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

the camera generation

Early cameras of the 16th and 17th century were able to project images onto paper or glass but the study of capturing, processing and printing the images took many more years. Up until the 17th century, scientists believed that light was composed basically of the 'white' that is perceived by the human eye. It took the research done by famous physicist Isaac Newton to discover that light is actually composed of a spectrum of colors. While he made a big contribution to the study of optics (that is at the core of camera advances) with this discovery, Newton did not actually have anything to do with camera development per se.

The early camera that first became a phenomenon was a little more than a pinhole camera and can be traced back to 1558. It was called the Camera Obscura. The Camera Obscura was seen as a drawing tool for a clearer and realistic portrayal of objects. It was in the early 19th century that an invention named the Camera Lucida was introduced by Cambridge scientist William Hyde Wollaston that consisted of an optical device that could help an artist view a distant scene or person or object on a paper surface that he or she was using to draw. In other words the artist gets to view a superimposed image of a subject on paper and this image could be effectively used to attempt to draw, trace or paint it. Both the Camera Obscura and the Camera Lucida provided an image that was temporary, which could not be lastingly captured on to paper for later reference.

Studies however continued well into the 1800's on how to actually capture the image onto material. It was during this time, around 1822 that French researcher Joseph Nicephore Niepce, created the first photograph by using paper that was coated with a chemical. The image would not stay permanently on the paper and would disappear after a short while. Even so, despite the short-lived nature of the image, the concept of photography was born with this experiment and paved the way for further study and development in this field.

Capturing images to retain them longer and permanently became the next big quest for researchers. Another Frenchman Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre partnered with Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1829, to develop the process of creating permanent photographs. Joseph Niépce died in 1833 but Daguerre continued with the work and succeeded in 1837 after many long years of experimentation. The process of capturing photographic images that would not fade away, introduced by Daguerre came to be known as the 'daguerreotype'.

The word 'photography' was coined by scientist Sir John F.W. Herschel in 1839 and it is actually is derived from two Greek words 'photos' meaning light and 'graphein' meaning draw.

A slightly more advanced version of the daguerreotype called the Calotype process that makes multiple copies possible using the negative and positive method became available very soon after. In fact, it was during the 1840's that the use of photographic images in advertisements first started and cameras made their mark on the power of visual communication. It was not much later, in the 1850's that photographers first started experimenting with underwater photography of seascapes.

Up until 1850, the process of capturing images was cumbersome requiring upto half an hour of light exposure. The discovery made in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer was a blessing since the new method termed the Collodion process called for just 2-3 seconds of light exposure to capture an image.

Prior to 1871, photographers went through a development process where they had to coat the plate with wet chemical each and every time and process the image immediately. With the invention the gelatin dry plate silver bromide process by Richard Leach Maddox, negatives did not have to be developed immediately. This was an important discovery since up until then the captured image had to be processed instantly.

Kodak created in 1888 by George Eastman has been a modern day pioneer of sorts in cameras and photography for the masses. George Eastman and the scientists who worked with him at Kodak developed the photographic film in 1889 and made it available in rolls for the mass use of consumers. An important milestone in our entertainment and communication history was the development of transparent roll film by Eastman. This development led to another key invention - the motion picture camera by Thomas Edison's in 1891.

-->Modern Times

During the 20th century the pace of technology development in cameras and photography continued at an accelerated pace much like many other key technology developments. While several key inventions like car, telephone and the gramophone record happened in the later half of the 19th century, it is the last 100 years that saw major developmental work in many areas of communications technology and as well as in other fields - TV, aircrafts, PCs, digital technology, digital cameras, mobile phones, fax machines and the internet, to name a few.

In the case of the camera, the developments simplified the whole process of photography, making it accessible to one and all at affordable prices and the camera industry denizens of our times made it into a mass phenomenon. The first mass use camera became available at the turn of the 20th century and can be traced back to the year 1900. There are hundreds of models of cameras available today both for the amateur as well as the professional and the camera is an important part of any family's repertoire of must have gadgets.

-->20th century chronology in the history of the camera:

1913: 35 mm still-camera created

1927: The flash bulb introduced by General Electric Co. (The concept of camera flash existed much before but was based on the use of a flash light powder that was invented by German researchers)

1935- 1941: Kodak starts marketing Kodachrome film and subsequently launches Kodacolor negative film. Canon released the Hansa Canon in 1936, the first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera.

