your camera free from dust and damage.

Most Digital Cameras are not waterproof (except for one from OLYMPUS which is designed for use underwater) although many makers are reported to be producing new models that are waterproof.This is useful if you want to take pictures on the beach or in a pool.

One hint - I put a protective film over the viewing screen and this protects it against sctratches - new screens are very expensive to replace !

What are the best makes - hmm tricky question !

Canon,Nikon,Sony and Olympus are the names that come to mind and all have affordable models. There are literally hundreds of makers though and very few bad ones ! Ask friends if you can look at their cameras and see if you like them. Most compact cameras are easy to use and small enough to go in your pocket or handbag. Digital SLRs are larger and usually need a neckstrap.

How to get BETTER Pictures

Rule # 1 - keep your fingers off the lens !

Your fingers (although beautifully attractive to the other sex) are not transparent. You don't really need photos of your fingers do you ?

This particularly happens in night clubs after drinks have been .. absorbed !

Rule # 2 Flash pictures and babies - don't take very close flash piictures of babies - it annoys them and although there is no medical proof of damage to their cute little eyes,why take that risk ? Instead take a few steps back and take the picture from there (using your telephoto zoom !)

Rule # 3 Pets never do cute things when you want them to - so if you want to take photos of your pet keep the camera close to you and then you wo'n't have to look for where you put it...

Rule# 4 Snow looks great - but its COLD and batteries don't like COLD !) Keep your camera inside your coat in cold conditions and then it will continue working...

Rule #5 If you take ...revealing pictures of your beloved, don't leave them on the camera !

Rule # 6 Printing your photos yourself from your computer is fun but use makers inks and paper or risk the pictures fading. (Photo labs mostly use long life inks and papers)

Rul# 7 keep a cheap digital camera in the glove compartment of your car - could save you thousands $$$ if someone drives into you - then you will have PROOF !