by Anne Marie Whitmore

Created on: June 02, 2009

Let's face it: computers have revolutionized the world of photography. And it's easy for you to be a part of the excitement.

While a digital camera won't turn you into a high-paid photo artist overnight, knowing the basics and increasing your skill level can be a source of much pleasure and increasing gratification. You can have them enlarged and framed to decorate your home. You can enter contests and exhibit your work, as well as take memorable pictures of family events and send pictures of the kids to grandma and grandpa.

Basic Equipment

Your basic equipment consists of: your computer, a digital camera, and perhaps a printer.

Research, research, research! Compare prices for the features you want-and don't get features you won't use for years-which will probably be updated by then. Decide your primary purpose-will you want 4x6s, 8x10 glossies, or will you send then mostly through the Web? All have different pixel (dots per inch) size requirements.

Very nice mid-level equipment can be bought for $200 or less. So you don't have to settle for a simple 'point and shoot' automatic. You can get a nice zoom, for example, and a camera with a clear LCD screen which lets you preview your picture before you take it. My pocket Olympus has numerous settings for portrait, landscape, through glass, and underwater (with an optional watertight case). A high-line Nikon or Canon will give you professional features like most of the above, plus ISO (film speed), white balance, RAW, and the traditional F-stops.

All, including Pentax and Sony, are reputable companies who stand by their products. Be sure to keep your store receipt and send in your warranty card, and keep copies for your records.

Features You'll Want

All digital cameras come with their own software for downloading to your computer, and most allow you to do basic fixes and editing. Various versions and updates to Photoshop are used by professional and amateur photographers alike; it's amazing and complex, but pricey.

After learning about resolution and sizing, here are three must have features you'll be glad you have.

*Red Eye ReductionMany cameras or software have tools to help eliminate that ghastly glow. It can often be eliminated by changing your distance, camera angle, or simply turning off the flash.

*CroppingGetting up close and person with your subject produces an instant Wow! to the picture. But you don't want to try it with a mountain gorilla. You can get the same effect using your

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>