Choosing and Using a Digital Camera

OK, I admit it. I am a photo-holic. This is a multi-generational addiction in my family. When we were kids, my brother set up a darkroom in our family home.

My parents were photo-holics. My dad constructed floor-to-ceiling cabinets in our basement recreation room to hold all of our photo albums.

My grandfather bought a panel truck when he retired, just to cart his boxes of slides around with him. He set up private screenings for any willing viewers.

Over the years, we have spent a king's ransom on film and photo developing.

Digital cameras have set us free from all of that hard-copy storage. Of course, I had to purchase a stand-alone hard drive for my laptop, which was jamming up for lack of memory space. Yep! Too many photos!

Even so, digital is the way to go.

How Can You Choose Which One to Buy?

Scanning the digital camera display at any major retailer can be enough to send your eyes rolling back up into your head! As you check out the product offerings, look for several key features:

Memory Card Capacity

Each digital camera employs a tiny memory card, which is inserted into the camera itself. The memory card looks almost like a tiny floppy disk. How much memory does each card hold? What replacement cards are available?

It's a good idea to pick up an extra card or two. After all, once the memory card is full, the camera will hold no more photos. (Of course, the user can delete unwanted images to make more room.)

Megapixels

Many people wrongly believe that the best digital cameras are the ones with the highest megapixel rating. This refers to the resolution the camera can attain. Higher resolution images make better photos, particularly for enlargements.

However, the higher resolution photos consume considerably more memory (on the camera and on your computer). Many photographers actually set their cameras for lesser resolution, if photos will not be printed on a large-scale format. For basic pictures or action shots, a lower rating may be sufficient.

Zoom

Read the fine print carefully here! What's the difference between optical zoom and digital zoom?

Optical zoom actually uses a camera lens to zoom in on a subject. This technology originated with 35 mm cameras, and it provides excellent image resolution.

Digital zoom simply captures a section of the image and enlarges it, diminishing photographic resolution and quality.

Image Stabilization

This is a super-handy feature for sports photography or other active images. Even if you set a camera for high-speed photography, the image stabilization feature will prevent blurry images of moving targets.

Video Options

Most digital cameras have the ability to capture brief video segments. Some digital video cameras claim to offer the option of isolating stills for photo images. These are rarely print quality, except with pricier models. If you're aiming for still photos, it's better to purchase a digital camera. Save your video camera for moving pictures.

Editing Software

Many digital cameras come with photo editing software. If not, users may have to purchase or download an appropriate program.

Check product feature listings to determine how images may be loaded to a computer and what software must be used to manipulate and edit those pictures.

Also, most digital camera packages will include USB cords for connecting to a computer.

Power Source

Digital cameras use batteries. In fact, they devour them quite quickly. The best deal is usually a rechargeable battery. If a camera uses traditional AAA or AAAA batteries, then a battery charger and rechargeable batteries are a smart add-on purchase.

Some cameras use pricey lithium batteries. These can really add up, in a very short time!

Portability

Professional photographers may require larger cameras with detachable and interchangeable lenses and other accessories. Is this really necessary for an amateur shutterbug? Petite portable, packable digital cameras are ideal for nearly everyone.

Even photojournalists often appreciate a handy little camera. My little Fuji tucks into a shirt pocket, so I can grab it when inspiration strikes me. My fancier cameras usually stay home, unless I'm loading for bear (or a serious photo shoot).

Price

Digital cameras may cost $50 or $500. A suitable unit may run you $150 or more. Some of the cheaper ones are basically throw-aways, which hardly work. If you really mean business, you will want a reliable camera.

After all, once you have purchased your digital camera, you can snap all the photos you want, basically for free! Who knows? Perhaps you have a hidden talent, a flair for photography!