Digital Photography for Beginners

The 10 Best Digital Cameras

2010-04-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a digital camera, then you probably want to be sure that you pick out the right one. The following is an overview of several of the best cameras out there, so read on and make up your mind…

Canon PowerShot A620 Digital Camera

For less than $400 you can have this camera, which is great for both beginner and advanced photographers. This is one of Canon's best cameras in the A-series and it comes with many great features. A 7.1 megapixel camera, this is great for those who need pictures with high definition, and you are sure to be pleased with all the exposure controls available too.

Canon PowerShot A610 Digital Camera

Also under $400, although not quite as snappy as the A620, this is a camera that has a variety of advanced functions that both pros and novices alike will enjoy. This is a 5.0 megapixel camera that has a special fold out 2 inch LCD screen. With this camera you start at wide angle, but the camera can accept telephoto and wide angle lenses as well.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-p200 Digital Camera

If you like what Sony offered before, you'll find that this digital camera is even better. With 7.2 megapixiels, a great 2 inch display, and Sony's Picture Package software included, this is a great buy for only $400. The 3x zoom lens and the memory stick storage are added bonuses too, not to mention all the accessories that come along.

Olympus 720SW Digital Camera

This camera comes with a great 2.5 inch viewing screen that makes taking pictures easy. It is both water proof and shock proof and is small enough to fit in your pocket. You can even use this camera under water for great underwater shots you can't get with most cameras. Puts out great pictures and is easy for anyone to use.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Digital Camera

Reasonably priced at less than $300, this is a great choice if you are on a budget. The camera comes with a 10x zoom lens, and now with this 7.2 megapixel camera you also get a true wide angle view as well. With a great design and three color choices, blue, silver, and black, the camera is a nice looking, portable, and very compact choice.

Canon Rebel XTi Digital Camera

If you are willing to pay a bit more, you can get Canon's SLR, the Rebel, which broke the $1000 price barrier for the first time for digital SLR's. This camera has a 2.5" screen and features manual modes and auto mode alike. There are many accessories that can be added too, so you can get all the zoom lenses, filters, and other accessories you desire.

Nikon D200 Digital Camera

For those who are truly serious about photography and aren't afraid to spend more than $1000, this Nikon is a great choice. It is a digital SLR that comes with both manual and automatic controls. It is a favorite among many, especially because of the ability to control lighting and take pictures that are amazing.

Kodak EasyShare V530 Digital Camera

This camera is one of the best compact digital cameras out there, and it's a great buy for less than $300. It comes with a 3x optical zoom and offers 5 megapixels to work with too. There is no manual mode and no viewfinder either, so you'll have to just rely on the LCD screen when you are taking shots with this camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30

If you are looking for a camera that almost has SLR capabilities without the high price, this camera should be at the top of your list. For less than $700 you can have this capable camera that boasts 8 megapixels, and a choice of the LCD screen or a digital viewfinder when shooting pictures. The superzoom lens is definitely an added bonus as well.

Casio Exilim EX-P505

A cross between a digital camera and a digital camcorder, the price of $490 is definitely a great buy. The still camera boasts 5 megapixels and the videos that you can take with the camera are MPEG-4 videos that are 640 by 480. There are various ISO settings available and high shutter speeds are part of deal, as well as a 2" LCD that swivels.

There are hundreds of digital cameras on the market today. Choosing the best for your own needs can be a challenge. Hopefully, the guide above will get you started in finding the right one for you.

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2009-08-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

12 Common Digital Photography Mistakes

2009-08-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

With digital cameras at their most affordable, anybody can be a photographer these days. Problem is, it takes more than a camera to take good pictures. It takes a certain eye, a way of seeing things, to take pictures that make people go "Wow!". Fortunately, it can be learned. And the more you practice, the better you'll get.

If you're interested in becoming a good digital photographer, I recommend the "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros," a free report.

Start by taking a look at these most common mistakes people make when taking digital pictures:

1. Not knowing your camera - If you never read your digital camera's manual and learn its features and how to use them, you won't be able to make the most of it.

2. Not using a tripod - Tripods allow you to take the sharpest pictures even in low light. Use one as often as possible.

3. Not giving the camera time to focus - Digital cameras need time to properly focus and get the right exposure. It can take a fraction of a second or a couple of seconds. Account for this when taking pictures.

4. Relying too much on zoom - Using the camera's zoom feature makes the picture grainier. Get as close to the subject as possible.

5. Taking pictures against the light - This makes the subject dark and the background too bright.

6. Relying too much on the flash - Natural light gives the best pictures, so use it as much as possible. Flash tends to make images look harsh.

7. Not taking enough pictures - It's almost impossible to take the perfect shot at one try, so take many pictures. With digital photography, this doesn't cost you extra. Try different angles and compositions.

8. Always putting the subject dead center - Learn the rule of thirds in composition, and you'll have more interesting pictures.

9. Forgetting to check the horizon - When taking pictures with the horizon showing, make sure it's level.

10. Selecting a low-resolution setting - Your camera will allow you to select different resolutions. Don't be tempted to choose a low resolution just to save on memory space. Instead, buy additional memory for your camera and always take your pictures in high resolution.

11. Trying to take too much - Don't try to include too many things in one picture, such as people and scenery. A picture is more effective when it's focused on a single subject.

12. Not using the camera - You'll never know when a good photo op will come up, so have your camera with you at all times.

It may seem like a lot to think about, but with practice, these things will become second nature.

For those who want to learn even more digital photography techniques, check out the free report, "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros." It's a short but info-filled guide that will have you shooting digital pictures like a pro in no time.

Find out more about "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros" here:
www.learndigitalphotographynow.com

Know Your Digital Camera Owner’s Manual

2009-08-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

Familiarize yourself with your Digital Camera Owner’s Manual

All digital cameras come with an owner’s manual, but only a couple of people take the time to read it. Once they get past the basic operations, they get anxious to go out and try out the new camera. Initially all the new terms may be confusing and it may seem like there are too much information to digest.

This is quite understandable, but by not reading the entire manual, you limit yourself and many cool features of your camera will never be used. Here is a couple of suggestions that should help you in getting the most from your digital camera.

First do a quick overview of all the features your camera has, decide which feature you would like to explore the most. Pick only one special feature. Read the instructions on what this feature can do, and how to use it. Don’t worry if it isn’t completely clear, that will come in time with practice.

Then you take the digital camera and start using this special feature. Try all the different settings within this one feature. See how your pictures change. Explore what this feature does. Do not stop until you know this feature inside and out, and do not move onto the next feature until you have fully familiarized yourself with this particular feature.

When you are satisfied that you know the ins and outs of this one special feature, return to the owner’s manual and pick another special feature you would like to learn. Repeat the above process with this feature, only returning to the manual when you are satisfied you have mastered the new skill.

By working through the owner’s manual in this way, you will find it isn’t so overwhelming. The hands-on practice of each skill will help you learn it thoroughly. When you have covered all the cool things your camera will do, go out and try out all the angles of shooting pictures. You will be glad you took the time to become familiar with your new digital camera.