1948: The concept of the Polaroid camera is introduced in the market. American scientist Edwin Land developed the process for instant photography. Later Polaroid Corporation developed the 'instant color' film around 1963.

1957: Frenchman Jaques Yves Cousteau invented the first waterproof 35mm camera for underwater photography named the Calypso Phot. The actual camera was developed by the Belgian airplane technical designer Jean de Wouters based on the blueprint and suggestions given to him by Cousteau.

1972: The electronic camera that does not require film was created and patented by Texas Instruments. This is however not the same as a digital camera though you don't require film in digital cameras as well. The launch of the digital camera is still many years away.

1975: Kodak's experiments with digital imaging kicked off around the mid seventies but it will take another 20 years before a digital camera for the home consumer market is launched.

1978 - 1980: Asian players like Konica and Sony begin to make their mark. The 'point and shoot' automatic focus camera is launched by Konica while Sony starts talking about the camcorder and demonstrates a prototype.

1981: Sony launches a commercially available electronic still camera. Similar to the 1972 invention by Texas Instruments, the Sony electronic camera came with a mini disc on which images were recorded and stored. The recorded images could be later printed or viewed on a monitor using a reader device.

1985: Digital processing technology makes its entry. Digital imaging and processing is introduced by Pixar.

1986: The camera industry becomes even more consumer focused and taps the fun and travel connotations behind camera usage, with the launch of the concept of the disposable single use cameras. Fuji is credited with the development of this concept.

Also in 1986 - 1987, Kodak started taking giant strides in digital development. Digital means, the photographic image is divided into tiny units of dots or squares known as pixels. Pixels are the programmable units of an image that can be processed by computers. Each image could be made up of millions of pixels. The use of pixels in digital technology allows storing large volumes of pixels to deliver high definition print quality.

1990: Kodak introduces Photo CD's. It is a system of storing photographic images on CD and then viewing them on a computer. With this development the user-friendly approach of the camera industry began to take concrete shape.

1991: Kodak introduces a digital camera targeted at professionals and journalists. Kodak is credited with the invention of a pixel based camera technology known to us as the digital camera. Digital cameras don't use film similar to their predecessor electronic cameras but the storage method is entirely different and the final photograph is of much higher resolution. In a digital camera photos are recorded and stored in digital form. This digital data can be transferred to a computer and processed for printing. Kodak and Canon are well known digital camera manufacturers and there are also several other key brands as well.

1994: The Apple QuickTake camera, a home use digital camera is launched. This is followed by the launch of a clutch of home use digital cameras by Casio, Kodak and others in quick succession during 1995 -'96.

-->The digital era:

The development of digital camera technology is considered to be linked to the development of TV and Video technology. The principles of transmission and recording of audio-visual images using digital electrical impulses finds use in camera imaging as well.

Through the 1990's the developments continued in camera technology, the focus now shifting to the field of digital imaging which is where the future lies. Use-friendly features like software that can download digital images directly from camera onto home computers for storing and sharing on the internet is the new norm in the market place.

The camera, the computer, the software industry and the worldwide web are today irrevocably interlinked to empower the user in experiencing the benefits of camera usage to full potential. The innovation that sparked many an invention in the camera industry found its way into the digital world as well and continued among digital camera manufacturers. During 2001, the Kodak and Microsoft partnership ensured that digital camera manufacturers could use the power of Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) standard through Windows. The digital photo experience is a key visual driver in the Internet era. Many of Kodak digital camera models with EasyShare capabilities are compatible with Windows XP. The Kodak EasyShare software enables users to transfer digital camera pictures directly from camera to their computers and then print the pictures or even email them.

Manufacturers in a related industry like the printing industry have adapted their products to be in sync with the images created by digital cameras. Cell phone manufacturers have tied up with digital camera manufacturers to develop new age camera phones in recent years. These camera phones can capture images and share the images through the cell phone.

Among the 21st century digital developments are the advanced product offerings from digital cameras manufacturers and these are sure to occupy an important place in the ensuing history of camera development. For instance, the Kodak Professional DCS Pro SLR/c is a high-end digital camera and the Kodak website calls the DCS Pro SLR models the most feature-rich digital cameras on the market. It has an image sensor that can handle 13.89 million pixels and this makes it the highest resolution digital camera available. High resolution determines the sharpness or level of detail in photographic images. This is just a glimpse of the capabilities that digital technology places in a user's hands. Digital camera sales figures for 2003 show that the two key players Kodak and Canon have recorded impressive growth.

