Digital Cameras - A Basic Introduction

A digital camera is used as the same as the traditional 35mm film camera. Basically you point, shoot and you capture an image. But the similarity ends there, and this is where the digital camera (or rather the images that have been captured) becomes so versatile.

First of all, your image is there waiting to be transferred to your computer. No more waiting to use all of the film and then going down to the photo processing lab and waiting hours/days for the images to be ready. The most common way of transferring your images to your computer is via a USB cable and software on your PC.

Once on your PC, you can edit, crop, email or print out your photos. Becoming more common these days is sharing them on the internet via an online photo album (eg myspace, Flickr or a personal website). Whilst on the subject of film, with digital cameras where are the images stored? Normally on a memory card. Memory cards come in a variety of sizes (both physical size and storage capacity). These factors are largely dependant on the type of digital camera that you buy, and typically can store hundreds of photos.

The main thing to look for when selecting a digital camera is the number of ?Megapixels? it has (or its ?resolution?). Pixels are the number of individual dots that make up the maximum size of the photo that you can take with your camera. Megapixels are in multiples of 1 million. So obviously the more Megapixels, the better you photo will look on your computer screen - and printed out. Note: The higher the resolution, the larger the physical size of the photograph in pixels, and the more space (file size) it will take up.

When looking at what digital camera to buy, also take note of the zoom feature of the camera. You will see terms such as optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom is taken care of by the camera and its physical lense, whereas digital zoom is zooming done by software in the camera itself. Digital zoom decrease the quality of the image as it is artificial - what the camera ?thinks? the image should look like. So it is best to take notice of the optical zoom capabilities of the camera only.

Do you want a no hassles digital camera when the shutter speed, aperture settings and flash options are all automatic? Most cheaper digital cameras have an automatic mode where all this is taken care of. Perfect for most consumers, and as you start to pay more for a camera, the eatures (and quality) will improve. These types of cameras will have a range of automatic modes, plus manual settings that allow full control over how the photo will be taken.

You may hear a term DSLR - Which stands for a Digital Single Lense Reflex. The basic theory behind these cameras is that what you see through your viewfinder is what the camera is seeing, thus operating the same as a traditional 35mm camera. These sorts of camera will have all the electronic functions of other digital cameras, and are generally more expensieve to buy.

In summary, do your homework.There is a large number of cameras available, ranging from low budget up to many thousands of dollars for a top class, professional outfit depending on your needs as a consumer.

Indrek K is an keen photographer, and has spent much time exploring the digital photography world, which prompted him to create http://digitalphotographyportal.com/ which serves as a resource and learning portal for the beginner/intermediate digital camera owner.

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Consider This Before Buying A Digital Camera

Are you planning to buy the first digital camera of your life? Well, in that case it is very obvious for you to be confused because of the wide and bewildering range of digital models of cameras present in the market.


It becomes really difficult to decide which digital camera model suits well with your needs. There are so many features and qualities carried by these cameras that you are unable to decide on the one. Moreover, making things worse for you, digital cameras are not cheap gizmos. This leaves you more confused about your budget as well.

In point of fact, buying a digital camera is not that difficult a task that it seems. If you keep your basics right about a digital camera, have its functional know-how and be confident about your needs.

Just keep in mind some important considerations, which you need to think about thoroughly before making the final purchase decision. If you make the decision of buying in haste, you may eventually loose out all your dollars on some low quality digital camera.

The battery life of the digital camera is very important to be considered before buying it. But, unfortunately it is one of the most ignored features by the first time buyers. Many users prefer to buy the latest and hot digital cameras, recently entered in to the market. Buy sadly, they forget to check out the battery credentials of the latest device.

Do not live with the myth that low cost and good battery life cannot go together. It is possible for the cheap digital cameras to support long lasting battery, while on the other hand, the latest high-tech models might drain off the battery fast.

The mega pixel

numbers of the digital camera decides upon how much detail you want to capture in your photos. Generally, the number of mega pixels can be as high as 8 mega pixels or as low as 2 mega pixels. To decide the number of mega pixels you need, you should determine the use of your camera.

To take just some small snapshots and sending them wide across through the internet, you do not need more than 2 mega pixels. But if you want to go advanced and need large print outs of your pretty photos, then you need a digital camera with about 5-megapixel and above than that.

