Best Digital SLR Camera

Low Jeremy asked:


Portrait photography is probably the best kind of photography that defines human interest. Although it is considered as the easiest area of photography compared to others, portrait photography appeals to many people and photographers alike because it is quite interesting and challenging.

Since it\’\’s all about taking people\’\’s photos, a portrait photographer should possess a genuine interest in people that would eventually become their subjects. They should care about people and are natural conversationalists to break the ice.

Above all else, portrait photographers should also possess the skill to observe their subjects\’\’ characteristic gestures and expressions and can easily identify a person\’\’s best side and angle.

GETTING STARTED

If you think you have what it takes to be a portrait photographer, then you should familiarize yourself with the different areas of portraiture. Basically, there are different types of portrait depending on the usage or purpose.

Some of the common categories in which portrait photography falls into include amateur portraits of friends and family, photos of people in a social gathering, editorial portraiture where pictures are taken by photographers for newspapers, magazines and other publications\’\’ use, fine art portraiture where photos are taken specifically for display in museums and galleries, formal portraits where subjects pose for the purpose of a photograph and informal portraits or \’\'action shots\’\’ where the subjects do not intentionally pose for the camera.

THINGS TO CONSIDER AND RECONSIDER

Many photographers would agree that the intention of the photographer is what sets a photograph apart from a portrait. If you would want to try portrait photography, here are some of the things you might want to consider:

1. Camera. In portraiture, any 35mm SLR (single-lens-reflex) are fine. If you can afford a Digital SLR, it\’\’s better because you can save on film and processing. Never opt for a zoom point and shoot because it can\’\'t provide sharp outline and accurate results.

2. Lenses. There will be times that you need to emphasize or de-emphasize a specific feature of your subject at a certain distance. These are what the different kinds of lenses are for-to highlight or conceal any good or bad feature of the subject.

Many professional photographers suggest 300mm or 600mm lenses but for starters, typical portrait lenses that are between 90 and 135 millimeters long for 35mm cameras are okay. Nikon 105/1.8 (MF only), Canon 100/2 USM, and Canon 135/2 USM are some of the recommended portrait lenses available in the market.

3. Film. Since digital cameras no longer require the use of rolls of film, this should not be a big trouble for you. All you need is to look for a good compact flash that has high memory to produce high-resolution photos. But if you have a manual or SLR camera, purchase black and white and color films to provide choices to your clients.

4. Location. An ideal location for any portrait photography shoot is a studio. Aside from providing enough working space to work at, having a photo studio also ensures the safety of your equipment. But if you can\’\'t set up a studio yet, it is advisable to find a space that can provide you a working area.

In setting up a studio, consider the rental cost, size, accessibility to target market and the facilities offered. If you take environmental portraits, you wouldn\’\'t need a studio that much because your shoots will depend on the surroundings that create great impacts on your subject.

5. Lighting. If you have a portrait studio, consider the sources of light that would flatter your subjects. If your shoot is outdoors, it is advisable to choose an overcast day to avoid shadows in your photos.



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Lynne Albright asked:


When a brand new SLR (single lens reflex) model digital camera is put into

your hands, whether it is a purchase or a gift, you are holding an exquisitely crafted instrument designed to deliver sharp, crisp, brilliantly colored photos. If you spend the time to acquaint yourself with its technical aspects, a whole new world of photography can open up to you.

I admit that the typical manual for digital cameras can be intimidating. I have two manuals for a small digital camera that I bought two years ago. The camera can be used in automatic (point-and-shoot) or manual mode and the basic guide is 32 pages, the advanced guide is 144 pages.

Fortunately, camera manufacturers now have show and tell instructions in the form of DVDs and that should help. But sometimes technical terms discourage new owners from getting up close and personal with their new cameras.

With computer access it is really easy to search Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, to investigate many technical terms like, for instance, mega pixels (tiny, tiny dots of color). When you see that the more mega pixels a camera has, (like 10.1mp or 12.1mp), the sharper the image is going to be because there is more pixel information being recorded when you shoot.

 

This means that you will be able to have your photos blown up to, say, poster or mural size because there is a greater density of pixel information and the image will keep its clarity at large sizes. Photos taken with less mega pixel data appear grainy because there are fewer recorded dots of color information.

Perhaps you remember with fondness the user-friendly cameras preceding the latest addition to your collection of memory makers.