-->What does the future holds for camera users?

The features offered by digital cameras can be quite mind-boggling for the average user and pretty exciting for most pros. Four key ongoing camera developments that are likely to further improve the process of photography:

1. Greater resolution from even the simplest, low cost camera models

2. Usage in any type of lighting conditions,

3. Compatibility across a range of software, hardware and image types

4. Rich colors and tone

While the higher-end digital evolution continues, the prices of the simple camera have crashed to such an extent that even children and teens are proud owners of uncomplicated cameras. The camera and photography interest starts young and this creates a truly large audience base for the camera industry.

Christopher Haslego

Camera Lessons - Prime Vs Zoom Lenses

If a budding photographer looks to upgrade a lens the choices seem endless. Point and shoot cameras come equipped with a zoom lens permanently attached so I'm really talking about those with Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras. DSLR cameras also come with some type of zoom lens or several as a kit to cover a wide variety of focal lengths.

A zoom lens lets the photographer choose different focal lengths, from wide angle to telephoto. Zoom lenses have the advantage of allowing the photographer to get closer to a subject without physically moving. They also enable the photographer a better chance of getting the shot because the photographer can compose and shoot without changing lenses. There is also less chance of getting dust on the sensor from constantly changing lenses.

When zoom lenses first came onto the market they were heavy and the quality of the images they produced could not compare to a fixed focal length (prime) lens. The quality has improved greatly because of computer design but there is usually a fall off of image quality as the lens is zoomed to longer focal lengths.

Back in the day serious photographers had a variety of fixed focal length lenses in their camera bag that were very sharp. They included a few fast (large maximum aperture) prime lenses: a wide angle lens (20-28mm), a normal 50mm lens, a portrait lens (80-105mm), and a longer lens (180-200mm) that could be used as a head and shoulders portrait lens or for sports and wildlife photography.

So why should a person carry all these different lenses when one or two zoom lenses could easily cover all the focal lengths and even the intermediary ones too?

There are images that you simply cannot capture with a zoom lens.

Prime lenses let in much more light than a zoom lens. Whereas a zoom may have a maximum aperture of say f 3.5-f 5.6 prime lenses have a maximum more like f 1.4-f 2. Aperture settings (along with focal length and distance to the subject) control what appears sharp in a photograph. By controlling what is sharp the photographer can guide the viewer's eyes to important parts of the image. When you use these lenses at their widest apertures it allows a photographer to isolate a subject from the foreground and background because at these apertures depth of field is very shallow. By using selective focusing this narrow depth of field allows for only a narrow area in the image to be sharp. In a portrait it is very important to isolate the subject from its surroundings. 

If you look at ads in magazines you will see how selective focusing and narrow depth of field are used to isolate the product name or some point of interest in the ad. Your eye naturally moves to the sharpest part of an image.

There are other advantages to using prime lenses. When you are able to let more light into the camera for exposure there is less of a need to raise your ISO and by doing so introduce noise into your image.

Most prime lenses have depth of field scales on them so you can calculate what in your image will be in focus. I use these scales all the time with my scenic images because I want everything in the image to be in focus. It really bugs me when someone shows me an image where the foreground is out of focus or the background is soft because the depth of field was not great enough to encompass both the foreground and background in the image.

Since prime lenses have the ability to let more light into the camera exposure metering is more accurate and auto focusing is faster. How many times do you have your zoom lens extended all the way and the auto focus searches for a focusing point? It is because there is not enough light entering the lens for the auto focusing and metering system to work properly.

Prime lenses will also be sharper and focus closer than the same focal length on a zoom lens.

A prime lens will only give you one angle of view and it is a good exercise to photograph with just one focal length. By doing this the photographer is able to discover what are the benefits and limitation of each of the lenses and their focal lengths. I feel that many photographers get lazy with zoom lenses. They won't move for a change in perspective or to get a better angle on their subject.

Zoom lenses are here to stay and as the quality of these lenses increases many will keep only one lens on their camera that will satisfy most of their needs for the way they photograph. Although I see the need for zoom lenses for photojournalism, weddings and some portraits where it is important to be able to get the photograph quickly, I will keep my camera bag stocked with my favorite prime lenses and use them when I know I want the very best image I can get.

