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These lessons will serve you well.
1) Resolution: Less important than you think
There's a popular misconception that more megapixels mean better pictures. This is not true.
Sure, higher res allows you to crop more aggressively or print big pictures, but only a few digital photographers will benefit from this ability. If you shoot casually and won't be printing pictures larger than 8x10 inches or won't be doing a lot of computer editing, then a camera with 3 or 4 megapixel resolution will be just fine. Veteran photographers will likely appreciate the flexibility of higher res, but a 5+ megapixel camera is not necessary to create breathtaking photos. Choose a camera you understand and can afford. Don't be fooled by high-res specs.
2) Zoom: More important than you think
Whether you're shooting distant landscapes or close-ups, you can't ever have too much zoom. Most digital cameras have 3x or 4x optical zoom, but you'll never regret choosing a camera with better telephoto power. There is a great selection of models with 8-, 10-, or even 12x optical zoom. For the ultimate in zoom quality, look for an extended-zoom camera that offers image stabilization. It will ensure that shots taken at full telephoto will be razor-sharp, even without a tripod.
3) Traveling? Use cameras with AA Batteries
Digital cameras come in two types. There are those that use AA-size batteries and those that use proprietary lithium-ion batteries. If you are a traveler, especially someone who likes remote or rustic areas, choose a camera with AA batteries.
When a camera that uses proprietary batteries runs out of juice, you have to plug it into a power outlet to recharge. This means you need an available outlet, a battery charger, a power converter if you're out of country. When a camera that uses AA-size batteries runs out of juice, you can toss out the old batteries and drop in a new set of good AAs like the Energizer E2 Lithium line. Two or three sets will usually last you through a 10-day trip. If you're out of good batteries, you can still use standard alkaline batteries, which are available anywhere in the world. 4) Tiny cameras get shots that large cameras don't
That huge, black SLR with the long lens may look fancy, but it's useless if you're not carrying it. Never underestimate the power of a camera that's small enough to fit into your pocket! You'll be amazed at the spontaneous pictures you'll have the opportunity to take. While the photo quality isn't as good, the ability to whip it out and snap a shot while others are fumbling around for their bulky cameras more than outweighs this drawback.
5) Canon makes great cameras
Canon digitals receive consistently outstanding reviews. Over the last two plus years, Canon has consistently proven itself capable of producing well-designed cameras that produce impressive results. From the EOS line to the PowerShot ELPHs, Canon invests substantial time in the design process. The results pay off. Photographers of all abilities rave about their Canon cameras.
Of course there's been mistakes. The Canon A70 was built with a crippling design flaw that produced lines and error messages on the display. But newer models seem to be free of this problem. Canon delivers with a great combination of features, price, and performance. (NOTE: BenReview.com is in no way affiliated with Canon, nor do we derive any benefit from recommending one brand over another).
6) Kodak builds wonderful, easy-to-use cameras
Kodak's EasyShare digital cameras are extremely easy to use. The menus are simple, the LCD text large and clear, and the controls largely idiot-proof. The results are equally impressive: attractive, saturated colors and crisp definition. Kodak digital cameras are not just for beginners. However, their simplicity aside, many of the high-end EasyShare models offer a plenty manual control options for ambitious photographers.
7) Digital cameras will break
Whether it's from accidental damage or wear and tear, digitals are not as durable as their film counterparts. Many photographers have film cameras that are ten or even twenty years old. Don't expect this from your new digital. Some cameras suffer from design flaws, while others fall victim to the typical mechanical breakdowns that effect every electronic device. Am I saying, Don't buy a digital camera? No. A digital camera so change the way you think about photography that you'll wonder how you ever got along without one. Just know that someday your camera will cease to work.
For some, this may keep them from spending good money on a fancy camera. Others simply accept it as the only downside of working with digital. Just do your homework before you buy.
8) Don't put all your pictures on one card
Like any technology, flash memory is not flawless. It is very rare to lose images, but it does happen. Given the choice between choosing a single 1GB memory card, or four 256MB cards, it may be in your best interest to choose multiple cards.
9) Use a simple photo editing program
Most digital photographers will never master complex programs like Adobe Photoshop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro. These programs are too complex and time-consuming for all but the most dedicated. Fortunately, there are a variety of easy-to-use editing programs that even newbies can use to edit, improve, and organize their digital photos.
Consider Picasa. It's free at www.picasa.com. With this program, you can sharpen, contrast correct, crop, and straighten (most with just the touch of a button.) Spend just a few minutes on your best photographs and you will be amazed at the results. Picasa makes organization easy. No sifting through hundreds of unwanted pictures to find your best shots.
10) Print and display your photos
Far too many people take great digital images, only to have them stuck on their hard drive, never to be enjoyed by others. Online printing companies like 'Ofoto' can turn your digital images into high-qual prints in any size. Simply download a free tool to your desktop and use it to load your pictures onto the Ofoto website. From there, you can send links to friends so they can order their own copies or you may order prints of every size yourself (as well as photo mouse pads, calendars, t-shirts and other gifts.) Or set your screensaver to use your photos and have them change every ten seconds. Instant slide-show!
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