How To Choose a Compact Digital Camera

Compact digital cameras are such a craze today that almost every household has one. The popularity of digitals 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, digitals operate without expensive films. The photos can be stored in the user's computer, or he can save it on a disc, flash drive or have it printed to 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 compact digital cameras should make sure they know what they are buying and that they are buying the camera that best fits their requirements.

Neophyte digital 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 choosing the amount of pixels depends on your needs and not just for the sake of buying a camera with high pixels.

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

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

When choosing which 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 digitals 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 camera that has the basic requirements and a lower mega pixel so it will be affordable for you and won't be afraid to take a bad picture because all you have to do is delete it and take another photo.

Michael Contaro

Top Ten Tips For Mastering Small Camera Digital Photography

First and most importantly... Don't be silly, you can't master anything based on ten tips but novice photographers can improve their skills and photographic results by following a few simple guidelines for beginners.

1. Read the manual that comes with your camera. Actually you may want to read it before you even buy the camera and this can often be done at the manufacturer's website. Sure it's mind-numbing but there is a lot of good information in there that is going to be more useful that the stuff they tell you in the sales blurb. You may decide on a different model based on what is in the manual. Know what your camera can and can't do before you use it.
2. Always have your camera with you and ready to shoot. This means you will never leave the house with a dead or dying battery or without a working memory card (one that is not already full). You must have the camera with you and it has to be accessible and ready to fire at a moment's notice. Practice your quick draw technique then shoot first and ask questions later.
3. Move in close. Most small digital cameras have zoom lenses that are slow and finicky to adjust at anything other than the widest or longest setting. Don't stand there waiting on it, just move your feet! If I hand you a camera and you ask me how to use the zoom, I'm going point at your shoes and tell you to start moving them. So don't bother asking, just get going.
4. Use the rule of thirds. What? Never heard of that? What? It simply means that most of the time your composition will be improved by moving the subject so that it is not in the center of the frame. There are exceptions to every rule so when in doubt take at least two photos with slightly different framing and you can make up your mind which one looks best later. You may need to focus on your subject first and then lock the focus by holding the shutter button half way down. Focus, lock and recompose.
5. Use the flash indoors and out. I know you are likely to remember to use the flash indoors but the fact is that the flash will greatly improve your photos of people or other objects in the foreground if you use it outdoors as well. You should also try to keep in mind that open shade is a lot better for taking photos of people than bright overhead sun and when they are outdoors a lot of people like to wear hats, which also cause dark shadows on faces. Just remember to use that flash all the time and keep in mind that it has limited power so don't get so far away from your subject that it can't reach them. You can find the flash range in the camera manual.
6. Watch the background and keep it simple. No it's not always going to be easy but if you think about it in advance you can usually find a less distracting background for your people portraits. Sure it may be a hoot to see a flagpole sticking out the top of your friend's head but it won't get your photo in to National Geographic Magazine either.
7. Hold it steady (as a rock). The best thing you can do to improve the sharpness of your photos is to buy a tripod. No matter how good (or expensive) your camera and lenses are you will always take sharper photos on a tripod. Tripods are a must for landscape photography where you will want to capture the maximum amount of detail your camera can render. A tripod will also allow you to make creative photographs of moving water and capture the magic light of the rising and setting sun. Small cameras usually work great on bright sunny days but they may need a little assistance when the sun is low or clouds fill the sky. A small tripod is better than no tripod and can often be set on top of a rock or tree stump to get it up off the ground. On cameras lacking a cable release or infrared shutter remote you can use the built in self-timer to get vibration free shots and even put yourself into the action.
8. Turn the camera sideways. Sometimes things look better in a vertical frame. Portraits often look better in portrait mode and the same is true for landscapes. Shooting vertical allows you to include details in the foreground of your landscape shots that give them a sense of depth and perspective. It's a good idea to get in the habit of shooting things in both horizontal and vertical formats. Just don't try shooting vertical if you are making a video clip.
9. Details, details and macros. Does your camera have a macro mode? If it does then you better be using it to record the fine details of your outdoor experience. The folks back home will love seeing a photo of the cut on your finger or the tick stuck in your leg. You can take photos of the camp food, dragonflies, fish scales or close ups of your dirty toenails. The choice is up to you, the storytelling options are limitless. Use your mini tripod or brace the camera against a water bottle or other solid object. Any movement will be magnified along with the subject, so keep the camera steady.
10. Mind the light and move like a satellite. Keep an eye on the light at different times of the day. Morning and evening light are often best for landscapes while cloudy or overcast light works well for softly lighted flattering portraits. Remember that light is often directional, so a good rule of thumb is to act like a satellite or moon in orbit so you can study your subject from every possible angle. It gets back to the idea of moving your feet and choosing the view or perspective that best suits what you are trying to photograph.