With the stalwart (if slightly boxy and heavy) 35mm film camera, inserting a roll of film was sometimes a little tricky, lining up the film edge holes on the sprockets, and being careful to shield the camera from too much light when inserting the film.

But then once that was done, your automatic film camera was good to go. Just point, shoot and no worries. Of course, you really had no idea if you actually got the photos of what you were shooting until the film was developed days or weeks later.

Stepping into the 21st century, that scenario has changed dramatically with the advent of the digital camera. You know what you have right away.

(I was amused recently while watching a TV show where an irate actor snatched a camera from a paparazzi photographer to destroy unwanted photos. A scene like this done ten years ago would have been super dramatic with the person pulling out yards of exposed film. Now it is merely a matter of snapping out a tiny memory card!)

Here are a few of the basic things to learn about your camera.

Controlling the amount of light perceived in a scene

Put very simply, the aperture (opening) of the camera lens is like the iris of the eye, enlarging to let in more light in low light situations and narrowing in brightly lit scenes like snow or water-reflecting scenes. In automatic mode, when there is too much or too little light coming through the aperture, the camera computer corrects for this.

 

You can manually control the amount of light by adjusting the f-stops on your camera lens. Basic f-stops range from f-1.2 to f-22. The lower number setting indicates a low light situation where the camera aperture is opened to its widest diameter to allow in more light. The high number setting shows an extremely brightly lit situation where the aperture needs to be closed down, letting in less light so that the image will not be over-exposed and washed out.

 

Setting the speed (ISO) at which the camera shutter opens and closes

You can control the speed (ISO) at which the photo will be taken. In film cameras, the only way to change speed was to change rolls of film, sometimes wasting much of a roll. With your digital camera, you simply switch by dialing the speed you desire.

This is important if you are, for instance, shooting sports photos where the shutter is open a tiny fraction of a second so you can capture action without blurring. Or, you may want the shutter open for long periods if you are shooting night scenes or fireworks

 

Selecting the focal distance

The part of your camera that is governing how far away from your subject you are shooting is the lens. If your new digital camera is an SLR (single lens reflex) model, you are a very fortunate person. The SLR model is very versatile because with the flip of a button, you can change lenses quickly and easily. You can instantly change from shooting panoramic shots to intimate portraits or switch to a macro mode of ECUs (extreme close-ups).

Even if you start out with a basic lens of 18-55mm, the time you spend learning about the effects of using different focal length lenses will reward you with the knowledge to take spectacular photos.

Your digital camera is capable of taking stunning and memorable photos if you take a little time to really get acquainted.

(If you are thinking about upgrading from a digital point-and-shoot camera, take a look at the EOS Canon Rebel XTi SLR 10.1mp digital, the camera I love. With the professional level of this camera, your photographs can exhibit a whole new level of clarity and brilliance.)



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John ͵ asked:


In this current day and age of technology, we all know what benefits come with online shopping. We all love the flexibility of sitting at our computers, booting up the Internet and browsing sites like Target.com, eBay.com and Amazon.com just to get our daily fix of online shopping. To some extent, this was how shopaholics are born! We cannot help but be glued to our screens eagerly awaiting the next bargain to fall upon our laps. Once we see it, we rejoice at the savings that we would enjoy upon submitting our credit card or Paypal details.

But sometimes, have you ever wondered why is it that we buy so much but yet save so little is? Isn’t it frustrating to be given a tiny little voucher or coupon after spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars at a particular online retailer? Sometimes you even wonder if the big conglomerates appreciate your buying power as consumers! You should be given more savings with the massive purchases that have made!

With the X5 reverse auction site, the tables are turned! No longer do you save small when your purchase big. Now, no matter what you choose to bid on, you can garner HUGE savings beyond your wildest dreams!

Don’t believe me? Commence to www.X5.com.au and see for yourself their category listing. A Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR camera equipped with 8.2 mega pixel CMOS sensor that normally goes for $ 1999 is now being auctioned at a low starting price of $ 0.01! All you have to do is bid higher than that, but the catch is to make sure your bid is the lowest yet the most unique one!

Not convinced? Imagine parading around with the new LG Prada mobile phone for only $ 5.34! Or decorating your home with a brand spanking new Toshiba 32 inch high definition LCD television valued at $ 1499 for a mere $ 1.49! Or even spraying on a luxurious bottle of Bvlgari Black perfume valued at $ 79 for only $ 0.79?