A digital camera with the best Zoom Lens and decent features is everyone?s choice. The optical zoom can move the camera lens physically from zoom in to zoom out. The digital zoom can enlarge the photo within the microchip of the camera. This can result into a poor quality of the image. Buying at least 3x optical zoom in the digital camera is the best option for you.

If you are a professional photographer, you should look out to buy a digital camera with exposure control. If the camera makes you able to control the exposure settings, like shutter speed and opening of lens it adds to its profile. The advanced digital camera openings make the users to twist the shutter speed and aperture to shoot the fast moving objects. You should choose a digital camera that has good exposure control. It will also help those who wish to take on photography as their serious hobby.

If you are a totally new user of digital cameras, you should not go for buying the latest digital SLR cameras. It is much better to start with a cheap digital camera first. After you learn from it by experimenting and build up your skills with time. And once you have turned into an expert photographer, you can always go for buying an advanced digital camera.

About the

Author:

A.J. Sternth for http://www.all%20-digitalcameras.com/

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Digital Photography Lessons

Many people buy their first digital camera but have absolutely no idea how to use it. There are many options available for learning how to master digital photography, such as, for example, the internet.
The internet certainly has many sites available to help you understand your digital camera and find answers to any questions you might have. There are many books available on using a digital camera, taking photographs and editing them.

Many people find they learn faster and it is far easier for them when they have one-on-one lessons instead of reading a guide. Digital photography lessons are the answer for these people.

Digital photography lessons are great for anyone that is interested in photography as a hobby, or even for people considering it as a profession. You learn important facts that allow you to take the best quality pictures possible. More people than ever are interested in digital photography, and with a few digital photography lessons they can become experienced at photography. For anyone that is passionate about photography and wants to learn how to take the best pictures possible, digital photography lessons are wonderful. Many community colleges and night schools offer lessons that are flexible and usually run once or twice a week. Even though digital photography lessons may cost a little more than purchasing a book or searching the internet, you have the opportunity to learn about in-depth digital photography. While some people will be naturally gifted at photography, most individuals will require some formal training and guidance. An instructor teaches you and offers guidance but also gives constructive criticism when necessary.

Digital photography lessons teach you everything there is to know about the camera and accessories. This will include how to maintain and care for the equipment. You will learn photography terms, equipment basics, photography applications and theory.

The lessons teach you different tips and styles, such as composing and framing the subject. Other things you learn by taking digital photography lessons
are:

* Proper lighting techniques ? They teach you that this is one of the most important aspects of digital photography. Lighting has the ability to make a picture look wonderful or ruin the entire look
* Identifying special elements - Being able to capture a special feeling or even a look takes
practice and skill. It also takes knowledge, so you understand and are able to identify these elements. Teachers show you how to do this and explain which elements make your pictures interesting and what distracts from them .

Digital photography lessons are great for a beginner, wanting to take pictures for their own personal pleasure or for professional photographers that are always searching for new ideas and

techniques.

About the Author:

Terry

Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about digital photography lessons, visit his website Digital Photography Courses

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Buying a new digital camera

I feel, after visiting so many websites and reading so much advice, and also by frequently visiting photography forums, that I have to speak on this subject.

I feel, after visiting so many websites and reading so much advice, and also by frequently visiting photography forums, that I have to speak on this subject.

For the majority of the buying public, there are 2 categories that we fall into when getting started or upgrading in digital photography, the "Absolute Beginner" or the "Amateur" (or serious amateur sometimes labelled as semi pro).

Now for the beginner, or someone getting started in photography itself (not just digital), the choice of cameras nowadays is quite overwhelming! Everywhere you look there are cameras, not just in camera shops like the good old days. You even get given a cheap digital camera as a gift for buying something else in some places. There are reasonably powerful digital cameras in the more expensive mobile phones now and they come in all shapes and sizes.

So where do you possibly start and how do you make that choice for buying a camera for yourself or someone else. Really it is quite simple and there are 3 criteria you should look at:

1.Quality

- If you want the camera to last at least a few years and not get bothered by a bit of bashing about, go for quality. A titanium body, not plastic, something that is fairly heavy and robust in your hands, you can feel quality!

