New to Digital

Imp new to Digital, would like to have some pointers and suggestions for a
good digital camera for a beginner.




newsreader

"newsreader" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:i86dncUJ6LcJYwjcRVn-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Imp new to Digital, would like to have some pointers and suggestions for a
> good digital camera for a beginner.
>
Do you have previous silver based photo experience? If so, the transition is
easy. In either case, ask yourself:
1) How will the camera be used
2) How often will I be using the camera
3) Will other family members use the camera
4) How much money do you want to spend

If this is a "casual" camera and you're not concerned with printed quality,
almost any inexpensive camera will do the job. If you are using the camera
in a more rugged situation (camping, weekend outings, etc) you may need to
spend a little more. If you're after good printed quality, you'll need
something more sophisticated.

Don't get hung up on the number of pixels. In short, the more pixels, the
larger the picture you can print. If all you want are standard size photos
(4x6 in), don't waste your money looking a 8 megapixel cameras. The same
holds true if your intent is to e-mail pictures to family and friends. No
one is going to want to download an 8 megabyte image! Until it died, I used
a 3 megapixel camera, and even then I took 90% of the photos at image sizes
of less than 1 megabyte. The larger the image, the fewer shots per "roll"
(media card of a given size).

Good (suggested) accessories to buy, in lieu of more pixels, are: extra
batteries (especially if they are not a standard size), extra media (the
highest capacity you can find), a nice carrying case to hold the camera and
the previous items, a card reader so you don't have to use you camera's
batteries to transfer the pictures to your computer and good editing
software. The last item, while not mandatory as most cameras come bundled
with something, will become your lifesaver if you get into it. Think of high
end imaging software as your digital darkroom. Some people never develop a
taste for image manipulation, but for others the camera is simply a means to
an end.

If you have a megastore near you, go in and browse around. Handle the
cameras to see what feels good to you. What is a logical control layout to
one person may be meaningless to you. Everyone is different. In my last
round of purchasing, I rejected one of the heavily touted "must have"
cameras. It was not rejected for lack of quality, but because I could not
figure out the controls. It does not matter how good the camera is on paper
of you can't work the thing! If its awkward for you to use, you won't want
to use it.

Look at the list of features offered and decide what suits your intent. If
the camera accepts interchangeable lenses, but you have no other lenses, why
pay for that feature? If you have experience with silver based cameras and
have a brand preference based on that, there's nothing wring with staying
with their digital line if it makes for a comfortable transition.

The most important thing to remember is: Cameras don't take pictures,
photographers do!

Pick one in your price range, use it and enjoy it!