Sounds interesting? One thing to remember, though, is that the lowest bid one can possibly submit is $ 0.01. Avoid placing that bid as the rest of the world might just bid that, and your bid would not be so unique anymore! Can’t decide on amount to bid? If you are lucky, your bid might just be the ONLY one submitted! That could win you that brand new plasma TV. No competition whatsoever!

Additionally the X5 Team will assure you greater peace of mind when you pay for your purchases securely using a variety of payment methods such as PayPal. Shipping fees are made affordable, if not free sometimes. All the better for international bidders too as they only need to pay a small amount of shipping fee unlike other sites that charge exorbitantly. Items that you win are also guaranteed to be authentic so there’s absolutely no dispute about its genuineness!



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Pooja Lapasia asked:


Great photos are taken by good photographers and not by digitally advanced cameras. It is the person’s ability to use even a simple point-and-shoot camera and come out with digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) quality pictures. There are some basic techniques involved in taking good pictures. A simple change in your methodology and you can also take quality pictures. The type of camera you use matters but the way you use is what counts.

It is important to know your camera well before you start using it. You should get acquainted to the features and the usage of your camera. If it is a digital camera it makes your work easier. A simple mistake that most of us make while taking photographs is depend upon auto-focus. This feature is tricky to be dependent upon and doesn’t serve the purpose most of the times. It better you enable the manual focus and get the desired subject in focus. It manual focus isn’t available you can focus on your subject matter semi-press the click button and then click it, to get you desired focus.

People also jumble up in exposure settings. You need to get the perfect setting in your camera to suit the atmosphere. You can adjust the exposure setting manually to get the desired lighting on to your photographs. This is done by using your ISO settings, the higher ISO setting the greater the light exposure. Using flash too often also doesn’t serve a purpose. Flash has a limit on its usage and reach, as in it can be made useful if used within the flash reach. Flash is used to illuminate the object but is the illumination is too bright then the photograph turns sour.

Most digital cameras like that of Canon digital camera, Sony digital camera or Nikon digital camera have LCD viewer. One can make the best out of it as it helps to get the right composition of the picture. You can get the desired subjects in the picture and can even delete the below average images. Don’t use the digital zoom as it only enlarges the images. The optical zoom is the one that should be used as it actually zooms into the subject. The best way is to physically get close to the object you want to focus. Using these simple techniques will enable your photographs to come out much better. You need to know your camera well and study the manual guide properly to know the functionalities and reach of your camera.



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Dayton Rowland asked:


One of the best lenses that I would recommend for your Canon EOS camera would be the Canon 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro lens. While this lens has its drawbacks, it\’\’s an unbeatable value for the money.

This lens was one of the first lenses that Canon released with the EOS system in 1987, so it\’\’s been in production for over 20 years. As such, this lens is rather high-quality compared to lenses designed today. It has a metal lens mount, and a very sturdy plastic body. This is a standard EF lens, meaning that it will work on any Canon EOS camera, digital or film - this includes newer digital cameras such as the Digital Rebel series, EOS 10D/20D/30D/40D, and high-end cameras such as the EOS 1D and 5D.

This lens is (as the name implies) rather compact and lightweight, so it\’\’s easy to carry around. Focusing is very reliable, but a little noisier and slower than newer EF lenses. Optics in this lens are very high-quality, and allow for beautiful photos.

The lens allows for macro focusing of objects up to a ratio of 1:2 life size. What this means is that the smallest objects that the lens can focus will be recorded on your film (or in the case of a digital camera, image sensor) at half their real-life size. This lens also allows for infinity focus, a capability that some macro lenses lack. This means that you can use this lens as a regular 50mm lens. In addition to photography of small objects, it is excellent for practically everything. Its narrow depth of field allows for a beautiful “bokeh” effect which is wonderful for portraits!

Some more expensive macro lenses can focus at “life-size”, meaning that the smallest objects that can be focused will be recorded on the film or image sensor at the same size that they are in real-life. Alone, the Compact Macro lacks this capability. However, you can purchase the Canon Life-Size Converter, which will allow for you to focus up to life-size, allowing you to take even more detailed photographs of tiny objects!

Overall, the Canon 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro lens is an unbeatable value for what you get, and an essential must-have for any Canon EOS owner that can afford it!