2.Features

- Do you want quality video capabilities? How big do you want to print the pictures that come from the cameras files (how many mega pixels)? Do you want to have at least some manual features so you can get a bit creative? Or do you just want a "Point-and-shoot" digital camera?

3.Price

- You will have a budget in mind of how much you want to spend. Get the best camera and memory you can for your budget, worry about extras later! Don't be cheap; if you want reasonably good quality prints, by spending too little on a very cheap camera, you will waste paper, printer ink and/or good money at your local lab. Get a good make and model of digital camera now and it will outlast a cheapie 4 or 5 times.

DO NOT be swayed by digital cameras that have "Non-Photographic" features, gadgets and gizmos. Any of these unnecessary features added means that some quality has been sacrificed elsewhere. Buy a camera to be a camera, and nothing else. I would also suggest buying one of the top brands such as Canon, Nikon, Konica-Minolta, Olympus etc., they may cost a little more, but the difference in quality is worth it. They all make cheaper end cameras too.

Look for decent features such as a good optical zoom, NOT digital zoom. Digital zoom is an unnecessary marketing tool; it is the same as zooming in on the photo once you get it onto your PC. 10-20X digital zoom is acceptable but I have seen video cameras with 1000X digital zoom, have you ever tried holding the camera steady at these kind of magnifications, even with a tripod?!! Basically, write down exactly what you want and need from the camera, go to a reputable dealer and buy a good branded camera that has what you need for your requirements and budget, don't be swayed by the salesperson into buying more than you need.

Now, the Amateur or Semi Pro.

When you start to look at Semi professional Digital SLR's or Advanced digital compact cameras, the choice is a little less but no less confusing. The same advice goes here as in the previous section, think about what you need the camera for, how you think you may progress in this hobby and your budget.

The "prosumer" advanced digital compact cameras available today are steadily encroaching on the quality of the DSLR, although in my opinion, they will never catch them. The optical zooms are fantastic, the sensors, albeit smaller than the DSLR are powerful and produce stunning images, and some even have "built-in" image stabilisersGreat!

Again, my advice would be to go for quality. These cameras are more expensive anyway and you want one that will last and put up with a bit of knocking from your "getting creative in photography" moments! Once you have your advanced digital compact, dont be swayed by the latest upgrades, updates or releases.

Get to know what you have, learn how to use it effectively and learn the photography side of photography, not the technical side.

Once you are happy with your progression and feel that you want to move on, be more in control and maybe even start to earn from photography, only then should you splash out and upgrade to a Digital SLR. The Semi Professional Digital SLR or consumer DSLR is a fantastic thing in photography. Many of the "die-hard" film photographers are seeing the light and going digital. Many aspects of film are still widely used and will do for some time, as large format film photography produces the absolute finest detail I have seen (at the time of writing. In 2020, who knows?).

However, the latest batch of Digital SLR's have now reached the point where they match or out perform 35mm film. It is predicted that next year (2006) will be "boom time" for the sales of DSLR's as the quality increases and the prices come down. There has never been a better or cheaper way to get into 35mm photography!

The BIGGEST thing to consider when buying a DSLR kit is to choose your brand loyalty. Look at Canon, Nikon, Konica-Minolta, Olympus, Kodak etc., and make your choice, why? As you progress and become more enthusiastic or serious, you will want to add more lenses to your kit. Wide angle, telephoto, zoom, macro, standard.there is a massive choice.

With the way technology is going, you are much more likely to upgrade your camera than you are your lenses and it will be a lot cheaper to do so once you really get into this hobby, believe me! One decent lens in my kit cost 2,000 (1400) alone. A decent lens will, with care, last you a lifetime. There is only a certain level of quality of the glass you can obtain with optics so remember this point when buying your camera.

My choice? Canon. I used to work for Nikon and had a preference towards them, but nowadays all my kit is Canon. I feel they are one step ahead with technology and the lenses (especially the nice white ones) are amazing! Just look at the next major sporting event on TV, how many "White" lenses you see. Only Canon makes white lenses.