James Dixson

Tips Before You Buy a Digital Camera

Over the past few years digital cameras has been among the hottest consumer electronic items on the Chinese electronic market. Whether it is digital still cameras, digital camcorders, or PC cameras, many consumers in different parts of the China has taken advantage of increasing quality of camera to make digital imaging a marketplace phenomenon. Today it is one of the most preferred electronic items available in the Chinese market. In recent years digital cameras has accounted the majority of all electronic product market in China. In fact, as per the recent survey and analysis of the high-tech product market research conducted by independent bodies reveals that digital still cameras were the most-owned type of camera. Adding to this, it is even projected that in next few years the ratio of buyers purchasing digital camera will increase. These few indication ensures that the product's future definitely looks to be promising in China.

Today if we look at the current scenario of the Chinese electronic product there are many digital camera brands available at cheap price. The cheap cameras for both snapshots and professional photographic applications have become more and more popular now. As a result, today many people are searching for right kind of digital camera. Indeed, it won't be wrong to state that the Chinese electronic market has been flooded with digital cameras, which in turn made the task of selecting a right camera a difficult process. It has become very confusing, so here are few important tips that may help you or any other individual who are seriously looking to purchase digital camera.

Always Read Online Reviews- Doing research before buying an electronic product like digital camera can always beneficial As you are looking to purchase a camera through online stores, you must not rely upon the advice of the helpful sales person who may or may not know anything about the camera. You must read some reviews in digital camera magazines or online that may help you narrow down the field. Today there are many great websites that give expert and user reviews on virtually every camera on the market. You must use such wonderful and free online resources.

Be Sure About Extras- Keep in mind as you look at cameras and the price quoted in any website may not be the final outlay that you need. So you must ensure about the variety of other extras that you might want to fork out for like - Camera Case, Spare Batteries, Re-charger, Filters or Reflectors. These days many online retailers bundle such extras with cameras or may try to give at least discount when buying more than one item at once. Always keep in mind, though that what they offer in bundles might not meet you needs.

Compatibility with Computer- It is very obvious that digital camera you purchased, probably you may like to use it with your home computer to email, store and print the digital photos. As a result, once again you must have to get acquainted yourself with the camera's compatibility and memory information to ensure the camera and your computer are a good match. This information you can easily find on the boxes for the camera and its related software, or you may also ask the salesperson through online voice chatting or email. 

Learn to Negotiate- After you have done all the research and selected the right digital camera for you, it is the right time to find the best price. Therefore, you must learn to negotiate. With good research and price knowledge, you are always in a position with any online store to negotiate on price factor. Though big online stores are more difficult and at times don't give you the ability to negotiate but smaller ones may often allow if you email them.

Optical Zoom- Always go for optical zoom. Just like on a traditional film camera, the feature like optical zoom can allow you to have picture. It doesn't matter, whether you are going through an online buying process or any other traditional process, you cannot ignore the feature like optical zoom in any digital camera. So, try to ensure that the zoom lens on a digital camera allow you to have a better close-up view of any object. When selecting a digital camera, choose one with optical zoom rather than just digital zoom.

Mega Pixels- This could be yet another technical aspect you cannot ignore. Though you are purchasing a product through an online process, but you need to make sure how many mega pixels you need in your camera. One major difference that you find among various models is the number of mega pixels a camera has. However, it is important to understand that higher the number of mega pixels, the better the quality of the photo image. Just in case, if you plan to share images by email and make prints up to size 5x7", 2 mega pixels is sufficient. In addition to this, if you are looking to print professional-quality images in all sizes then you will require a 4 or 5 mega pixel camera.