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Rhommel Bernardino asked:


Canon has been at this for a long, long time and they realize what it is their customers want, need and expect from them as one of the most well known camera purveyors in existence today.

With the inception of their vast EOS system that is already loaded with more options for photographers of every level comes yet another add-on as Canon releases the Speedlite 420EX Flash.

Whether you’re sporting the EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR or the EOS Rebel T2 35MM camera (my personal favorite), photographers inhabiting all parts and corners of the known world have long known the benefits of using the EOS system.

The Canon Speedlite 430EX flash unit replaces the Speedlite 420EX flash model as the one of the most functional and powerful flashes in its class. The maximum guide number has been increased to 43/141 (ISO 100, in meters/feet), and the 430EX flash becomes even more versatile with the addition of a built-in wide panel, which increases the minimum focal length coverage from the previous 24mm limit to 14mm.

What impresses me the most is how the Speedlite 430EX flash works equally well with film or digital cameras as I use both in my work. If you work primarily with digital cameras you’ll find some features especially useful. It’s compatible with the E-TTL II’s auto exposure technology which analyzes important information like distance of a subject, even when snapping pictures of subjects of varying sizes, to modify the power of the flash. This results in more accurate flash exposure.

The new Speedlite 430EX flash unit includes other useful upgrades including a full-power recycle time that is approximately 40 percent shorter than its predecessor at just two seconds with NiMH rechargeable AA batteries. A rear LCD and rotary dial make other new features more accessible, such as adjusting manual flash exposure from full power to 1/64 in whole stop increments, and enabling the second curtain sync function.

There are an astounding six custom functions that are now available including a flash head that is more maneuverable and capable of more angles for bouncing flash illumination than its predecessor. The Speedlite 430EX flash also incorporates the high end features that make it an essential accessory, such as a 24-105mm auto zoom, locking hot shoe bracket, and the ability to be used as a slave flash in an E-TTL or E-TTL II wireless flash configuration. High speed sync and FE lock are also available, as well as a save energy function, a versatile feature set that delivers outstanding value. With all of these features and versatility, Speedlite 430EX flash is the accessory for serious photographers who wish to expand upon the already rich evolution of the EOS system.

I can only tell you so much. I love this flash like it was my own child. It uses very little power, feature-rich, easy to install and maintain, inexpensive and makes my photos pop with style and an even tone rarely seen outside of the naked eye.

The white sheet on the unit explains SpeedLite in great detail. I hope they’re as helpful for you as they were for me!

A Few Blurbs

The SpeedLite 430EX flash unit was released to replace the very popular SpeedLite 420EX which includes new features built to maximize image quality, especially for digital users, when using a flash. This includes auto selection of the camera’s white balance and the auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to match the sensor size of the camera it’s attached to. The guide number has been increased to 43 and has approximately 40% faster recycling time.

Optimum flash coverage

The flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm and an integrated diffusion panel allows extended wide-angle coverage to 14mm. When attached to digital EOS cameras with smaller than full-frame sensors (such as the EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 20D and EOS 350D) the SpeedLite 430EX gives a more accurate flash coverage by detecting the model to which it is attached and automatically narrowing the angle of coverage. This has the effect of eliminating light loss in peripheral areas and extending the effective flash range.

Ideal white balance

The SpeedLite 430EX automatically transfers color temperature information to recent models of digital SLR cameras . The camera then sets the white balance optimally for the flash shot. This feature works when the camera’s white balance mode is set to Auto White Balance (AWB) or Flash white balance mode.

E-TTL II

The Speedlite 430EX is fully compatible with the distance linked E-TTL II system found on recent EOS cameras, and supports other EOS cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when required. For a complete multiple flash system, the Speedlite 430EX serves as a wireless slave when either the Speedlite 580EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX or Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is used as a master.

Upgrade for control

An intuitive and ergonomic interface includes an LCD panel for clear indication of modes and settings. A single bounce lock release button provides immediate control over the bounce head angle for flexible positioning of the flash head. The flash head can be moved up from 0 – 90degrees (5 settings), left from 0 – 180degrees (7 settings) and right from 0 – 90degrees (4 settings). 6 custom functions allow customization of the flash operations. Despite high power and short recycling times, the unit is small and lightweight.

Fully Synchronized

Features include 1st and 2nd curtain flash synchronization, and manual adjustment of flash output from full to 1/64 power (7 levels).