Again, once you have made your choice, BUY the camera, ENJOY it and LEARN from it! If the sensor (i.e. 8MP of bigger) produces LARGE, high quality prints, why be swayed by the newer,

latest upgrades? Photography is about "learning" and enjoyment, DO NOT be intimidated by technological gobbeldy gook, as long as your camera has the features that you need, quality to match and you build a nice set of lenses over time, who cares if the latest model has 0.1%

better white balance control, or flashing lights?

If you are new to Digital SLR's, I have a section on my website that explains all the bits and buttons

Digital SLR Newbie?

All the best and enjoy

yourselves!

Nick Stubbs
All Things Photography

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Professional photographer with more than 20 years experience. Started at 13 by building own

darkroom, progressed to become an apprentice at 16 and have not looked back since.

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Getting the right digital camera for you

With so many digital cameras on the market these days, choosing the right one to buy may seem like a daunting task. Chris Thomas provides a simple camera-buying guide to help you work out which camera type is going to be right for you and your budget!

With so many digital cameras on the market these days, choosing the right one to buy may seem like a daunting task.

Chris Thomas provides a simple camera-buying guide to help you work out which camera type is going to be right for you and your budget!

There are really great advantages in digital photography:You can shoot till you
drop

Taking digital images on your camera has no implication other then you have captured the image. Then you can review each image on the small screen on the back of your camera. You can shoot as many pictures of the same scene as you like store them in memory delete the ones that you do not like and print the one(s) you like.

Each image is a winner

Alternatively you can put an image up on a computer screen or email it to all you friends can black mail be this easy?

Print at home or in a lab

You can print your image at home on a photo printer turn your image into a greeting card, calendar, or a whole other list of photo memorabilia. Or hand over the job to the professionals.

So what digital camera should I buy?

A question we are often asked is what sort of camera should I buy? There are literally hundreds of different models available from a large number of well known manufacturers.

This is a difficult question, which might be answered in a complex way. Rather, here we have tried to emphasise the salient points and assist you in your decision.

Key components of the camera, which will influence your buying decision will include:What do I want to use the camera for? How big an image can I print? Does the camera have a zoom? What size and weight is the camera?

How big an image can I print?

If your objective is to take a camera on holiday, take it onto the beach and up a mountain and to print memorable images of your time on 6 x 4 inch prints, then do not spend a lot of money on your camera. A small compact camera with an image resolution of 2 or 3 Mega Pixels will be adequate for your needs and should you drop the camera or get sand in its workings then you will be pleased that you did not spend too much money.

More serious photographers will want to make bigger pints or selectively enlarge. They will want a higher image resolution and will benefit from a zoom lens.

So what is this MegaPixel thing? Well it is the image size quality taken by the camera. The higher the number the better the quality and the larger the prints which can be made.

Does the camera have a zoom?

In past times zoom lenses were regarded as second best because of their distortion and fogging. This is no longer the case zoom lenses are truly brilliant. 3 x zooms are common and 6 x zooms feature on the more expensive cameras. So you can have a single lens which covers both wide angle views and provides a short telephoto. All very usefully packaged in a lightweight camera.

Beware of Digital Zoom. This is a technique, which zooms in on a portion of the image by processing the picture and interpolating the image between pixels a technique which always produces inferior results.

What is the size and weight of the camera?

Digital cameras do not have to be bulky or heavy. Indeed there are some very small models available, which will fit inside a handbag. However the more sophisticated gear tends to be bulkier and heavier. Professional models with interchangeable lenses and external flash guns will require their own hold all.

Making the Right Selection

There is a fantastic range of digital cameras available on the market. Nonetheless manufacturers focus on their customers and target specific models at certain sectors of the market. The table below summarises the information, which we have discussed.

Basic camera

A fixed lens camera priced at less than 50 [Or $90 USD] which takes digital images of up to 1 MegaPixel - will be adequate for computer or television screen display.