No doubt, shopping for a new digital camera can be a lot of fun for any photography enthusiast like you. However, putting the fun part aside, your prime aim must be to purchase the digital camera that fits within one price range and at the same time contains all the vital functions you generally require to take the best of pictures. This does not signify that you need to compromise to the large extent and purchases cheap digital cameras that have least functions. 

Manoj Tiwari

Architectural Photography: Camera and Lenses Required for the Architectural or Interior Photographer

As with any line of work, having the right tools is essential in one's ability to successfully accomplish the task efficiently and deliver a final product, which measures up to Professional standards. Photographing Architecture and Interiors requires specialized equipment, especially with regards to lenses.

In photographing architecture, or interiors, whether it be for the architect, or the interior design, hospitality, or homebuilder markets, care must be taken to keep all vertical lines perfectly plumb and true and this requires that the camera be perfectly level. However, frequently one will need to show more ceiling or foreground, and tilting the camera up or down will cause parallax where the verticals will converge upwards if the camera is pointed up, or converge down if the camera is pointed down, and this is unacceptable. What is required is a special lens that can be raised and lowered to allow for more height or foreground, and still maintain the level camera position.

Up until recently (the past 8 years or so) the standard camera for photographing Architecture and Interiors was the 4x5 technical view camera, as this camera had standards that allow for the lens or camera back to be raised, lowered, swung left or right (off axis) and tilted (for optimum depth of field). The 4x5 format was well suited for Architectural photography as well as opposed to the more elongated 35mm format of the newer digital cameras. Since the advent of the professional quality digital cameras, most architectural photographers have switched to the professional level digital camera, which is the 35mm format. If money is no object, there are technical view cameras that have digital backs, but they are extremely expensive, and if one understands what constitutes a good architectural or interior photograph, one can work around the limitations of the more affordable, yet excellent quality professional digital cameras, such as the Nikon or Canon series. After shooting with the 4x5 view camera exclusively for over 30 years, I have had to adjust to the smaller and more elongated format of the digital camera and my clients don't see the difference; when I find that I really want more space then the 35mm format allows, I just add to the canvass size and layer in the additional spatial content in Photoshop.

Essential equipment for the Architectural photographer

Camera:

One of the most important features in the digital camera that one uses for architectural photography is the size of the chip. The camera with the largest chip - or at least a full sized 1:1 ratio to the lens is imperative. Wide-angle lenses are always required and one cannot afford the loss of image space when using a camera with a lens factor of anything less than 1:1, which allows for the full use of the wide-angle capabilities.

Another helpful feature is the automatic exposure bracketing so one can bracket up and down at least 2 stops from the base exposure. There also must be a setting for Manual as that is the setting that will always be used. Most, if not all, of the professional digital cameras that are a full size 1:1 chip ratio will have these features.

Lenses:

As previously mentioned, having the right lenses are essential and that requires the PC (perspective control) or "Tilt Shift" lenses (I personally have never needed to use the tilt feature however). I use the 17mm Canon Tilt shift, the 24mm Tilt shift, and the 35MM PC (Perspective control) lenses on a regular basis. I also use the 28 PC lens occasionally. If one was to have only one lens to start out with, the 24mm Tilt Shift is the most important lens to have. That said, there are many times when the wider 17MM tilt shift is essential and the 35MM would be very helpful (although one could crop). It may be possible to sometimes work around these scenarios with conventional lenses and correct the parallax in Photoshop, keep in mind however, that any correction made in Photoshop will infringe on the image space. The other benefit of using the PC or Shift lens is that one can raise or lower the lens for more sky or foreground, then merge the layers in Photoshop.

It is possible to use older Nikor PC lenses with an adaptor to fit your camera. My 35 and 28 PC lenses are the old Nikor lenses (over 30 years old) and they work just fine on my Canon. There is a variation in contrast due to the lack of modern day lens coating techniques, but it is nothing that minimal Photoshop adjustments can't easily handle.