Accessories

An optional Speedlite Bracket SB-E1 allows the flash unit to be mounted to one side of the camera. Designed specifically for press and wedding photographers, it eliminates the red-eye that can occur when mounting a flash on the axis of the lens, such as on the camera hot shoe. Flash batteries are replaceable without removing the unit from the bracket.

The flash retails for around $299.99 and is priced affordably against its competition and I can’t help to carry it in m y gear bag whenever I travel and I hope you won’t either!



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Russ Snapper asked:


Waterproof Digital Camera can capture your memories on a beach, at a nightclub, pool and in many other places because of its high technical configuration. It is specially designed for taking clear pictures of the objects under water that is below five feet and more. Parallel to this, you can view all the pictures instantly and you have quick access of the images taken. There will be lot of differences in taking shots and the working condition also varies when compared with the other digital cameras.

Waterproof digital cameras have different modes that are used for diverse scenes, but you need to have proper knowledge of the camera before use and that can be attained by thoroughly reading the manual. You have to do some research before deciding to buy. Always purchase a camera that is easily accessible by the thumb for clicking and the user interface should be simple. Technical aspects like compact, digital zoom, flash levels, dimensions, internal memory, movie mode etc have to be given importance while buying.

Sony and Canon offer waterproof digital cameras at different prices. Nowadays the waterproof cameras are designed for lifestyle purpose and fulfilling professional needs also. People enjoying vacation on water base always opt for waterproof digital cameras to enhance and cherish their experience. You can take colorful shots while doing underwater snorkeling or scuba diving and so you cannot rely on faulty cameras. In addition to this, these cameras are good options for capturing action shots that are water-based like white water rafting, fishing and kayaking etc. There are cameras available to capture underwater photographs at the depth above 30 feet.

Sealife DC500 is scuba divers delight as it can be used up to 200feet depth. This camera has two underwater shooting options. First one is typical shot for underwater with slight shutter pause or lag. But the Shark shooting option captures intended object and the range or distance is remembered for the following photos and hence there is no lag time with the closing speed of the shutter. It has got a flash and has expandability with other lenses like 3x and 4x optical zoom. Some main features of this waterproof digital camera are 5.0 mega pixels, 3x optical zoom and auto-focus with a LCD display of two inches for viewing the photos.

Olympus Stylus 770SW is referred as the toughest waterproof camera because it is not only waterproof but also freeze and crush proof. Among the waterproof cameras available in the market, this camera sounds like handling anything on the way without any damage. It has got 7.1 mega pixels and as a result gets great resolution and also has LCD display of 2.5 inches. Underwater, the camera is shockproof till 5 feet, can take up crushing force of 220 pounds and waterproof till 30 feet. It also has 30 shooting modes with movie sounds.

Pentax Optio W20 is another waterproof digital camera that is preferred by many photographers because it provides them the needed features. A rubber-sealed seam is an important feature that can be immersed till 5 feet for a period of half an hour. It’s distinctive features are 7 mega pixels, macro lens, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inches LCD screen, recording videos and underwater settings.

The other popular waterproof digital cameras are Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1000, Fuji Fine Pix A400 digital camera and Bonica Snapper-XP underwater digital camera.



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Sam Zaydel asked:


If you are still using a point and shoot film or digital camera, your choice of lens speed is limited to the camera. However for those of you who decided that it is time to move on and upgrade to an interchangeable lens camera, whether it happens to be film, or digital, you are no doubt have been looking at the many lens options available. Large majority of people switch from a point and shoot to a Single Lens Reflex camera. While overwhelming percentage of people move to a Digital SLR, Film SLRs are still popular, and function essentially the same. So, for the purpose of this article, the two types will be treated as one. Lenses are available in so many different combinations, and varieties, that discussing them all is far beyond the scope of this article. However, they all have one thing in common. They are all broken down into two groups: slow, and fast. If you are still struggling with choosing your first lens, or just trying to make the right decision, while faced with many choices, this article should help.