Party Camera

A compact design camera with a fixed lens cost up to 150 [Or $280 USD] - taking images of up to 2 MegaPixel - will generate good quality images suitable for printing up to 4 x 5 inches

Holiday Camera

Another compact design but with a 2 1 zoom lens and costing between 200 and 400 [$350 - $800 USD] taking images or between 3 and 5 MegaPixel which will be suitable for printing up to 10 x 8 inches

Serious Camera

A SLR style camera with a 5 1 zoom lens costing between 600 and 1000 [$1000 - $2000 USD] and producing images of up to 6 MegaPixel which will produce prints of up to 12 x 16 inches

Professional Camera

An SLR camera with interchangeable lenses and costing upwards of 1,500 [Or around $3000 USD], which will take images of up to 8 MegaPixel, which will print to poster size.SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. These are cameras, which do not have a separate viewfinder. Rather the operator looks through the lens of the camera. Momentarily before the shutter is opened a mirror flicks up and the light passing through the lens is allowed to hit the sensitive surface of the camera. In many cases the lens at the front of the camera can be changed for another type. A variation on this presents the image as seen by the camera in a digital liquid crystal display either on the back of the camera or through a viewfinder.

Flash. Many of the inexpensive cameras will have on board flash

remember that these will only work up to about 10 feet, and they might produce red eye. More expensive cameras will expect the user to use an independent external flashgun.

Camera Accessories

Most digital cameras come with interface cables and PC software bundled. So if you have a PC at home or work you can download images from your camera to your PC, do basic editing such as removing red eye and delete the images you do not want! Your valued images you can store for future generations on CD Rom or another recording medium.

Digital Memory Media

Sometimes known as Smart Card, Compact Flash, Multi Media Card, Memory Stick. These are the memory chips on which your images are stored some people refer to them as digital film. The larger the capacity of the media, the more images it can store. So buy one larger then you need for now. Images can be deleted from the media but back them up on a CD Rom or DVD before you erase the card.

Final Hint Keep lots of batteries handy. Digital cameras use a lot of power!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christopher Thomas is a keen photographer and company

director of Viewlink Ltd based in Amersham, Uk. The company provides digital photo developing for

both amateur and commercial photographers. For more articles by Christopher Thomas please visit the company website at http://www.view-link.com/guides.html

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Basic Shooting Modes

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Digital Photography Basics by VernonSouthward

Digital cameras have made photography less expensive. That is, perhaps, the reason for young people to take interest in photography these days. With a digital camera in hand, you can easily take pictures and print it on standard papers.
Storing and photo editing have become a lot easier.
Hence, even when you are new in this field, you can master the basics of digital photography very easily. There are plenty of tutorials available online that help you to learn photography basics. Once you get a hold of the foundation, you can hone your skills gradually.
Unlike traditional method, digital photography is all about digits and pixels. These factors directly control the quality of digital images. The quality or resolution of the image depends on these parameters. Higher is the pixel count, better is the clarity. Images with higher pixel counts do not crack when enlarged in comparison with those with lower resolution.
As a photographer, you should know the basics of photography otherwise it will be difficult for you to take great pictures. Photography basics discussed here would help you learn the fundamental issues. Once you digest the basics, you need to take theory and practical lessons designed for both novice and experienced photographers.
Mastering the Controls of Your Camera:
Play with your camera make it your favorite pass time for few days and you will master the controls very fast. Try different picture modes, see if you can focus properly, navigate through the menu section and digest the interface.
Instead of depending on the instruction manual, test the camera of your own. Take some test snaps if you are unable to focus properly, get started with the Auto Mode of your camera.
Learn to make good use of Light:
Photographers are not magicians they do not create the right environment to take an outstanding picture. But, they use the light in such a way that the picture becomes a great one. You must know how to use natural light and flash so that the right lighting effect is captured.
Expert photographers often take pictures in the early morning or in the twilight hours. This way they avoid the glare and use the natural light in their favor. Shooting the sun directly in front of the camera lens is not at all desired. The glare might be harsh to both the image and the lens.
Use of Flash:
Novice photographers are often very keen to use this feature. Flash is definitely a good way to create lighting effects artificially, but the result is not always as satisfactory as predicted. Improper use of flash damages the image and results in uneven shadows.
Hence, while using Flash, make sure the entire area is lighted up equally. There is no theoretical rule for this experience and practice will help you learn the lessons. So don’t be afraid of failure keep on trying if you want to learn.
Digital photography tutorials help you learn the basics of photography. The equipments and techniques are not difficult to learn once you gain expertise in all, you can shoot great pictures easily.

Author"'s Bio:Vernon Southward, a freelance photographer, self published author and offers photography tutorials online. For information on photography basics and digital photography tutorials, he recommends you to visit: Beyondmegapixels .
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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