Another option that works well, although I have never tried it, is to use a 1.4 tele-converter on the 17 or 24 or 35 MM TS lenses, effectively converting them to the 24, 35 or 50MM focal lengths. There are other advantages as well, i.e. a larger image circle which translates into more coverage and movement with the lenses, with less distortion.

Tripod: I always a heavy tripod and a cable release on the camera and lock the mirror in the "up" position to minimize vibration. A tripod head that has flat surfaces on the sides is also very helpful for leveling if the tripod head doesn't have levels built in (even these will need adjusting from time to time).

Level: Always use a small level for leveling the camera or Tripod head. The "hot-shoe" levels are not accurate. Trying to find a level spot on the ergo friendly style of cameras today is impossible, so leveling the tripod first, then refine the camera angle and then take off the camera an level again, is the most accurate procedure. Verticals can be more problematic if the tripod head doesn't have a flat surface on which to place the level. As already stated, there are Photoshop fixes for parallax correction, but it is much easier and less time consuming to get it level in the first place and more importantly any postproduction correction will result in cutting off some of the image, which may be very problematic.

Although these tools are essential for Architectural and Interior photography, the most important tool of all is an understanding of what makes a good architectural and interior photograph! One must understand and be sensitive to what the architect, builder or interior designer is conveying in their design, and then present that design in the strongest possible way. As professional commercial Architectural photographers, it is our job to sell our client's product.

Paul Schlismann

Photography - Camera Lens Converters Verses Camera Lenses

Being an avid user and fan of the DSLR digital camera I realise that there are quite a few choices when it comes to low cost picture improvement. Wouldn't you agree that it is great to get that DSLR camera that you wanted, and even better once you have mastered the basic uses and functions that that camera has to offer? But what camera equipment choices do you think you should be making in order to take the next step in getting even better results from your efforts and camera.

I guess the first thing is being sure to get the camera that best suits you and your needs, which is not especially easy with so many digital camera manufacturers and each one having an extensive range to choose from.

The SLR (Single Lens Reflex) versions of digital camera, the DSLR have some truly outstanding capabilities even when standard, the picture quality when using the auto modes can make even the most basic of pictures appear as though they were taken by an expert.

So deciding on a DSLR digital camera makes more sense as it will give you far more options and choices for a multitude of options, as well as possibly the best results for your money.

Choosing the manufacturer and model for your DSLR requires a little research and weighing up all your personal requirements, not least of all the cost. The best place to get a great camera deal is not necessarily the high street store or mall, instead focus on the Internet.

Online stores have a lot less overheads and only have each other to compete with so searching for the right deal can take a bit of time, but by being smart you can find a site that has done all the legwork for you. Online deals offer great discounts, vouchers, and in a lot of cases you will even get free delivery.

Moving On...

There are so many accessories and extras that will catch your eye, one of which will no doubt be telephoto lenses for getting some great distance photographs that might otherwise be lost on a smaller lens.

Generally with a majority of DSLR cameras you should get something like 18-70mm or round about that so the first step up would be to go for a 200mm lens.

There are a variety of choices when it comes to lenses as well as in some cases a hefty price tag as well, but needless to say that the dearer ones are going to be better optical quality giving better clarity at distance.

There Is a Cheaper Option...

Alternatively for a much smaller price tag you can buy what is known as a 2x camera lens converter. (Before going any further I should like to make it clear at this point that the majority of converters only tend to work while using manual mode for focussing. That said the results can certainly be phenomenal and give the users two great ends of the scale).

Converters give you benefits of both worlds as they are ideal for close ups offering 2x the magnification that you previously had as well as great distance shots too.

This is something you would not necessarily get if you had bought a bigger lens as the lower ranges tend to be pretty high. For a 18-70mm lens you will now have 140mm top end, but for only a fraction of the cost of a 200mm lens.

This is a great comparison and for anyone starting out should give them all the need range wise for some time, but the inevitable will probably happen and the mindset will change to thinking of buying a 200mm camera lens or bigger and using the camera lens converter to make it a 400mm.

But That is a Different Scenario Again...

Whatever the thinking or decision when it comes to buying DSLR digital camera lenses and accessories a camera lens converter is always going to be a great buy due to it costing a lot less than a camera lens and can improve your close up photographs as well as your distance shots.