Gene Rodman

Digital Single Lens Reflex or Point-And-Shoot Digital Camera?

There are two main categories of digital cameras. The digital single lens reflex, known as the DSLR, and the point-and-shoot digital camera. Both types of digital cameras have advantages over the other. Both types of digital cameras have disadvantages also. Which type should you buy? The answer to that question depends on what you plan to use the camera for.

The main advantage a film single lens reflex camera had over other types of film cameras, was that you saw through the same lens the photo was taken. This allowed you to see nearly exactly what would be in the final picture. In other types of film cameras, you looked through a lens that was separate from the lens film was exposed through. This meant, occasionally, what you thought was in the picture, was not. However, with a digital point-and-shoot camera, you can see the picture on the preview screen and this is nearly exactly what will be recorded by the camera. So in effect, digital point-and-shoot cameras have already gained the one of main advantages that most film single lens reflex cameras had over film point-and-shoot cameras.

One of the primary advantages of the digital point-and-shoot camera, over a digital single lens reflex, is size. You can get digital point-and-shoot cameras in extremely small sizes now. This makes the digital point-and-shoot camera very convenient. It is ideal for taking on vacation when you don't want to carry things around or any other time you don't want to take anything heavy with you. Trust me, I would much rather have had a point-and-shoot digital camera with me, than the DSLR I carried around, last time I went to Disney.

The point-and-shoot camera's advantage in size also becomes one of the disadvantages. Because the cameras are so small, the flash is usually very close to the lens. This causes redeye to be a serious problem with many small point-and-shoot digital cameras.

The primary disadvantage of point-and-shoot digital cameras is something called lag. Lag comes in several varieties in digital point-and-shoot cameras. The first variety that you may notice is that some digital point-and-shoot cameras take a second or two to turn on. This can be a little bit difficult to get used to, since your film camera always seemed to be ready to take a picture. The next version of lag you may notice is on the preview screen. There is a slight delay between what is actually happening and what you see on the screen. There's also some lag between the time you press the shutter button and the time the actual photograph is taken. This can make photographing a child playing soccer or any other sport extremely difficult. The final version of lag makes itself known between shots. After taking many digital photos in quick succession, the camera may need to pause while it processes the images.

Lag in point-and-shoot digital cameras is something the manufacturers are working very hard on. The good news is that, in most current digital point-and-shoot cameras, lag is now reduced significantly. While probably not something you want to use for sports photography, a current, quality, point-and-shoot digital camera acts very similar to a film point-and-shoot camera.

The digital single lens reflex really comes into its own in any type of action photography. The digital single lens reflex has comparatively no lag from the time you press the shutter button and when the photographs are taken. Because the viewfinder is optical, you are actually seeing the present and not the slightly delayed past in a preview screen. This does mean, however, that you cannot compose the picture through the preview screen. There been some attempts to do this in the DSLR by camera manufacturers, but none have proven very successful.

The primary disadvantage of the digital single lens reflex camera is size. While some point-and-shoot cameras are nearly as big, there are no truly compact digital single lens reflex cameras. Not much fun to carry around an amusement park. However, the larger size means those DSLR's that do have a built-in flash, have placed the flash farther from the lens than most point-and-shoot cameras. The disadvantage is, that many digital single lens reflex cameras, particularly professional models, do not have a built-in flash.

The digital single lens reflex is extremely versatile. You can change lenses or add a more powerful flash. Most digital single lens reflexes also allow making manual adjustments much easier than digital point-and-shoot cameras. This is essential to the advanced shooter or professional photographer.

Most digital single lens reflex cameras also have a larger cache, allowing them to shoot many pictures in succession without having to wait to process between shots. Some professional digital single lens reflex cameras are capable of shooting more shots in quick succession than would even fit on a 35mm roll of film.

Finally, the digital single lens reflex has an advantage in image quality. Even when comparing cameras of equal resolution, digital single lens reflex cameras by Canon and Nikon seem to have an improvement in quality over point-and-shoot cameras. This makes the digital single lens reflex the choice for most serious professional photography.

One advantage the point-and-shoot digital camera has over the digital single lens reflex is price. Most of the point-and-shoot cameras are far less expensive than any of the digital single lens reflexes. The Canon Digital Rebel was the first digital single lens reflex under $1000. The battle for the low cost digital single lens reflex camera market still continues between Nikon and Canon, with prices still coming down.

