Getting To Know Your Camera's Features

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Sep 2007 11:00 PM

In a previous blog I went out on a limb (not really) and estimated that a mere 15% of amateur photographers regularly use (or are familiar with) all of their camera's features.

Have you taken the time to really experiment with your digital camera? Making time to do so is not always an easy task. What's more, trying to comprehend the wording in some of those camera manuals is often enough to discourage any new camera owner from paging beyond the part that gives directions on how to install the battery. Just point, shoot and be satisfied with whatever image is captured using the pre-set auto modes, right?

If you are in the market for your first digital camera don't let the previous paragraph intimidate you. As I mentioned earlier, you should aim to purchase a quality camera that offers standard features and is easy to use.

So what are some of those features? Take a look:

RESOULTION

The quality of resolution is going to be determined by the amount of pixels. A megapixel is 1 million pixels. The more pixels you have, the more digital information is contained within the photo and the sharper the image will appear. With that in mind, you don't want to choose a digital camera with less than 3 megapixels. In fact, if your budget allows, you might want to splurge on a camera with 4 megapixels or higher. By doing so, your pictures will not only look great online, but also you'll be able to enlarge and print them without compromising the resolution.

OPTICAL ZOOM

Unless you're comfortable acting as a human zoom---dodging, weaving and sticking your camera in your subject's face, it's a good idea to look for a camera with a decent optical zoom. Most standard point-and-shoot cameras start at a 3X optical zoom. You'll find the higher the number the pricier the camera. For example, a digital camera with a 3X zoom may run you about $300 (depending on its other features). While a digital camera featuring a 10X optical zoom may be twice as expensive.

BATTERIES

One of the key factors I look for when shopping for a quality camera is battery life. It varies by manufacturer, so I would suggest either reading user reviews online or chatting with others who already own the camera you are interested in purchasing. A good way to conserve the life of your battery is to reduce the amount of time you use battery-draining features like the LCD screen. Most digital cameras include a standard optical viewfinder, even though you hardly see anyone use them anymore.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Before you purchase a digital camera think about what you will be using it for. This will help you decide what features you can live without. For example, ask yourself if you really need a camera that takes still shots and records video. Are you planning to print a ton of pictures or are you looking to share your shots over the Internet? Will you be taking many action shots? (You get the idea.)

One final note: Figure on purchasing additional memory cards for your camera. You will get one as part of your camera purchase, but the ones that are included are generally small and will only accommodate a handful of shots.

Related Articles:

Are You Using All Of Your Camera's Features?

Digital Photography 101: Ready, Set, Shoot

Digital Photography 101: Photo Sharing

Digital Photography 101: Printing Footnotes

Digital Photography 101: More Printing Options

Digital Photography 101: Printing Your Pictures

Digital Photography 101: Picking The Perfect Camera

Digital Photography 101: Getting To Know Your Camera

Digital Photography 101: An Introduction

Getting Digital Pictures To Friends And Family FAST!

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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