How To Click It Right With The Best Digital Photography Camera

The digital photography camera has ushered in an absolute revolution in the world of photography. With its excess of futuristic features, the digital photography camera has also brought in considerable cost reduction of photography. No wonder, people are flocking to digital camera stores.

To elaborate, digital cameras make for easy storage and editing of pictures on the PC, you cut back on film costs with the reusable memory cards and innovative features like sound and video recording. Photography just had quite an interesting makeover.

Delving into the intricacies of the entire digital camera mechanism is worthwhile so that the salesman doesn't lead you up the garden path with tall claims. And being well up on the features of your digital camera will also give you food to brag.

The first thing to know about your digital camera is the kind of CCD (Charged Couple Device) you have. This fancy-sounding device is actually the be-all and end-all of your photography unit and the pixel count in them is what that determines how good your snap is going to be.

It is also vital to know what pixels count to opt for. Anything upwards of 3-Megapixels is good for prints of 8 x 10 inches or larger, of course, the more the merrier. But if your requirement is minute 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 photos for the Web, then 1 or 2-megapixel camera will suffice admirably. On the other hand, nothing less than 5-megapixels should be on your minds if you plan to have prints of your digital stuff.

The Zoom feature is closer to your digital camera than any other feature. Optical zoom refers to the camera's capacity to magnify a subject. This zooming in or zooming out takes place within the lens itself and it is visible from the lens advancing and retracting just like the conventional film camera. This is one feature, which is best when you have it in plenty.

There are many who would swoop on a digital camera lured by its pixel count and optical zoom capacities. But the power consumption of a camera is also worth taking a peek into, for there are cameras with voracious appetites for batteries and you could well end up spending a fortune on them. So when you are buying a digital camera, ensure that it works on rechargeable batteries. A charger included in the package is a great buying option.

Stacking up on the memory card is a good idea if you are the traveling kind. A CompactFlash memory card, offering a lot of storage sizes ranging from 16MB to 1GB and greater compatibility with a large number of makes, is definitely a popular choice.

LCD monitors come in a variety of sizes and resolutions, besides the captivating ones that bend and twist at impossible angles. What you will go for of course depends on the kind of work you will be doing with the camera. If you are involved in on-site architectural work and it is shooting around angles that you are aiming at, then a moveable LCD is the one to go for. But the primary thing to take care of is that you don't have to peer too hard to make out what is on the screen.

These are the basic things that you look out for when purchasing a digital photography camera. Things when gone awry will virtually render your camera quite inefficient. There are certain other features of a digital photography camera that when present in the right dosage, make for some excellent photography sessions.

Scene modes, for instance. Having a choice helps, especially when you have not yet familiarized yourself with the intricacies of exposure, focus and shutter speeds.

A Red-eye reduction feature is quite a handy mechanism to have around when you shoot a lot of portraits. If red-eye is much of a bother, then opt for a camera with a hot-shoe connection, that is one that facilitates the installation of an external flash. A flash that is away from the lens reduces the incidence of red-eyes.

Be well up on the internal mechanism of a digital photography camera and enjoy your tryst with it.

Connie Fillmore 

Cell Phone Photography

Whether you use a smart device like an iPhone, or a more compact cell phone, chances are that you have a camera in your pocket right now. At one point, the optical quality of these cameras was very poor. Yet today, thanks to continued technological developments, a growing number of users are beginning to realize the power of the latest cell phone cameras. In fact, the research company InfoTrends recently reported that "more than 860 million camera phones will be sold in 2009, comprising 89 percent of all handsets shipped." If this is any indication of what the future holds, it seems likely that this trend will continue into 2010, and beyond. Here is a current look at the way cell phone cameras are being used by both professional and amateur photographers.