For practical, everyday photography the current digital point-and-shoot camera is more than capable. If you find yourself photographing action or any type of sports photography, using a digital single lens reflex camera is nearly a requirement. If you are looking for the absolute best image quality, again the digital single lens reflex is your choice. If very looking for something small, and easy to carry, a compact point-and-shoot digital camera will make life a lot easier.

There is no perfect digital camera for all purposes just like there is no film camera perfect for all purposes. Ideally you would have a point-and-shoot digital camera for the everyday pictures and a single lens reflex digital camera for the serious work. That's not always possible, so you may need to decide what you plan to use the camera for most, and choose the camera best suited for that purpose.

Learn Digital Photography Now - Buying a New Digital Camera

Purchasing a new digital camera can be a very overwhelming experience. Technology is continually changing and there seems to be upgraded cameras available every month! With these changes you can still ensure that you purchase the right camera for your needs by understanding the technology. 

You will not be able to understand all of it, however you can gain the knowledge to make the right decisions. This article will cover the features of digital cameras that are most important for you to understand.

For starters we have to understand the similarities of film and digital cameras. In short, a camera is a light tight box that allows exposure of a light-sensitive material through the use of a shutter and an aperture. This definition does not change from film to digital cameras, nor does the process.

Both types of cameras have Lenses, which focus the image and control how the image will look (wide or telephoto). The lens is also one of the most important factors in determining overall image quality. The better the lens quality, the sharper and more clear your image. In film or digital photography- poor lenses=poor image quality.

Shutters control the duration of the exposure in both types of cameras. Both film and digital cameras use an Aperture to control how much light hits the sensor during the time frame that the shutter is open. Very large apertures (2.8 or 4) will let in a lot of light, while small apertures (16 or 22) will let in very little light.

Whatever type of camera you may use, Focusing will always be a necessary step in creating sharp photographs. Manual and auto focusing can be found on both types of cameras.

So what are the differences? The main difference is the way in which it records light. The traditional camera has film and the digital camera has a sensor and a processor. Understanding the sensor and processor is the key to knowing digital cameras.

In the beginning, when digital cameras first became popular, something called Lag Time was a major issue. The "lag" in between the time you clicked the shutter button and the time the shutter opened was very obvious. With the recent advances in technology there has been a significant reduction in lag time. Even the most budget friendly cameras have a very quick turn around time in between shots or during a series of quick exposures. If your photography requires fast shooting and many frames per second (i.e. sports photography), it would be a smart idea to research the frames per second and lag time statistics prior to purchasing.

When digital cameras first became popular, something called Lag Time was a major issue. The "lag" in between the time you pressed the shutter and the time the shutter opened was very noticeable. Recent advances in technology have reduced lag time significantly. Even most low priced cameras, have a very quick turn around time in between shots or during a series of quick exposures. If your photography requires fast shooting and many frames per second, it would be a good idea to check out the frames per second and lag time statistics before purchasing.

In Digital Photography ISO measures the sensitivity of the image sensor. The same principles apply as in film photography - the lower the number the less sensitive your camera is to light and the finer the grain. Higher ISO settings are generally used in darker situations to get faster shutter speeds (for example an indoor sports event when you want to freeze the action in lower light) - however the cost is noisier shots.

This increased sensitivity does have its drawbacks however. With film you get an excess of grain, with digital you get what is called noise. The grain of film, in most cases is considered acceptable and in some cases even desired. Noise, however does not have the same allure. Unlike different emulsions of film, the sensor really only has one sensitivity. To manage an increased ISO, or during very long exposures, the camera must send more power to the sensor, which results in the appearance of small specks or dots of white or color. A blotchy look can also be created from the higher ISO's or long exposures. 

Most of the noise will generally manifest itself in the darker areas of your image. This is an important point to pay attention to if your photography requires higher ISO settings, nighttime or long exposures. In higher end cameras, manufacturers have spent the money to reduce the noise problem, but it still may present itself on the lower cost models. Look to reviews for how much noise individual cameras will produce.