First of all, the speed of the lens is determined by the size of the opening, known as the aperture. The larger the opening the faster the lens is considered to be. Typically, lenses marked with F4, F3.5, F2.8, and smaller are considered fast, while lenses marked with a bigger number are slower. I know this may sound odd, but the smaller the number the faster the lens. If you are new to shooting with an SLR camera, you are most likely looking at “zoom” lenses. Most zooms today have a variable aperture. This simply means that at the shortest end, the lens is faster than at the long end. For example, a typical lens a 28-80mm. This lens zooms from 28mm to 80mm, and it is a very good starter lens. This type of a lens will typically have a F3.5 aperture at 28mm (short end), while at 80mm (long end) it will be F4.5, or F5.6, which is considerably slower than the short end. Typically, the faster the lens, the more it will cost, and the heavier it will be. Most casual shooters look for very versatile lenses, and faster lenses certainly offer more flexibility in certain situations.

Now that we briefly discussed the concept of speed, lets figure out whether you really need a fast lens. The first thing that you have to think about is your shooting habits. Everyone is different, and very much unique. Some shoot landscapes, some only people, others night scenes, some shoot under water, and so forth. Typical casual shooter will likely shoot during daytime, and will likely be shooting portraits, landscapes, city scenes (during a vacation perhaps), and other fairly undemanding environments. If you shoot a lot of photos in dim light, like night clubs, restaurants, museums, outdoors after dark, and other dim light situations, a faster lens is definitely a boon. However, you should always keep in mind that most zoom lenses, while faster at the short end, will be slower at the long end. This is very important, because if are going to be shooting at the longer end of the lens, when shopping for a lens, keep this in mind, and you will save yourself some money. Let me explain. Take two lenses, one is a 28-80mm f2.8(short end) / f5.6(long end), and another lens, 28-80mm f3.5 / f 5.6. These two have an identical range, however the first is faster at the short end. This larger aperture does not come free. You may end up paying 2 times as much as the second lens. If you are going to be mostly zooming to the long end of the range, compare and price your lens at that end.

If you are going to be shooting mostly portraits and other static scenery and plan to use flash, or a tripod most of the time, you will not need a very fast lens, because the added speed will likely be of little benefit to you. As such, you will do just fine with a F4.0 or slower. Action shooters often benefit from faster lenses, and if you are planning to capture sports, animals, and other moving subjects, a faster lens may help at times. The single biggest benefit of a faster lens is the freedom it gives you, when the light is limited. If you are an action shooter, and capture a lot of action in dim light, the extra speed will be very helpful, and allow you more hand-held shooting. Always evaluate how much you are going to be shooting in different environments. Action and low light shooters will most benefit from lenses with apertures of F4.0, and larger. If you think low light, and action will be very infrequent, and you are comparing two similar lenses, choose the budget one, which will likely be just a bit slower. Often, a price of a zoom lens with just a slightly smaller aperture at the long end will be hundreds or dollars less than a similarly sized zoom with a slightly larger aperture.

Most modern Digital SLRs can really offset the need for a fast lens through higher ISO settings, something that Film cameras do by using a faster film. With Film cameras, you would need to switch a roll of film to change the ISO speed. If you use a Digital SLR, switching an ISO is easy, and could be done at any time. This is a huge benefit, and reduces a need for the faster lenses. Unless you are planning to make money with your camera gear, fastest lenses will not be cost effective.

Consider borrowing, or renting a fast lens, in the range which will meet your shooting needs, and test it in the different environments in which you will be shooting. If you are not pushing the limits of the lens, chances are, you will be OK with a slower, more budget friendly alternative. Make sure that you know your budget, and how actively you will be involved in photography. If you plan to trade-up your equipment in a few years, keep in mind that technology only gets better, and making a big investment will make more sense if you are going to get a lot of use out of it.



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Ralph Serpe asked:


Digital cameras are one of the greatest inventions of modern times. We are so fortunate to have this modern convenience called Digital Photography. To be able to capture a precious moment or beautiful scene at the click of a button, is something we should not take for granted.

Many beginners find digital photography rather challenging and rightly so. Today, more and more digital cameras are being created and it seems like the more digital cameras they make, the more difficult they become to use.

I own a Canon Powershot ́ IS. I purchased this digital camera about a year ago and I still haven\’\'t utilized all of the awesome little features this camera has to offer. Now you may not want or even need a camera with tons of features. It really depends on the type of pictures you plan on taking.

Regardless of the camera you own or are planning to own, you should have a well rounded knowledge of digital photography. I hope the following 20 tips for taking digital photography will prove to be useful in your quest for taking better photographs.

1. Know your camera. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not taking time to learn about the features of your camera. Don\’\'t be lazy. Read your instruction manual.