Citizen Journalists

With camera phones now more accessible than ever before, there has been a dramatic shift in the way breaking news is delivered to the public. One much publicized example of this took place when US Airways Flight 1549 crash landed in New York's Hudson River. Before any photojournalists arrived at the scene, Janis Krums took an iPhone picture and posted it to Twitter. To many, this image is considered to be one of the most memorable shots of 2009. Another example of this took place this past summer in Iran. Reporters were denied access to the hostile street protests. This forced major media outlets to rely on reports from citizen journalists, many of whom were using cell phone cameras to record the events. Despite the amateur footage, viewers were glued to their televisions each night to watch the historic situation unfold. Today, anyone with a camera phone can be a citizen journalist.

Going Undercover

It's true; today's camera phones simply do not have the speed, or advanced functionality of the more full featured DSLRs. Yet, the benefit of having a small, quiet camera in your pocket at all times outweighs any of its technical limitations. When a professional photographer arrives on the scene with two DSLRs, telephoto lenses, and flash units, everyone immediately notices. In certain situations, this can hinder the pro from doing his or her job, as people are more guarded, and aware of the cameras. With small cell phones however, a photographer can get the needed shot, and leave the scene virtually undetected. In addition, there are some places where professional looking cameras are absolutely prohibited. Thankfully, camera phones are more discreet, and do not generally draw attention to the user.

Mobile Uploads

One of the best parts about camera phones is the ability to share the image with others right away. You can post your photos to a variety of social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and more. You can even post videos to YouTube directly from your phone. This type of content sharing has become incredibly popular. Facebook alone receives more than 2 billion photo uploads each month! On Twitter, many photographers share their "Twitpics" with their followers. These can range from "look where I am," to beautiful fine art imagery. If another user appreciates an image, it is often retweeted, and shared with even more people. It's possible to upload a photo at 10:15am, and have several hundred or more views in a matter of minutes.

Editing Your Cell Phone Pictures

For iPhone and Droid users, there are an overwhelming number of photo related apps to help edit, enhance, and share pictures. In fact, Adobe Photoshop just launched their free app for the iPhone. While in-phone editing can be convenient and fun, some users prefer to edit the old fashioned way, on their desktop computers. Cell phone images are typically JPEGS, and can be downloaded into a full version of Adobe Photoshop, or other editing software. This opens up many possibilities like layer masking, unsharp mask, noise reduction, and more.

One Device Does It All

Rather than carrying a phone, a camera, and an MP3 player, many of today's consumers are looking for one electronic device that does it all. Some shoppers simply Google "Best camera phone," and make their purchase solely on the quality of the camera. Manufacturers are taking notice, and adding more capable cameras to their phones. For example, the new Motorola Droid features five megapixels of resolution, autofocus, and a flash. The affordable Sony Ericsson C905A has a built in Sony Cybershot camera. Besides eight megapixels of resolution, you can adjust the white balance, use image stabilization, and red eye reduction. It even has specific modes for a variety of subjects like sports, macro, night, and portraits. In some cases, the memory is built in, while other models have removable cards.

Inspiration

New York photographer Robert Clark was commissioned by Sony to use his Sony Ericsson S710 camera phone to photograph across the United States for fifty days. These images were turned into a book called "Image America." It was the first ever published work featuring all camera phone images. The project was very well received, and enjoyed a great deal of media attention. The images were eventually used in a large gallery exhibit in New York.

Technique

Camera shake can be a big problem, and ruin pictures. When you use a camera phone, you have to hold it far enough from your head that you can see the image on the LCD panel. Try holding the phone with both hands. When you're ready to take the picture, press the shutter release gently, don't punch it. Many photographers either let their breath out, or take a breath in, steadying themselves before pressing the shutter.

Focus and exposure are automated on most camera phones. You should give the camera's sensors a few seconds to adjust to the light level and focus on the subject in the center of the frame before you take the picture. Lighting is also very important with camera phones. They work best in bright light and can be a problem in low light situations. Some camera phones have a low light setting or allow you to boost the brightness a bit. Bright flat lighting, such as open shade or an overcast day will produce the best detail in your pictures.

The Time is Now

With all of this great technology at our finger tips, it truly is an exciting time to be a photographer. Best of all, you don't need to spend a lot of money for one of these camera phones. In fact, most are well under $300. If you have yet to explore cell phone photography, dust off that lens on your phone, and start photographing the world around you. You just may capture something incredible!

Chris Corradino