In today's world almost all digital cameras have very high resolutions. Even the less costly cameras all come with resolutions sufficient enough to make good 8x10-11x14 prints. Higher resolution is basically a selling point to manufacturers. Higher resolution is good but what is even better is a larger sensor size. The bigger the better. Sensor size is a much better measure of the camera's final image quality. In film cameras, a 35mm is better than an APS camera because the size of the image on the film is bigger. There is no different with digital cameras.

Please remember, it is very common to see cameras that are equal in resolution but have different sensor sizes. In cases such as these it is a better idea to go for the larger sensor. Now you may be wondering, "how do you know how much resolution you do need?" It's simple really. You need to ask yourself how large of a print you want to eventually make. 3 and 4 Megapixel cameras are plenty sufficient for everything up to 8x10. If you need to create larger prints you will want to move up to the 5 and 6 Megapixel cameras.

White Balance The processors ability to create "correct" color in your pictures is referred to as white balance. The sensor in the digital camera always captures "raw" images at which point the onboard processor processes it and then sends it to the memory card.

The human eye is an amazing thing. What is even more amazing is that it is excellent at ignoring color casts. When we are indoors under typical house lighting the color is quite orange/yellow while office lighting (fluorescent) is very green. Our eyes are able to ignore this, but film and digital cameras faithfully record all color nuances. When using film photography it is often necessary to put filters on your camera or to purchase film that is balanced for the particular lighting (color) that you are using. 

With digital photography we can easily change the white balance. All digital cameras come with a good variety of choices for correcting typical lighting situations with white balance. They also generally include an auto setting as well which is useful if you do not know what kind of light you are working under. Typically the more expensive cameras will also include the ability to custom balance to any color light!

The human eye is excellent at ignoring color casts. When we are indoors under typical house lighting the color is quite orange/yellow, office lighting (fluorescent) is very green. Our eyes are able to ignore this, but film and digital cameras do not. They record faithfully. When using film it is necessary to put filters on your camera or to buy film that is balanced for the particular lighting (color) that you are using. 

With digital we can simply change our white balance. All digital cameras come with a fine selection of white balance options for correcting typical lighting situations. They all will include an auto setting as well. This is useful if you do not know what kind of light you are working under. The more expensive models will come with the ability to custom balance to any color light!

Choose a digital camera that is right for you Understanding how the sensor works allows us to make informed decisions regarding resolution and camera speed. White balance is a fairly uniform feature across the entire line of cameras (with the exception of the high end models), negating any serious consideration in this arena. Given what we have covered I am sure you are wondering what other features exist that may influence your camera purchase?

Lenses Lenses play a major part in creating high image quality, along with the sensor and processor. Luckily in today's marketplace we are at a place in time where most lenses are of a very high quality. So we now know that speed and length are the qualities that you should look at. Speed refers to the fastest -stop of the lens. 2.8 is faster than 3.5, which is faster than 4. A faster lens allows you to shoot in lower light conditions without raising your ISO. It also allows you to achieve a shallow depth of field, which should result in a blurred back or foreground.

Buying a new digital camera

The next item you need to consider is focal length. Do you prefer to photograph with wide-angle lenses? Long telephoto lenses? Do you enjoy shooting up close with macro lenses? Film and digital cameras both come with all of the same lens options. It is simply a matter of choosing the camera with the qualities that you want. Doing some research through reading magazines or surfing on to the web and visiting sites such as dpreview.com will allow you to easily find the specifications that describe all of the options.

When it comes to focal length we must remember that two sets of specs are commonly given. The first is usually the actual focal length of the lens. For example, 7mm-28mm. This would be an extreme wide angle on a film camera. The digital camera however, has a smaller sensor area then the film camera which makes the 7mm lens look more like a 35mm lens. So the second set of numbers on this lens would be 35mm-136mm. This is commonly called the 35mm equivalent. These are the numbers you should pay attention to when checking different cameras for focal range as they will be more familiar to you.

In general most beginner digital cameras do not provide a variety of wide angle lens choices. They will typically go down to 35mm or even 28mm but it is difficult to find a 24mm or wider. This problem is mainly due to the difficulties in building such a small focal length lenses. In this case, if you enjoy taking wide angle photos, you may want to think about upgrading to a digital SLR.

When it comes to long telephoto lenses the digital cameras have a big advantage to film cameras! Their smaller sensor size turns even moderate telephotos into very long lenses. For example a real 57mm focal length behaves like a 370mm! This is a real advantage to people who like to shoot "long". Please note, beware of cameras which claim their longest focal length as Digital Zoom. You should always avoid Digital Zoom. For these purposes we are concerned only with real or actual focal lengths.

