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Digital Photography 101
by Deborah Kilgaron
http://www.rpphotography.com
If you already have a computer, then it is easy to get
started in digital photography. Strictly speaking you do
not need a computer, but it is best if you do. Digital
cameras come in all styles shapes and sizes, so you can
always find something to meet your needs.
Higher quality digital cameras cost more, but the
cheaper versions will give you cheaper quality shots.
It's the same as with traditional cameras--you get what
you pay for. But you don't have to pay through the nose.
Mid-priced cameras can take great pictures, especially
if you're only using it to put snaps on the internet.
Be sure to go for a high pixel count, at least 3 mega-
pixels. But even the number of megapixels won't help if
you have a poor quality lens, so be sure to splurge on
that.
Buying from a well known brand is a good idea, but always
start by looking online for the latest product reviews.
Even people who never considered themselves
photographers in the past are learning that with
digital cameras they can take great pictures. There are
a few main reasons for the popularity of these medium:
1) Cost. In the long run, digital photography is cheaper
than the analog equivalent. Of course, you'll need to
consider the camera itself, as well as the price of ink
and paper if you wish to make prints. Also, you'll need
to have a computer, or at least access to a computer. But
the cost of getting prints professionally developed is so
sky-high--and so many snaps turn out badly--that digital
is cheaper. And before printing you can check on your
monitor to see which pics are good--and which should get
deleted. No more paying for rubbish snaps! Moreover, many
digital camera users post their pics or show them to
friends via email without ever printing them out.
Creativity. This is the most important thing for many
people. Although it was possible to pay for traditional
photos to be cropped and changed, hardly anyone found it
worth the effort. With digital however, cropping out ugly
buildings, reframing your shots for better proportions,
changing color to black and white, making the pictures
brighter... all this is easy, even for beginners.
Freedom. Many digital photography enthusiasts will tell you
that going digital has set them free. This is usually
because you can so easily take photos, lots of photos, then
delete the ones you do not like. For years, camera
magazines would advise people to take whole roles of film
on one subject to make sure they got one decent shot. After
all, this is what professionals do. Most amateurs found
this advice pretty unhelpful, given both the cost of film
and developing and the fact that the entire family will
think you had gone mad! With digital you can snap away,
trying new things, and if it does not work, you just delete
it when you get home (or in the field if you are sure it is
hopeless).
Now that you know the above, consider the following:
Use your digital camera as a chance to experiment. Once you
spend money on a camera, you will find that you become free
to experiment to your heart's desire. Look at new objects,
shoot details that you would not have wasted film on
before, and so on. Be adventurous, because that is how you
will wind up with great pictures.
Also, be sure to take the time to read over the manual
and learn how to utilize all the components of your
camera. These are intricate pieces of equipment, so
it's important to figure out how they work. Your software
manual will also show you how to fix your pictures once
they are on your computer. Your friends and family will
be very grateful!
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