2 - When shooting sunny outdoor shots, try adjusting your white balance setting from auto to cloudy. The auto setting will make your shots appear too cold. When you change it to cloudy, it will increase the warmth of your pictures.

3 - If you are looking for superior image quality, the ability to use a variety of lenses and print large high quality photos, then considering a Digital SLR Camera.

4 - Use your flash outdoors. Sometimes, even on a sunny day outdoors, there is still a need for a flash. If the sun is directly over head or behind your subject, this can cause dark shadows to appear on the face. The flash will help lighten the subjects face.

5- Sometimes simply turning your camera and taking vertical shots can make a world of difference. Experiment more with vertical picture taking.

6 - Do not put your subjects directly in the center of your shot. Move your subject off center to inject more life into your photos.

7 - Learn how to hold your digital camera. One of the most common problems beginners face is the shaking of the camera because they are not holding it properly. Of course, the best way to avoid shaking the camera is to use a tripod. If you don\’\'t have a tripod, then you should be holding your camera with two hands. Put one hand on the right hand side of your camera where you actually snap the photo and the other hand will support the weight of your camera. Depending on the camera, your left hand will either be positioned on the bottom or around your lens.

8 - Learn about the “Rule of Thirds”. This is a well known principle of photographic composition that every beginner should become familiar with. Do a search online and you will find many tutorials on this subject.

9 - Look at other photographers work. Just spending time studying the work of other photographers can provide loads of inspiration.

10 - Join online photography communities. Get active and ask questions.

11 - Do not compare your photography to anyone else.

12 - Do not copy the work of other photographers. Try and develop your own unique style.

13 - Do not leave your batteries in your camera if you don\’\'t plan on using your camera for long periods of time. Some batteries run the risk of leaking and this can damage your camera.

14 - Subscribe to a good photography magazine. Read books on photography.

15 - Find experienced photographers to go out on shoots with.

16 - Post your photographs in online forums. Learn to accept criticism.

17 - Try taking your pictures in RAW format. RAW is a powerful option available in today\’\’s digital cameras where no in-camera processing takes place. This allows you to do all processing using your favorite image editing software.

18 - Don\’\'t buy the most expensive photography equipment right away. Practice and learn about photography using cheaper equipment first. After you have been taking pictures for a while, you will then know what kind of equipment you will need.

19 - Invest in a tripod. Some of us have very shaky hands. If you can\’\'t stop the shakes, then get a tripod. It will make a world of difference.

20 - If you are not able to carry your equipment with you everywhere, make sure you have a note pad handy. This way if you find a nice shot, you can write it down and visit that location at a later date.



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Shaun Parker asked:


In the jungle that is the saturated gadget market it is all too easy get completely lost. This article offers impartial reviews of the three cutting-edge digital cameras out there today. Considerations such as price, efficiency and technology offer an objective guide through the wilderness of the digital cameras market.

First up is the Canon EOS 1000D DSLR. The good news is that with live view digital technology and SD card compatibility there are great quality images combined with excellent colour and focussing capabilities. The bad news is that the live view feature tends to have a relatively slow response time and the camera is very expensive when compared to other models of a similar specification. As far as cutting-edge digital cameras go this one is easy to use with comprehensive instructions for use and downloading, however for about 500GBP it is very pricy where other models offer similar features for much less.

The next digital camera up for review is the Olympus E-520 DSLR. This camera comes with 10 mega-pixel resolution and is packed with mouth watering kit such as anti dust system, image stabilisation, four thirds system and a competitive price for the specification. The large LCD live view display allows 100 percent field however this is counteracted by the small view finder which only allows around 95 percent. There is a modest 3-point AF set-up and potentially some white balance issues however it is an improvement on the previous flagship digital SLR, E-510 and for 500GBP is fantastic value for money.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 digital camera is brand spanking new, so much that it has not even been priced yet. After a sneak preview of the preproduction model the verdict looks good. It is a beautifully compact digital camera that maintains the 10 mega-pixel resolution, not responding to other manufacturers race for higher resolutions. The handling, design, image, lens and manual control are all outstanding however it does posses some pre-production teething problems such as image softness, however this will be corrected before it goes into production. With a predicted price of around 350GBP it is the cutting-edge in compact digital cameras.

These three models of digital cameras represent the latest models from some of the main players in the market. They are a cross section of different specifications and models and all the information is provider from an impartial as objective assessment of the pros and cons of each model.



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