Focusing distance is the last lens specification to consider. If you desire to shoot macro, please look for a lens that focuses very close. They will usually be signified by a "macro mode" or be called "close focusing".

Shooting your digital camera in the field Shooting your digital camera should be the fun part. Do not let all of the bells and whistles confuse you out in the field. There are many choices and they can be a bit overwhelming. Here a are three of the most important things you should always check before you start photographing.

ISO- If you are outdoors or in areas where you have plenty of light keep the ISO set to a low (100 or 50). Raise the ISO only when you need to prevent camera shake. Typically most digital cameras will provide great images all the way up to 400 ISO. If you need to go higher than 400 ISO, you must know that you may run the risk of introducing a visible amount of noise to your photos. Take some time and play with your digital camera to figure out which ISO produces unacceptable noise levels.

Jpeg vs. Raw- This choice is an easy one. If you want to work on every image in your computer, shoot RAW. This format is much more flexible and allows you to correct for errors in exposure and color cast without degrading your image quality. If you do not have the time or desire to work on every image, then shoot in the highest quality Jpeg mode. This mode will use a minimum amount of image compression which will provide extremely high quality pictures.

Image Size- Many cameras automatically come with multiple resolution choices. The options may look like this: 2304x1728, 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480. Basically, always choose the highest resolution. In this case that would be 2304x1728. This setting will supply you with the highest quality images possible.

Digital Camera Accessories It is an understatement to say that there are a lot of accessories for the digital camera! It boggles the mind the number of choices available such as cases, cards and storage units. Not all of the accessories are a necessity, in fact there are only a very few accessories that are absolute necessities.

Compact Flash-The first accessory is the type of storage medium that your camera uses to store your photographs. I prefer cameras that use Compact Flash as I have found this medium to be the best all around Flash Card. Compact Flash cards are sturdy, durable, not too small to lose or to big to be bulky. They also come in very large capacities-up to 8 gigabytes! Personally I recommend that people should have at least two cards in case one card becomes damaged or lost. 

How much you want to spend will determine your total amount of storage (cameras rarely ship with a card that is adequate for most photographic purposes). Having two 512Mb cards might be enough for most shooting situations, unless you take loads of photographs. Having 4 of these cards or two 1 GB cards will ensure that you will never be without storage.

Portable Storage-If you have invested in enough Flash Card storage, you will probably not need a portable storage unit. This is however contingent on downloading your cards on a daily basis. If you are in a situation where you will not have access to your computer for long periods of time (in order to upload your photos from your camera to your computer) you may want to consider a portable storage unit. 

The idea of a Portable Storage unit is to move your photos from your Flash Card to the storage unit thereby freeing up space on the card. You can then put the card back into your camera, reformat it, and continue taking pictures. When you return home you simply attach the storage unit to your computer and transfer the images to your computers harddrive. Most Portable Storage units come with enough space for many days of shooting. A recommendation would be to purchase a unit with at least 10Gb of storage.

Storage and photo transfer are some of the most basic functions which all of the models will perform. To go beyond this point they can get really fancy. Some units will automatically burn Cds from your cards, which is nice in that it produces an immediate archive of your images. Others come with an Lcd screen that enables you to view your photographs right on the storage unit. Advanced features will even enable you to organize your images into folders and albums. An important consideration is to think about the length of time you will be away from your computer before purchasing one of these storage units. Once you consider your needs you may find that you may not need one.

Extra Batteries / Charger Digital cameras go through batteries at an alarming rate. You will definitely need to have back up batteries. Given that you will go through so many batteries, rechargeable batteries are the intelligent choice. Most digital cameras come with a proprietary battery with a charger. This is helpful as it allows a stronger battery. If this is your situation, it is a good idea to purchase extra batteries when you buy your camera. If your camera is powered by common AA batteries, you would be wise to buy a couple sets of rechargeable batteries.

Bulb blower- If you are considering an interchangeable lens SLR this is a must as when you change lens on these types of cameras it is common to introduce dust into the camera body. Ultimately this will migrate to your sensor and embed itself as small blurry splotches on your final image. It is a smart investment of your time to spend a few seconds with the blower bulb which will save you hours on the computer cleaning up your photographs!